Thought I'd give a very long opinion for New Zealand. Don't expect many to be bothered reading it, but I enjoy writing it.
All Blacks:
I think overall we can call the EoYT a success. Losing to Australia was really a bit of a reality check, and I think it's done both the All Blacks and the Wallabies a world of good. Better we lose to Australia now, than in the World Cup (not saying we will definetly win, but it's just better to get the lessons learned earlier rather than later). The total performance from the All Blacks was a step down from the Tri Nations, but much of that I put down to exhaustion. South Africa dominated the Tri Nations in 2009, but got whiped on the EoYT, so it just goes to show the character of this All Blacks side. Several players have improved their chances going into next years Tri Nations, and the following World Cup, but I think the media have over played the degree to which it will influence the side. I'll check off the players.
Tony Woodcock
Probably his weakest tour to date. There seems to be growing frustrations in both the All Blacks and Wallabies camp, about the refereeing of scrums, however I think much of Woodcock's complaints would be justified. The scrums need to be solidly looked at, with Henry suggesting bringing in an expert scrum referee come the RWC, to help officiate. The woes at scrum have further continued with Hanson suggesting that a real option to avoid penalties, is to simply not put pressure on the opposing scrum. Unlike Australia, the New Zealand props don't seems to be being out muscled, they just don't seem to be getting scrums stable on opposition ball. Part of this is down to the refereeing, but New Zealand have to learn to adapt. Despite Woodcock's form, the only real contender it seems for his jersey is Ben Franks as John Afoa and Neemia Tialata are both being played mainly on the tight head. With Woodcock's experience and his general play, I think we will still be first choice come the Tri Nations and RWC, but I think he'll want a big off season and Super 14. Overall I give him a 5.5/10.
Kevin Mealamu
Despite a citing for a headbutt, with a small suspension, Mealamu remains New Zealand incumbant hooker. This year he has been spectacular, and he had a good tour to boot. There was no real weakness in his game, and his work rate was outstanding. I can't see what would make Mealamu lose his spot unless Andrew Hore had an amazing Super 14. Right now I would say Mealamu is the best hooker in the world, and I look forward to his game for the Barbarians. Overall I give Mealamu a 8/10
Owen Franks
Owen Franks has cemented his place in the starting line up. His scrummaging has been good on tour, however he can be held to many of the same criticisms of Tony Woodcock. In terms of his off the ball work however, I would say he is one of the best props in the world. He's making two or three huge tackles every game, and it goes a huge way to changing the momentum of the opposition team. Against Ireland was his most impressive scrummaging performance in my opinion, and I thought he handled Andrew Sheridan very well against England. He is one of the most physical players in the All Blacks and will only keep getting better, barring injury, going into the RWC. He will remain the starting tighthead prop. Overall I give him a 7.5/10
Brad Thorn
Another solid tour for Brad Thorn. He doesn't seem to age at all, and his physicality and work rate is always impressive. He remains the All Blacks enforcer and offers much of the grunt work behind the All Blacks. Probably a less impressive EoYT than his amazing Tri Nations, but he's still a corner stone of the All Blacks pack. I think he's done enough to be penciled in for the RWC team, but there will be plenty of opposition for his jersey, with Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Sam Whitelock, Tom Donnelly, Anthony Boric and to a lesser extent Isaac Ross. At this stage though, barring a very impressive Super 14 season from the forementioned locks, I see him starting with Sam Whitelock. Overall I give Brad Thorn a 7/10.
