Carter is one of 22 All Blacks missing the first seven weeks

Coach Graham Henry has named 22 players he wants available for a pre-World Cup training programme instead.

The tournament's main backer News Ltd says it wants compensation if the quality of the tournament is lessened.

"It's vital it takes place and we're confident it will," said NZRFU chairman Jock Hobbs.

Dan Carter and Richie McCaw are among the players on Henry's list.

The players will be part of an extended 'conditioning' programme, rejoining the tournament in the eighth week.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry released the names of the players on Monday.

"The conditioning program is important for their well-being in the long term and also important to our chances of winning the World Cup," said Henry.

Many of our best athletes have played several years of continuous rugby without a chance to really get their bodies right All Blacks coach Graham Henry

Although the list is a pointer towards who is likely to be in the Kiwis squad, Henry said it was not a definitive squad list.

"There is a long way to go before we name the World Cup squad and a large group of players are pushing for selection," he said.

"The door is definitely open."

He also defended the plan to withdraw players from the Super 14, saying it was vital to New Zealand's attempt to win the World Cup for the first time in 20 years.

"Many of our best athletes have played several years of continuous rugby without a chance to really get their bodies right," he added.

The 22 players to miss the first seven weeks of the 2007 Super 14: