All Blacks final World Cup squad?

[Kiwi_]

What is this bunch of rubbish? Have we not learned as a nation not to put massive amounts of pressure on the team? Why is it announced at parliament and what has John Key got to do with the All Blacks? This is ridiculous presentation.

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THe branding as well, all these cheesey ads and underwear shoots, not a fan. Read the team, wish them luck, get on with it. Not this soppy carry on like they're going off to Gallipoli.

 

[Regan]

Yep my squad was right.

 

[Kiwi_]

So relieved Dagg isn't there!!

How good is the outside backs.

Skudder, Naholo, Savea, B.Smith. AWESOME.

I think come the knock out games TKB might be dropped in place of Sopoaga.

 

[Mcfadden]

Cool, well done to the the team. Can't think of much wrong with that. Sopoaga unlucky, but someone had to be. Charlie Faumaina and Naholo to probably get some game time against easier pool opponents.

 

[nik]

Well done ABs. They could have been a little conservative with the back three however they have gone with x-factor. NMS and Naholo are game changers. There is an element of risk and unknown however that is the same for everyone including the opposition.

 

[Kiwi_]

Great depth in the loose forwards as well, a lot of options and stamina for the tournament. THe 4th specialst lock options weren't strong enough with out Tuipulotu there.

 

[Mcfadden]

Just hope Messam isn't going to be our first choice blindside for the major games.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

Piutau really unlucky, not sure what else he could have done other than not sign overseas

 

[Kiwi_]

Skudder and Naholo bring x-factor attack, absolute game changers, great stuff from Shag to go with them, ballsy call, very happy, they will provide us an attacking edge over every team.

 

[austingtir]

Piutau really unlucky, not sure what else he could have done other than not sign overseas

Conversely Savea and a couple of others are very lucky. Piutau realistically if it was just on form should of got his spot. I dont see how anybody can argue against Naholo and NMS though.

 

[Kiwi_]

Conversely Savea and a couple of others are very lucky. Piutau realistically if it was just on form should of got his spot. I dont see how anybody can argue against Naholo and NMS though.

Savea's definitely living off past stock, had he kept his fitness regime and dedication up we wouldn't be saying this, but criminally slacking off in a RWC to the extent his form is terrible months out and Hansen is publicly saying he showed up fat, unconditioned and out off form before the biggest tournament of their careers is pretty dishearten and hugely disappointing.

 

[Regan]

So relieved Dagg isn't there!!

How good is the outside backs.

Skudder, Naholo, Savea, B.Smith. AWESOME.

I think come the knock out games TKB might be dropped in place of Sopoaga.

That would require an injury......I don't see why they'd want a 4th first five for a HB....

 

[TobesHodges]

How long until the official announcement?

 

[Regan]

How long until the official announcement?

Been and gone. The squad predicted earlier on is identical.

 

[Ninja]

Piutau really unlucky, not sure what else he could have done other than not sign overseas

Yeah, nothing else he could've done... Was the most consistently the best outside back during the whole Rugby Championship, couldn't of asked anymore... And he gets cut... I think he should be in over Nahalo.

 

[austingtir]

Yeah, nothing else he could've done... Was the most consistently the best outside back during the whole Rugby Championship, couldn't of asked anymore... And he gets cut... I think he should be in over Nahalo.

Hansen is saying Naholo brings real genuine speed which the AB's havent had in a winger for a while and I agree. NMS also brings a huge stepping game on the wing which we also havent had probably ever.
If we could have both of these guys selected and one on the bench for any given game I cant see why we cant break any defence down.

I cant wait to see Naholo play.

 

[nik]

Question is, we got two players who can cover right wing spot, relatively proven players. However if Ben Smith or Julian Savea gets injured/suspended and have to miss 1 knockout match. Who are their replacements from the current squad?
We know that Barrett and Slade can play FB but do we want either of them to be starting FBs? NMS can definitely start at FB as he is proven at super rugby level.

What about left wing? Naholo to move there?

 

[Mcfadden]

Hansen is saying Naholo brings real genuine speed which the AB's havent had in a winger for a while and I agree.

Probably not since an in-form Rockococo. Even Sivivatu was better at jinking and jiving on his feet, evading tackles than outright speed. Jane is pretty good with pace, but never has been in the team consistently because of injury.

 

[Ninja]

Hansen is saying Naholo brings real genuine speed which the AB's havent had in a winger for a while and I agree. NMS also brings a huge stepping game on the wing which we also havent had probably ever.
If we could have both of these guys selected and one on the bench for any given game I cant see why we cant break any defence down.

I cant wait to see Naholo play.

Skudder and Naholo may bring speed and x-factor on attack, but their defense hasn't really been tested at test level and can they cope with the big stage. We can only wait and see. Piutau would've brought more stability and a cool head, he's proven. But Hansen's the man, so he knows what he's doing with his calculated risk.

 

[austingtir]

Question is, we got two players who can cover right wing spot, relatively proven players. However if Ben Smith or Julian Savea gets injured/suspended and have to miss 1 knockout match. Who are their replacements from the current squad?
We know that Barrett and Slade can play FB but do we want either of them to be starting FBs? NMS can definitely start at FB as he is proven at super rugby level.

What about left wing? Naholo to move there?

I cant see why Naholo cant play left wing aswell maybe NMS to. SBW, Nonu, Fekitoa, Barrett, Slade can all cover wing at a pinch aswell.

I was saying a few weeks ago we've got untold fullback cover and we still do. NMS, Slade, Barrett thats plenty imo. Obviously Slade and Barrett would the go to's.

Barrett also brings alot of speed to the back I think its pretty well balanced given the restrictions of a 31 man squad and could really catch some teams out badly if we play certain combinations of players. As all these teams have played us with basically fullbacks in the 14 jumper and usually an out of form Dagg. I dont think the high balls or defence will be an issue for NMS or Naholo.

The only matches Id be pretty nervous about not having Ben Smith at full back is SA, Aus and maybe England if they play out of their skins.

Richard Kahui was gold for us at the last WC on the wing (A tad to defensive though and I think Hansen realises that we arent going to get away with that twice in a row).