Sam Whitelock
Probably one of the biggest revalations on this tour. He had an amazing game against England, and looks like he's got all the skills you'd want from a lock. His work at the break down is crazy good for a guy who's 6'7''. He'll have Brad Thorn with him for the Super season, so I expect Canterbury will be having a very strong season in the line out, and unless he has a huge drop of form, he'll likely to be given a starting spot in the Tri Nations. Overall a 8.5/10
Jerome Kaino
Messam probably started a few too many tests to be honest, but there was a huge performance lift when Kaino came on to be destructive against Wales. He's been a bit of a mixed bag in the past in terms of form, but he showed how much class and skill he has, and was a devestating defender and a powerful attacker. Against Ireland he was also very impressive chasing down Jamie Heaslip from 10-15m behind. On this tour he combined well with McCaw and Read, and I think the loose trio is very well established going into the Tri Nations. It would take a massive season from either Liam Messam or Victor Vito to try and get the starting six jersey, so I think they'll be fighting it out for a spot on the bench. Overall I'd rate Kaino tour a 8/10
Richie McCaw
Despite the never ending calls of cheat, McCaw remains in my mind the best openside in world rugby. Reaching an All Black record of 94 test caps puts him well into New Zealand legandary status. David Pocock looked like he has been the best fetcher in world rugby this year, but McCaw looked like the more complete player (and make no mistake, I think Pocock deserves the "IRB Player of the Year Award", as much as any other candidate, although Brussow was the best fetcher in 2009, and yet McCaw won it). One criticism I have had of McCaw lately, is he runs the ball bit too often, which is great and all untill he gets injured, and Kaino and Read are all better runner. Despite that he has shown some good runs and has broken some very impressive records in New Zealand rugby. No one has a hope of replacing McCaw during the Tri Nations or big RWC matches. Overall I give him, by his own very high standards, a 7/10
Kieren Read
From what was essentially a place filler while So'oialo was off form at the end of 2008, Kieren Read has now become in my opinion the best Number 8 in the world, and his form has continued during the EoYT. His regathers from restarts is the best I've seen from any player, his work in the breakdown is immence, and he'll always make good yardage with his runs, while his handling gives players around him options. I was really very disapointed that he wasn't nominated for IRB Player of the Year, as I think he deserved it over any other New Zealand candidate. Overall I give him on his EoYT, a 8.5/10
Jimmy Cowan
Considering the number of All Blacks that could all make a good case for a World XV, I think Jimmy Cowan has been left behind in many regards. Towards the end of his tour, he was more impressive, with better delivery and darting around the fringes, however with names like Genia, du Preez, Care and to an extent Weepu, I can't see Cowan being the #9 that the All Black would want going into a Rugby World Cup. He will however, with Weepu likely to be out, be the starting scrum half for much of the Tri Nations. Personally I think Mathewson was robbed of any oppertunity to show what he was capable of, with him only getting one start against England, which he looked very good. Cowan's defensive game remains his big draw card, but I just don't know if it will be enough going into the RWC. Overall I give him a 7/10
Daniel Carter
Had one of his quietist tours in memory, with his anckle still effecting his goal kicking. Broke the record for most number of test points, and still looked like the best 1st 5/8th in the world, it just goes to show how good he is that I only give him an acceptable 7/10, keeping in mind it's easy to look like Jesus when your replacement is Stephen Donald.
Hosea Gear
Probably the stand out back of the squad. 5 tries in 4 matches, and considering he ony got in because Israel Dagg was injured...It's had for me to be unbias, seeing as I've been bigging him, to anyone willing to listen for the best part of three years, so I won't try. As much as I like Joe Rokocoko (and there is noone I'd rather see at his best), I think Hosea Gear has proven how much class he has. Will be interesting to see who Henry will chose between Gear and Sivivatu, going into the Tri Nations, but both will need good form, with there being wingers lineing up around the block to take their spot, Guildford, Masaga, Dagg, Rokocoko and Savea to name a few. Overall I give him a 8.5/10
Ma'a Nonu
It took the last game against Wales for Nonu to remind people how good he is, and it wasn't a firm reminding at that. With Sonny Bill Williams breathing down his neck for a spot, I think it will be very close going into the Tri Nations, between who will start more games, if it isn't mixed up at that. I strongly disagree with putting either in the 22 jersey, as neither are solid in covering any of the other positions in the backs (Nonu is no longer fast enough for wing). Don't think he had a terrible series, but I think he was perhaps a bit quiet with the oppertinuties given. Overall I give him a 7/10
