All Black Squad named

[smartcooky]

Forwards:

Hookers
Corey Flynn Canterbury (14)
Andrew Hore Taranaki (54)
Keven Mealamu Auckland (85)

Props
John Afoa Auckland (33)
Ben Franks Tasman (11)
Owen Franks Canterbury (23)
Tony Woodcock North Harbour (75)

Locks
Anthony Boric North Harbour (20)
Brad Thorn Canterbury (51)
Samuel Whitelock Canterbury (17)
Ali Williams Auckland (65)

Loose forwards
Jerome Kaino Auckland (41)
Richie McCaw (capt) Canterbury (97)
Kieran Read Canterbury (31)
Adam Thomson Otago (21)
Victor Vito Wellington (7)


Backs:

Halfbacks
Jimmy Cowan Southland (47)
Andy Ellis Canterbury (20)
Piri Weepu Wellington (48)

First fiveâ€"eighths
Daniel Carter Canterbury (82)
Colin Slade Canterbury (5)

Midfielders
Richard Kahui Waikato (12)
Ma’a Nonu Wellington (58)
Conrad Smith Wellington (48)
Sonny Bill Williams Canterbury (7)

Outside backs
Israel Dagg Hawke’s Bay (7)
Zac Guildford Hawke’s Bay (6)
Cory Jane Wellington (24)
Mils Muliaina Waikato (97)
Isaia Toeava Auckland (31)


The squad, which will be captained by 30-year-old All Blacks captain Richie McCaw at his third Rugby World Cup, is made up of 16 forwards and 14 backs, and with 1,133 Test caps between them, is the most experienced All Blacks squad ever assembled.

Five of the team’s leading players, McCaw, first five-eighth Daniel Carter, hooker Keven Mealamu, fullback Mils Muliaina and lock Ali Williams, will be taking part in their third consecutive Rugby World Cup tournament, while seven will be playing in their second tournament - hooker Corey Flynn, midfielder Ma'a Nonu and lock Brad Thorn played in the 2003 campaign; while prop Tony Woodcock, halfback Andy Ellis, centre Conrad Smith and outside back Isaia Toeava played in Rugby World Cup 2007.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said: "Firstly, I would like to congratulate all those players selected. It's an incredibly exciting time for the team and a unique opportunity to represent New Zealand at home. The players will be facing the ultimate rugby challenge - playing for the most coveted trophy in world rugby, the Rugby World Cup.

"At the same time I want to pay tribute to those players who have missed out on selection. It was an incredibly difficult process; all the players who missed selection are not only outstanding players but special people. We are close as a group which made this selection all the more difficult."

2011 All Blacks who have missed selection include wings Hosea Gear, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Ben Smith, loose forward Liam Messam, prop Wyatt Crockett and lock Jarrad Hoeata. Henry said they would be included in a pool of backâ€"up players to cover for any injuries during the tournament.

Commenting on the make-up of the squad, Henry said: "Generally, this team has been selected on current form. We believe there is a good balance; a blend of experienced All Blacks - with nine players who have played more than 50 Tests - while at the other end of the scale we have seven players who have played fewer than a dozen Tests who bring youthful enthusiasm to the side.

"There is also a balance in the fact that we have players who are specialists in their position while others have utility value and can cover a number of positions, so we have the players to cover any possibilities which may be thrown up during the tournament."

One other feature of the squad is the selection of Blues and North Harbour lock Anthony Boric, who was not considered for All Blacks selection earlier this year after suffering a foot injury during the Super Rugby Finals Series. Boric returns to rugby this week in North Harbour’s provincial rugby match against Wellington.

Henry said the All Blacks squad was excited to be playing in front of their home fans.

"We have been receiving fantastic support from New Zealanders, we know the country is getting excited by what lies ahead - there is a real buzz around - and the players are really looking forward to soaking up the off-field atmosphere with our home fans.â€

The All Blacks squad is currently in Brisbane preparing for the final match of the Tri Nations against Australia at Suncorp Stadium this Saturday.

The squad in Brisbane is as follows:

Forwards: John Afoa, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, Adam Thomson, Samuel Whitelock, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock and Victor Vito.

Backs: Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Israel Dagg, Andy Ellis, Zac Guildford, Richard Kahui, Cory Jane, Mils Muliaina, Ma'a Nonu, Colin Slade, Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava, Piri Weepu and Sonny Bill Williams.

After the Bledisloe Cup Test, the All Blacks Rugby World Cup squad will fly home for its official unveiling in New Zealand at a media event in Auckland on Monday, 29 August.

The players will then spend several days at home with friends and family before flying around the country on Friday 2 September for the All Blacks Coming To A Town Near You visit to small-town New Zealand. Eleven towns will be hosting groups of players on the day giving their residents the chance to spend some time with the All Blacks before Rugby World Cup kicks off.

The team will then re-assemble in Auckland to prepare for the tournament’s opening match against Tonga on Friday September 9.The All Blacks are in Pool A at Rugby World Cup and their other Pool matches are against Japan (Friday 16 September, Hamilton), France (24 September, Auckland), and Canada (Sunday 2 October, Wellington).

