All Black EOYT North named .....

[Jethro]

Forwards

Andrew Hore Taranaki
Corey Flynn Canterbury
John Afoa Auckland
Owen Franks Canterbury
Wyatt Crockett Canterbury
Neemia Tialata Wellington
Tony Woodcock North Harbour
Brad Thorn Canterbury
Tom Donnelly Otago
Anthony Boric North Harbour
Jason Eaton Taranaki
Richie McCaw Canterbury â€" captain
Liam Messam Waikato
Kieran Read Canterbury
Jerome Kaino Auckland
Tanerau Latimer Bay of Plenty
Adam Thomson Otago
Rodney So’oialo Wellington


Backs

Jimmy Cowan Southland
Andy Ellis Canterbury
Brendon Leonard Waikato
Dan Carter Canterbury
Mike Delany Bay of Plenty *
Stephen Donald Waikato
Tamati Ellison Wellington*
Ma’a Nonu Wellington
Conrad Smith Wellington
Luke McAlister North Harbour
Sitiveni Sivivatu Waikato
Ben Smith Otago *
Zac Guildford Hawke’s Bay *
Mils Muliaina Waikato
Cory Jane Wellington

Absolutely stoked that Zac was named, hope the HBRU has signed him for the future because the Evil Empire are interested. Pretty solid looking team for mine.

 

[kaftka]

Ahem.... Only two Hookers? And Flynn as well? Very strange.

Stoked for Guildford but where the hell is Gear? How does Ben Smith jump above him on the pecking order? I always knew the selectors had something against Gear...

I don't mind the call of Delany that much.. It just seems a little strange that they'd pick the 3rd 1st 5 at all when there is McAlister in the midst... Sorta seems like a waste of a selection, but like I say... they could have made stranger calls...

Like Ben f***ing Smith!! I would take Gear, Dagg, Paterson, Slade, Mum over Benny Smithy Smithson

 

[Sneaki]

John Afoa Auckland (20 Test caps)
Anthony Boric North Harbour (10)
Dan Carter Canterbury (62)
Jimmy Cowan Southland (28)
Wyatt Crockett Canterbury (1)
Mike Delany Bay of Plenty *
Stephen Donald Waikato (16)
Tom Donnelly Otago (1)
Jason Eaton Taranaki (13)
Andy Ellis Canterbury (11)
Tamati Ellison Wellington*
Corey Flynn Canterbury (5)
Owen Franks Canterbury (6)
Zac Guildford Hawke's Bay *
Andrew Hore Taranaki (43)
Cory Jane Wellington (8)
Jerome Kaino Auckland (22)
Tanerau Latimer Bay of Plenty (3)
Brendon Leonard Waikato (12)
Luke McAlister North Harbour (28)
Richie McCaw Canterbury (76) â€" captain
Liam Messam Waikato (2)
Mils Muliaina Waikato (77)
Ma'a Nonu Wellington (42)
Kieran Read Canterbury (12)
Sitiveni Sivivatu Waikato (39)
Rodney So'oialo Wellington (60)
Ben Smith Otago *
Conrad Smith Wellington (29)
Adam Thomson Otago (12)
Brad Thorn Canterbury (33)
Neemia Tialata Wellington (37)
Tony Woodcock North Harbour (58)

I'm actually pretty happy with this squad, Henry seems to have picked players in good form rather than the ones he likes. Rokocoko has been dropped with Guildford replacing him which is a great move, although I feel for Gear who has missed out this time. I guess Ben Smith is the 'bolter' for this squad, I haven't really seen much of him to be honest.

The only change I don't really agree with is bringing in Andy Ellis as a replacement for Weepu (who is still injured apparently, despite playing yesterday). The guy has never really been impressive for the AB's and I would've picked someone like Mathewson over him.

 

[William18]

Ben Smith? You must be kidding me. Apparently Gear and Rococoko aren't good enough under the high ball and can't counter attack. If you ask me that is just bull. What has the All Blacks come to having to pick Ben Smith? Even go for someone like Maitland.