Conrad Smith
Much like Nonu, he had a bit of a quiet tour by his own standards. He never puts a foot wrong, and was once again an amazing defender, but he didn't make quite as many runs as usual. He'll definetly be a starting member ofthe Tri Nations and probably the RWC squad, which says a lot considering his opposition. Overall a 7.5/10
Isaia Toeava
To be honest, despite what much of the NZ media say, I'm still not happy with him on the wing. He's got some speed, but I can't see him gassing Habana or Drew Mitchell going into the Tri Nations. He's got some nice skill in terms of kicking and handling, but for every great thing he does, he does something not so good. Case and point his nice kick duringthe Wales game, to then drop the ball duringthe regather, and he makes similar errors during his runs. I firmly think he has been bred for the 22 jersey, and it's too late to try and push him on the wing. I think Cory Jane has been really hard done by if he is genuinly behind Toeava in the 14 jersey. Healthy competition is good, but Cory Jane is still in my mind on of, if not the best, outside back in the world. i prefer him at fullback, but seeing as that's not going to happen any time soon, he needs to be our starting winger. Isaia Toeava had a good tour, but I think he's been a bit over rated. He had a great work rate for a winger, but I don't think he was as clinical finisher as you'd want from a winger, so with that in mind I give him a healthy 7.5/10
Mils Muliaina
I think I may be being a bit tough on him, but I wasn't all that impressed with him on this tour. He has reached an amazing mark in 94 test caps, but I thought his form on tour was quite poor, despite plenty of tries. His running game was good, but he kept slowing down when having plenty of space, and then trying to do a little side step, in which he's always get tackled, when he should have passed to the options out wide. His kicking game was better against Wales, but much of it was aimless kicking down the middle of the field, which is terrible considering the lesson the All Blacks should have learned after the Wallabies game. People keep saying he's the best fullback in the world, which I think is justified on his 2008-2009 form, and even his Tri Nations (although the same errors were there back then), but quite frankly I think Beale has had a more impressive year, and I would select Jane at fullback over Mils. I think Mils' spot for the Tri Nations is very secure, as well as the RWC. Henry obviously thinks very highly of him (and I think he can be a fantastic player on form). Overall I give him the harsh rating of 6.5/10
Andrew Hore
Didn't get much time to show what he's got coming back from injury, but he didn't seem to struggle too much at all considering having no game time. I think he'll be given a spot in the Tri Nations and likely the RWC. Not really much to say. Overall 7/10
Ben Franks
Nothing to really say on him. Didn't take the field. Hope he has a good Super 14. N/A
Tom Donnelly
He actually had a very average tour. He wasn't bad, but I think he may have fallen behind Whitelock and Boric in the lock pecking order, which is a bit of a shame. He'll have to have a very good Super season, and an even better Tri Nations to hold onto a spot above returning players like Chris Jack and Ali Williams. Overall I give him a 7/10
Liam Messam
He had an alright tour. He's tightened up his game a wee bit, but he was never really going to offer the grunt work someone like Kaino offers. I think he'll have to have a good Super 14, to hold off Victor Vito (who I expect will have a blinder). I think Adam Thompson is fully out of contention, so I think Vito is the only other player who could take the backup blindside/8 jersey. Overall an improved effort from his 2009 games, I'd say a 7.5/10
Andy Ellis
His passing is inaccurate, slow to get out of the ruck and delayed. His running game is below par. His decision making is average. I don't know what Henry sees in him. Mathewson looked like 10x the half back Ellis has ever been, so I don't see why Ellis got so much game time. With Weepu in doubt for the RWC, and Tri Nations, Ellis may well be New Zealand's third choice half back, however if Weepu is back, and Ellis takes Mathewson's jersey (which I expect will happen), I'll be ******. Poor tour by an average player. 3.5/10 if I'm generous. However just when you think it can't get any worse -
Stephen Donald
In fairness to him, it's not his fault he's not up to international level. If you offered me the chance to be the starting 1st 5/8th for the All Blacks, I'd take it. However I think on the 80th minute of the Wallabies game, Henry knew he made a poor decision. Donald did slightly improve in fairness. Coincidence that Wales scored their only try when Donald was on the field? Probably. But I think short of the die hard Chiefs fans, Stephen Donald has been tried, measured and found wanting at international rugby. I think he'll hav to play the most amazing rugby ever, for him to be chosen above Cruden, Slade and dear I say it, McAlister (should he choose to play 10) in order to be in the Tri Nations and RWC squad, as his reselection will start to make Henry and co look silly. Because of his imporvement, and I feel sorry for the guy, 4.5/10