 

[Siva Tau]

Vito is surprising but I think off the bench he offers more than Messam.

Sivivatu is the only other surprise omission for me.

 

[Sam Owen]

Good to see SBW in there, I knew he'd make it.

Was hoping to see Hosea Gear in there also, I know I know, he hasnt had the best of games for the ABs.

Is Tony Woodcock 100%??...I know not many players are but he seems fragile last time I saw him, might be just me.

 

[gingergenius]

Very surprised to see Toeava there ahead of both Gear and Sivivatu. Surprised to see Vito over Messam.

Still, disgustingly strong squad.

 

[TRF_heineken]

I'm Surprized that Crockett didn't make it! especially after Woodcock was hammered this weekend by the boks in the scrums.

 

[Shaggy]

Very surprised to see Toeava there ahead of both Gear and Sivivatu. Surprised to see Vito over Messam.

Still, disgustingly strong squad.

I'm not really too surprised to see Toeava there, he and Cory Jane will probably fight out the starting right wing starting spot, with whoever misses out making an impact off the bench or fightin for that spot with Israel Dagg

... the inclusion of Guildford is probably the bigger surprise (but i'm pleased they included him)

... Vito is definitely the shock selection at Messam's expense IMO

 

[gingergenius]

dunno, besides shoulder-barging Hape into touch last autumn, I haven't seen Toeava do anything that special internationally, whereas Gear and Sivi I have.

Toeava's more versatile, but with Mils, Jane and Dagg you've already got fullback cover and 4 centres should be enough..

 

[Rhyer]

It was always going to happen but I feel Henry has shot himself in the foot with Woodcock there and not Crockett. Woodcock was completely demolished against the Boks and even last year could not hold his own very well but Crockett is extremely good in the scrum and has shown no weakness and always demolished scrums, yet gets ignored.

 

[Bull]

Also surprised that Crockett didn't make especially after the weekend where the AB's struggled in the scrum. I would not have picked Adam Thomson, he gives away far too many penalties. I would be concerned with the back up for Carter!

 

[Black Heart]

No real surprises. I think Gear's emmision was the biggest call. Based on form he certainly doesn't deserve to be picked above the other candidates but the other thing Toeava and Jane had going for them were their versatility. Guildford has shown enough to prove that he wants the jersey more than anyone.

I don't think there was ever any doubt about Woodcock getting the pick over Crockett. Woodcock is leagues ahead of him scrum wise.

It'll be interesting to see who is selected at scrumhalf for the Wallabies test if they are indeed going to roll out their top XV. Piri should be a no brainer, if he hasn't done enough to prove he is the best #9 in the country then there's nothing more he can do.

And Sam, SBW was always going to make the squad bro. The NZRU didn't empty their pockets to have him sitting at home, eating ice cream, watching the WC on tele lol.

 

[Black Heart]

Also surprised that Crockett didn't make especially after the weekend where the AB's struggled in the scrum. I would not have picked Adam Thomson, he gives away far too many penalties. I would be concerned with the back up for Carter!

The All Blacks had a B scrum and Woodcock hadn't played any rugby for 4 months so don't get too ahead of yourself.

 

[AverageJoe]

I'm only really shocked about the omission of Messam. I know he has had some sub par performances in the test area at times but I thought he was one of our best against the Boks, (I'll probably get disagreed with there) but I actually thought he was the only one who showed any aggression or physicality at all and he worked his ass off all game (which is after all one of his strengths). About Woodcock, it would have been absurd to leave him out for Crockett, was never going to happen, despite a poor showing after coming back from a fairly long injury lay off.

And as for Sivivatu and Gear I think the right decisions were made there. It was always going to be a tough contest in the outside backs but Guilford and Jane's form demanded selection and Toeava and Dagg offer far more to the team, both will improve with a bit of game time coming back from injury. Gear would have been the first to go for me, he was easily the least impressive of all the backs this year and aside for some good attack (which we haven't seen at all this year) he offers little else. These days a winger needs more than just out and out pace and size, I don't think I've ever seen Hosea pass the ball and as Guilford showed against South Africa setting up Slade's try, no longer are wingers 100% finishers sometimes they have to set up the try too. Guilford also has a very high work rate which is great meanwhile Gear is so quiet during most matches except for the few moments when he gets the ball in some space.

All in all a great squad. Go the Blacks!!!

 

[Black Heart]

No real surprises. I think Gear's ommision was the biggest call. Based on form he certainly doesn't deserve to be picked above the other candidates but the other thing Toeava and Jane had going for them were their versatility. Guildford has shown enough to prove that he wants the jersey more than anyone.

I don't think there was ever any doubt about Woodcock getting the pick over Crockett. Woodcock is leagues ahead of him scrum wise.

It'll be interesting to see who is selected at scrumhalf for the Wallabies test if they are indeed going to roll out their top XV. Piri should be a no brainer, if he hasn't done enough to prove he is the best #9 in the country then there's nothing more he can do.