Ellison is a horrible selection as well. Actually, I guess with no Kahui or Toeava it is forgivable. He has never done anything great to impress me, really. Won't even start for the Hurricanes next season either. My views are pretty much the same when it comes to Delany.

Oh and guess what I have just read guys, the All Blacks coaches are gong to be swapping roles on this tour. What a great idea. Apparently John Afoa is going to be a back up hooker, when was the last time he played there? I just don't feel this squad.

 

[jawmalawm24]

Yeah I watched the announcement this morning was a few suprises. The re-entry of Tanerau Latimer and Liam Messam was a bit of a suprise after the All Black coaches telling Messam he needed to work on a few things.

No Joe and I think it makes sense after his bad form but how do they justify bringing in Sitiveni Sivivatu when he's only played 1 or 2 games and hasn't played since the start of the Anz Cup?

I thought Thomas Waldrom might of got a mention but I'm very happy they picked the likes of Zac Guildford and Mike Delany they've both been in awesome form.

Ben Smith was a big suprise but I think he'll make a good player because he can cover fullback, wing and the centres and he's was good throughout the Super14 this season too.

 

[whatamunson]

Was suprised to see Aled De Melmanche miss out.

 

[kaftka]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (jawmalawm24 @ Oct 18 2009, 11:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Ben Smith was a big suprise but I think he'll make a good player because he can cover fullback, wing and the centres and he's was good throughout the Super14 this season too.[/b]

Tamati Ellison already covers the utility role... Cory Jane is also a fullback/winger... I can't see how Smith can get a look in for any of those postitions really. We have Nonu, Conrad, Ellison, McAlister all in the centres... Jane, Guildford and Rokocoko on the wings and Ellison, Mils and Jane covering fullback... So that's 2 specialist wings plus Jane and presumably Smith... Gear has been with the ABs this year, and has already had to sit behind an out of form rokocoko. He should be in the squad. He has been scoring plenty of tries for Wellington. He may not be great under the high ball, but he is a potent attacker. A Sivi-Mils-Jane back three has been proven to work, so they're right in that they need a winger strong under high ball, but you can't use that as an excuse for bringing in a totally unremarkable player in for a specialist player with obvious talent and tryscoring ability.... Ben Smith must give reeeeally good head.

Or Gear insulted Henry's mother.

 

[Nickdnz]

...The fact that there is no Hosea Gear or Joe Rokocoko ****** me off. Oh I know, let's put in Ben Smith, a player who while versatile and reliable, hardly adds anything new to the side at all. Instead of Hosea Gear, who has scored more tries on average over the ast two seasons then Zac Guilford. Zac, while young, wasn't even considered for the Hurricanes starting position over David Smith and Hosea Gear.

Joe Rokocoko seemingly looks like he is refinding his form, so Henry and co thinks, let's leave him out...

Mike Delany's inclusion in some ways is fair, however as pointed out before, we all ready have 2 First Five specialists in Carter and Donald, as well as McAlister if need be, so why does he need to be included. Meh, Grahm Henry is really beginning to get my vote of no confidence.

 

[Charles]

Isaac Ross must be gutted. Played well in black, only to be replaced by Boric....

 

[William18]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (kaftka @ Oct 18 2009, 10:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Ahem.... Only two Hookers? And Flynn as well? Very strange.

Stoked for Guildford but where the hell is Gear? How does Ben Smith jump above him on the pecking order? I always knew the selectors had something against Gear...

I don't mind the call of Delany that much.. It just seems a little strange that they'd pick the 3rd 1st 5 at all when there is McAlister in the midst... Sorta seems like a waste of a selection, but like I say... they could have made stranger calls...

Like Ben f***ing Smith!! I would take Gear, Dagg, Paterson, Slade, Mum over Benny Smithy Smithson[/b]

Add in Wulf, Rococoko, Maitland, Masaga and Anesi. Those are the clear cut ones, a few more are debatable. Deaker was saying this afternoon that he thinks the coaches only want their wings to be able to kick and be good under the high ball and he doesn't care about their finishing ability. I agree with this and just want to see a winger who gets tries. They don't have to kick.