Sonny Bill Williams
Well, he actually did pretty well. He had a very good game against a very poor Scotland team, but other than that he was unremarkable if not solid (about even to Nonu's tour). He seemed to be a little bit lost at times, but that can be expected in your first few tests, especially with as little game time as he had. I thik he came off this, looking good, and I think people are starting to get a real idea of what he offers. In terms of being selected for the Tri Nations, I think he will have to have a bloody good ITM Cup, as the mid field, along with outside backs, is crazily stocked with players that could make almost any other teams in the world. It will be interesting to see if he is in the team over Kahui, Ranger, Fruean and McAlister, without mentioning Toeava, Smith and Nonu. Overall I give Sonny Bill Williams a healthy 7.5/10
Hika Elliot
He came off looking very good on the tour. His lineout throwing was superb, and he looked good around the field and in the scrums. We didn't see much of his running game, which was perhaps a key reason for his selection, but I think he's put himself in a nice place for the third hooker spot. The only competition he has going into the Tri Nations would be from Aled de Melmanche, but Henry doesn't seem to think much of him. Overall I give him a 7.5/10
John Afoa
I was very pleasantly suprised by him. He's always had a decent game on and off the ball, but his scrummaging has looked a little shiftly in the past, which I think he cleared up pretty well. Was suprised he wasn't tested a bit at hooker, but I guess it helps to have him focus on what is the hardest scrummaging position in tight head. Scored a nice try at the end of the game against Wales. Overall I give him a very good 8/10
Neemia Tialata
Well, he's still got a Barbarians game to play, but quite frankly I don't think he's good enough to be a starting All Black. His scrummaging is fairly solid, but nothing special from a 135kg prop, and he is really got no aggression. He got no game time on tour, which I was kind of pleased with, but it's a bit stink flying someone over, to not play a single game. His performance is N/A but I think he'll find it very hard to get back into the squad.
Anthony Boric
Probably has his best tour ever, with his games against Ireland and Wales the best in his career. He athletic and did the basics right, but I can't help but think of him as a place warmer. I think he'll rely on Jack, Donnelly and Williams having a poor S14, for him to reclaim his spot, but I think he helped his chances on this tour considerably. In terms of his increased standards, I give him a 8/10
Daniel Braid
I thought he was solid is unspectacular. He had a good game against Scotland when he came on, but he never really stood out. i think he was a bit hard done by getting a yellow against Wales, but sh*t happens. At this stage he's still the only player who is good enough to fill in for McCaw. 7/10
Alby Mathewson
One of the players I thought should be given a decent shot to prove what he can do. Ellis has always played to his low standards, and Henry knows full well what he's capable of, so I think Mathewson was robbed of an oppertunity to show what he can do. Mathewson is a different player from Cowan and Weepu, and offered a lot when he played against England. Ellis is just a crappier version of Jimmy Cowan. I would love to rank him higher, but due to lack of oppertinty I can only give a 7/10
Cory Jane
I don't understand how Cory Jane was given so little game time. He looked good in all his matches, and made pretty much no mistakes. My only thought is that Jane is a shoe in for a spot in the Tri Nations, so they wanted to test out Isaia Toeava, but that is very inconsistant to his other selections, in which he has said he's trying to build the team, keeping the core of the players. Considering how good Cory Jane is, being one of the best players against the Wallabies, I'm scratching my head a bit to know why he was not given more oppertinites on tour. 7/10
Joe Rokocoko
I'll keep defending his position on tour, but given how little game time he had, as well as not scoring tries with the little time he did have, it's getting tricky. He has shown a hell of a lot of imporvement in his work rate, but I kind of wish he'd ignore Henry and wait for the right oppertunity to score a try. People criticize Gear's work rate, but you can see how being in the right place at the right time and scoring the tries, make you look good, and help the team out. Having Rokocoko run the ball from mid field is a waste, as he's still the fastest All Black in the team over 40m according to the sprint tests. I don't think he's past his used by date at 27 years old, as Cory Jane and Hosea Gear are all within a year of him. With Guildford, Sivivatu, Dagg, Masaga, Savea and Ranger all after a wing spot, and Isaia Toeava looking like he's in the running as well, I think Rokocoko would have to have his best ever Super 14 to get a RWC spot, and I don't know if has the belief anymore. Because of Rokocoko's improvements I give him a 7.5/10
Well, that was probably my longest post I've done to date (3,776 words). Sorry to anyone who read it.
