The remarkable comeback from injury of Waisake Naholo and the omission of Israel Dagg and Cory Jane are two of the major talking points.
Naholo fractured his leg in his test debut against Argentina in mid-July, but traditional Fijian medicines have helped him return to fitness.
Naholo and Nehe Milner-Skudder have won out ahead of Jane and Dagg for spots in the outside backs.
After plenty of speculation, three halfbacks have been named, with Tawera Kerr-Barlow included despite limited game time after a serious knee injury.
Highlanders first-five Lima Sopoaga has missed out, with selectors preferring the more experience Beauden Barrett and versatile Colin Sade.
Only three specialists locks have been named, with Jeremy Thrush the player to miss out.
The world cup starts in just under three weeks time.
The All Blacks squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup is:
Beauden Barrett
Sam Cane
Daniel Carter
Dane Coles
Wyatt Crockett
Charlie Faumuina
Malakai Fekitoa
Ben Franks
Owen Franks
Jerome Kaino
Tawera Kerr-Barlow
Richie McCaw (captain)
Keven Mealamu
Liam Messam
Nehe Milner-Skudder
Waisake Naholo
Ma’a Nonu
TJ Perenara
Kieran Read
Brodie Retallick
Luke Romano
Julian Savea
Colin Slade
Aaron Smith
Ben Smith
Conrad Smith
Codie Taylor
Victor Vito
Sam Whitelock
Sonny Bill Williams
Tony Woodcock