Afoa is the backup hooker as well.

 

[ChiefsFan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nickdnz @ Oct 18 2009, 02:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

...The fact that there is no Hosea Gear or Joe Rokocoko ****** me off. Oh I know, let's put in Ben Smith, a player who while versatile and reliable, hardly adds anything new to the side at all. Instead of Hosea Gear, who has scored more tries on average over the ast two seasons then Zac Guilford. Zac, while young, wasn't even considered for the Hurricanes starting position over David Smith and Hosea Gear.

Joe Rokocoko seemingly looks like he is refinding his form, so Henry and co thinks, let's leave him out...

Mike Delany's inclusion in some ways is fair, however as pointed out before, we all ready have 2 First Five specialists in Carter and Donald, as well as McAlister if need be, so why does he need to be included. Meh, Grahm Henry is really beginning to get my vote of no confidence.[/b]

Bryn Evans was never considered for the Canes starting line up either.

 

[Jethro]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nickdnz @ Oct 18 2009, 12:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

...The fact that there is no Hosea Gear or Joe Rokocoko ****** me off. Oh I know, let's put in Ben Smith, a player who while versatile and reliable, hardly adds anything new to the side at all. Instead of Hosea Gear, who has scored more tries on average over the ast two seasons then Zac Guilford. Zac, while young, wasn't even considered for the Hurricanes starting position over David Smith and Hosea Gear.

Joe Rokocoko seemingly looks like he is refinding his form, so Henry and co thinks, let's leave him out...

Mike Delany's inclusion in some ways is fair, however as pointed out before, we all ready have 2 First Five specialists in Carter and Donald, as well as McAlister if need be, so why does he need to be included. Meh, Grahm Henry is really beginning to get my vote of no confidence.[/b]

I see Guildford developing into a new Dougie over the next couple of seasons, added bonus is he has a decent kicking game which I think gave him the added advantage over some of his rivals. We currently have an unlimited supply of World Class wingers imho.

 

[Nickdnz]

I agree that we do have an unlimited supply of wingers, however, it seems a shame that Hosea Gear has consistantly performed to very high standards and yet he keeps getting ignored. And to be honest I really want Rokocoko to stay in long enough to break Howlett's record.

 

[kaftka]

Rokocokos omission is about time to be honest Nick, I reckon he'll come back though. He knows what he needs to do, and he knows he still has the support of the coaches, afterall, I think they are the ones who f***ed it up for him with their obsession for their backline to all weigh 95+kgs and benchpress 10000...

Definitely believe Gear should be in over Smith though. Can't complain about Guildford either. I'm hugely happy for him. He's had an amazing year with the highest highs and lowest lows. He's going to go from strength to strength in the ABs environment as well.... Unlike a certain other youngster they picked in the past.

 

[Nickdnz]

Yeah, my choice to keep Rokocoko is purley sentimental, though I think he still has enough pace. Interesting how they like big wings and strong wings, and yet Hosea was left out, and he is arguably the strongest winger in New Zealand, and naturally weight 95kg+.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Rockocoko dropped? I'm assuming whoever this new uncapped winger is, he's BRILLIANT. Not just anyone can shift ol' Joe out fo the pecking order.

 

[gsv]

Guildford is a great call, no doubt. I'm looking forward to seeing him play. Sorry for Gear, he really should have make it. Anyway, that Ben Smith has surely got talent, he's got skills and he knows where he should be at any time, you often see him coming out of nowhere to pick that loose pass. Good aerial skills as well. That said, it is yet to see if he can prove himself at higher level. And if he can prove to deserve the nod ahead of Gear and Rocks.
For what concerns strong wingers, yes, that Smith is about 88 kg. Not that big, really...

I don't like the inclusion of Delany. If a third fly half was to be taken, I would have gone for Cruden or Robbie Robinson, who really are rising stars and could have learnt something out of the tour, even without taking the field too much. Delany is a kind of Andrew Mehrtens, but not as clinical. He has never had starring roles in the Super14, too, so no much more high-level experience than Cruden or Robinson. That's a strange decision, really.

