All Blacks: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu, Adam Thomson, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Andrew Ellis, Colin Slade, Sonny Bill Williams.
Apart from Kieran Read, who is set to return against Canada next Snday, we reckon that this is pretty much as strong a side as the All Blacks could field. There will be debate over half-back where Jimmy Cowan seems to be on the outer, but otherwise, that looks in every respect a first-choice squad.
Do you agree?
10 comments:
Pretty much.... With read returning, would then hopefully see Thompson to bench in place of Boric which provides better Loose Forward cover. Halfback are probably interchangeable depending on the game
Apart from Kieran Read, who is set to return against Canada next Snday, we reckon that this is pretty much as strong a side as the All Blacks could field.
Starting the worst halfback in the squad (and arguably NZ) suggests otherwise.
What happened to the specialist wingers in the squad?
Not quite. Read is obvious but it is hard to understand why we are starting a half back who doesn't bother getting to rucks and tackle situations. Having said that the steps Ellis took before passing last week were disappointing so I would start Cowan with Ellis on the Bench.
Woodcock is also a concern with the number of penalties he is giving away and I would prefer Ben Franks.
With no loose forward cover on the bench we are exposed if we lost McCaw or Thompson in the first 20minutes.
Good to see Dagg starting - is this panels first ever form selection? I would have SBW at 12.
Still the AB's always look good in pool play - lets wait and see what they line up in the quarters and hopefully from then on.
Some comments;
Dagg, Jane, Smith, Nonu, Kahui, Carter - No surprises indeed expected them to be picked as first choice.
Weepu?! Fat little bloke from Wellington. Wouldn't have him in the reserves. Good bench warmer at KFC. Would prefer Cowan as the first half will be trench warfare and Jimmy is better at that than Weepu.
Thompson - Keeping Reads seat warm. when Read returns will ride the pine.
McCaw, Kaino, Thorne, Whitlock Franks, Mealamu, Woodcock. No surprises as first choice.
Reserves
No real surprises but would have prefered to see Williams replaced by Vito for loose cover.
Franks
And Slade is on the bench as full back cover? What if we need to sub both 10 and 15? Weepu goes out to 10 for the last 20? Hope he's fit enough..
@ Mighty; Cory Jane can cover fullback as well.
Once again folks, I will go into bat for Ali. Most people noted that when he came on v Aust, the effort picked up.
Brad, possibly the best scrum we have seen for a long time is on the slippery slope and Whitelock is not better that Ali is any way. I ask you all to watch
I disagree Jabba; Brad Thorn is the rock upon which the All Black scrum is built. He's been managed well this year, but he is probably the most professional athlete and trainer that has played for the All Blacks in the last decade. I have no doubt whatsoever on his ability to rock up for the rest of RWC2011
jabba I could live with Whitelock and Williams at lock if Williams would:
1. Stop swanning on the wing.
2. Do the hard yards.
3. Reduce his turnover rate by 80%.
He is a long way from where he was before his lay off. In fact in 2009 I said we would not win the World cup without him. I am still not sure we can win it but he is not an integral component now.
Ali is leaner and fitter than ever before. If I remember correctly, mid way through the 1st 1/2, Whitelock was running down the wing taking/giving a pass to set up a try and Ali did the same soon after????
He does do the hard yards in rucks and mauls. I beg of you all to watch all three locks during the game.
Ali would be in the top 2 in Lineout wins AND steals, yard gained ball in hand, scrums ability, tackles, experience and the most skilled in open play and still young for a lock.
The top teams would prefer to have Whitelock against them than Ali.
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