Mils Muliaina, Israel Dagg, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Brad Thorn, Anthony Boric, Piri Weepu, Colin Slade, Isaia Toeava
There were suggestions yesterday that Richie McCaw was going to be rested, but the selectors have resisted the temptation, and the New Zealand first-pick loose trio will play together for the first time in RWC2011; the first of four matches that they will play together, all going well. It's a strong forward pack, and they should hold too much power for the plucky Canadians.
Andy Ellis is the unlucky half-back this week, with Jimmy Cowan to start, and Piri Weepu on the bench. It will be interesting to see if the Canadians can contain Sonny Bill Williams; if they can't, Zac Guilford and Israel Dagg might be in for a busy and productive afternoon.
We can't wait for Sunday; the Cake Tin is sold out, and it should be a wonderful occasion. Unless some kind benefactor sends us a ticket for a knock-out match, it will be our one and only experience of RWC2011. Even She Who Must Be Obeyed is looking forward to it; bring it on!
6 comments:
Not a bad side.
I think Mils will show there is still bite in the old dog yet.
The back line has some zip and i think Guilford will show why he was picked. Cowan will also show he wants to be top dog as well.
You can't say anything about the pack as but for the absence of Thorne from the starting lineup it is the A-team.
I think the Canadians will get themselves up for the first 60 minutes but after that will struggle.
Enjoy the game.
I've splashed out for a ticket to the Scots v England game. My first and last time to see them go at each other. I'm supporting the blue team.
A stronger team than expected as I thought Toeava might have started at centre as Smith says he finds it difficult to play two weeks in a row. I would have kept Dagg at fullback and put Muliaina on the wing.
Good to see Guilford starting after being humiliated by the team management. As Corporal Jones would say - `I hope he sticks it up them'!!!
Thinking further about this team I am surprised Boric is not starting instead of Whitelock. There is no way Boric can be match fit and he could be found out if needed for a quarter final against Argentina or a later Semi or even final. He would find 60 minutes against Canada more beneficial than probably 20 minutes when the game is breaking up and losing structure as the Canadians probably fade.
@ pdm - I doubt that Boric will be needed after this week. By the QF there will be a fit loose trio to choose from, with Thompson and Vito as cover, and three fit first-choice locks in Thorn, Williams and Whitelock. Boric was never going to be more than a spare parts man for this tournament.
If Wellington's match is anything like the three we've been to in Dunedin Mrs I2 will have a ball whether or not she's interested in/knowledgable about the rugby.
Still SUFFERING a deadly head cold so not up to banter BUT it is great to see our best lock getting a start (Ali).
An issue I have when guys play the lesser sides is that you can look good .. hell I would look good v Canada, no offence.
Off to the cloud tomorrow to watch Scotland SMASH the Poms.
By the way, just before I got hit by the bug, I watched the mighty Wanganui destroy Wbush even though they didn’t play well.
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