Clearly they're looking for consistency rather than pure class, but they are risking to loose the aura of a true attacking power in world rugby. I think Henry & Co, which I always supported and still do, are a bit too scared, they've lost their confidence. They should risk more, I think, and try to really get things going, rather than be scared. 2008 was a good year for the All Blacks in terms of the silverware, but their play was often ugly, too often. This year has been even worse, but those hundred minutes played in the last one and a half matches seemed to turn things around. I hope to see them returning at their very best: attacking waves erasing the opposition off the field. Great to see. (Even though, as Italian, I fear we'll get the usual hiding)

Another strange selection I think is the lock. Apart from the evergreen Thorn, they haven't got experience there. Eaton has never convinced (and doesn't seem he will this time). After being injuried for ages, Boric has only played a few games with struggling North Harbour and I don't know if that is enough. I like hard-working Donnelly, but he's not like the bad-boy Keith Robinson, and definitely is not the flying type of Ross and likes. The decision to drop the Canterbury lock to make sure he bulks up for the future could be appropriate (they surely know those things better than I do), but what about Josh Bekhuis from Southland? He's a good grinder, does the basics well, he's aggressive and is good at set phases, good with ball in hand, young and has played well for both the Highlanders and in the ANZ Cup. I though they'd call him, really. I would have taken Thorn, Ross (apart from gym affairs), Donnelly, Bekhuis.

Finally, yeah, I don't like Andy Ellis very much. They say Weepu isn't fit enough and appearently he won't be fit for the upcoming weeks either. So, with Mathewson a bit out of tune this year, Ellis should be the obvious choice, since he's far the more experienced and probably the most reliable of the other contenders. Still, I don't like the call.

And there should have been space for Dagg somehow.

Anyway, that's a good team. I hope to see the All Blacks play their rugby with confidence and hammer the French, eh eh eh.

 

[gsv]

I forgot...

For the hooker, I think they should have picked De Malmanche (muscular beast) or Hika Elliot. Corey Flynn is the past, they are the future. De Malmanche's throw it's not much worse than Hore's, in the end, so that shouldn't be a fair reason to drop him. Elliot has slowed his development, probably, but he should have been considered more closely.

The props are surely good choices. Big Jamie Mackintosh is my favourite, but I admit he still isn't quite there (and having him to play with such a short hooker as Rutledge in the Stags doesn't help him to impress; I would say switch Rutledge to the loose forwards and put Hall back up front - but this is another story). I think Afoa as a hooker is just superstition: they simply hope the others don't get injuried.

 

[Nickdnz]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DuncTheDoodle @ Oct 20 2009, 04:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Rockocoko dropped? I'm assuming whoever this new uncapped winger is, he's BRILLIANT. Not just anyone can shift ol' Joe out fo the pecking order.[/b]

Meh, as a safe option Guildford is a good choice, he has all the abuility but none of the flair in my opinion. I'm not convinced Rokocoko should be dropped yet, and Gear, in my opinion, has out classed any winger in New Zealand for the last two years.

 

[jawmalawm24]

Hosea Gear is a awesome finisher but that's about it. He's rarely seen around the field and isn't busy enough to warrant selection. I'm a fan of his no doubt but even when I went to the stadium to watch the Lions play Otago earlier this season I didn't realise he was playing until the 2nd half when he came onto our side.

Donald better do something miraculous because I just don't rate him even thou he took the Cheifs to the Super14 final I've never really seen him have a good game for the All Blacks unless he's come from off the bench. Also I think Luke needs more gametime he's only played 1 and a half games but I'd probably pick him over Donald at the moment.

Zac's gonna be awesome hopefully he can sniff out the tryline and finish off some good backline plays. He's busy around the park and doesn't just sit there like some Wingers do. Hope he gets a start or at least comes off the bench for the first game at Tokyo against the Wallabies.