And Sam, SBW was always going to make the squad bro. The NZRU didn't empty their pockets to have him sitting at home, eating ice cream, watching the WC on tele lol.

 

[Black Heart]

edit: double post.

 

[SavageLez]

As a South African supporter, I am so glad that SBW did not get a chance to start with Robbie Fruean (1.9m , 110kg) and play with Carter in the build up to the WC coz they were a formidable combination. This has resulted in two things. SA do not have to face SBW coz he is almost certainly only going to be used as an impact player against SA with Nonu starting. Fruean has been totally overlooked, thank goodness.

South Africa are also fortunate not having to face Hosea Gear (6ft.2 & 100kg), Rokocoko (6ft.2 & 104kg) or Sivivatu (6ft,1 & 97kg) three giant, fast men.

Corey Jane and Zac Guildford are a lot smaller than them so won't be as much of a threat in my opinion. We will have to wait and see come RWC!

NZ still have a great team here and should go all the way and win this tourney but I don't feel they have selected their best team and I still feel if Carter gets injured Slade (Can't kick) is not the man to win the WC for NZ.

 

[smartcooky]

The major worry for me is no specialist backup openside flanker. Thomson is a BIG risk at that position, he gives away too many penalties (5 in the last match) and Heinrich Brussouw totally outplayed him at Port Lizzie.

 

[Shaggy]

dunno, besides shoulder-barging Hape into touch last autumn, I haven't seen Toeava do anything that special internationally, whereas Gear and Sivi I have.

Toeava's more versatile, but with Mils, Jane and Dagg you've already got fullback cover and 4 centres should be enough..

Yeah, but in addition to Toeava's versatility, his work rate is probably higher then Gear's, and he does seem to make a lot of run metres ... I get your point about the centres, but, in reality, Kahui is probably the most versatile of the four, and he only covers outside centre, wing, and perhaps inside centre, so that leaves Colin Slade to cover 1st five, and full back from the bench ... Toeava covers the 12 through to 15 positions, so is ideal for the bench

It was always going to happen but I feel Henry has shot himself in the foot with Woodcock there and not Crockett. Woodcock was completely demolished against the Boks and even last year could not hold his own very well but Crockett is extremely good in the scrum and has shown no weakness and always demolished scrums, yet gets ignored.

I wouldn't be surprised if Woodcock doesn't last the tournament, and ends up getting replaced by Crockett anyway ... Afoa also had a fractured face and only just came back from injury too, so Crockett might be required to replace him.

Also surprised that Crockett didn't make especially after the weekend where the AB's struggled in the scrum. I would not have picked Adam Thomson, he gives away far too many penalties. I would be concerned with the back up for Carter!

I don't think Thomson gives away any more penalties than any other loose forward that contests the breakdown, anyway, he's not likely to start after pool play anyway

... Slade as a Carter replacement, doesn't concern me anymore than if Cruden nor any other five eigth in NZ was Carter's backup, but it seems he's there for his versatility in other positions as much as his ability at 10

 

[Black Heart]

As a South African supporter, I am so glad that SBW did not get a chance to start with Robbie Fruean (1.9m , 110kg) and play with Carter in the build up to the WC coz they were a formidable combination. This has resulted in two things. SA do not have to face SBW coz he is almost certainly only going to be used as an impact player against SA with Nonu starting. Fruean has been totally overlooked, thank goodness.

Fruean's defence is his downfall.

Corey Jane and Zac Guildford are a lot smaller than them so won't be as much of a threat in my opinion. We will have to wait and see come RWC!

I disagree about Corey Jane. He and Dagg are also fullbacks which means that if they are on the field together with Muliaina, The Boks' kicking stregy could backfire big time.

NZ still have a great team here and should go all the way and win this tourney but I don't feel they have selected their best team and I still feel if Carter gets injured Slade (Can't kick) is not the man to win the WC for NZ.

Slade can kick. You're judging him on 1 game.

 

[smartcooky]

As a South African supporter, I am so glad that SBW did not get a chance to start with Robbie Fruean (1.9m , 110kg) and play with Carter in the build up to the WC coz they were a formidable combination. This has resulted in two things. SA do not have to face SBW coz he is almost certainly only going to be used as an impact player against SA with Nonu starting. Fruean has been totally overlooked, thank goodness.

Yes, we say think goodness too... because Fruean's defence is (as you say in your country)....KAK!). Jacque Fourie & JDV would be all over him.

 

[SavageLez]

I am not sure about Fruean's defense but it can't be too bad if he was player of the Junior IRB Rugby Tourny and Crusaders were second best defensive team in the S15 so he could not have been too bad there either.

Just feel that Jane looked good against the 3rd string SA side that travelled to NZ in the Tri Nations and that the REAL SA side have proved that they can defend and hit players backwards in the tackle where size will count! It will also be easier for Brussouw to steal balls from the smaller backs.

Not judging Slade from one game. He is just not in the same league as Carter and Steyn when it comes to distance and accuracy!