All Blacks First Five

[T-Rex]

If you didn't know, Dan Carter is out of the World Cup, replaced in the squad by Aaron Cruden.

I originally thought Weepu would get the nod for the bigger games in the tournament, should Carter miss out through injury.

All the news I'm reading suggests Colin Slade will replace Carter in the starting line up. Is there anyone that thinks Piri Weepu or even Cruden may be better options?

 

[james5000]

There are plenty of people that think Weepu would be a better option, I would say more than 50%.

The problem is, its not going to be Weepu, Slade is Henry's man.

I personally think we have to put faith in Slade and hope that he can do the job. He is after all going to be doing the job.

 

[jawmalawm24]

I always wanted Slade to be Carters understudy because they're in the same team and I guess some of Carters skills should have rubbed off on Slade. After his broken jaw thou Slades play has probably not been as good as he use to be, I reckon he'll get better with more gametime we'll just have to wait and see.

 

[T-Rex]

There are plenty of people that think Weepu would be a better option, I would say more than 50%.

The problem is, its not going to be Weepu, Slade is Henry's man.

I personally think we have to put faith in Slade and hope that he can do the job. He is after all going to be doing the job.

I was sure I wasn't the only one who felt more safe about the thought of Weepu at 10 rather than Slade.

You're right though, it seems Slade is the man that the coaching staff will give the job to.

Do you know when the squad for the Argentina game is being named?

 

[Darwin]

I was sure I wasn't the only one who felt more safe about the thought of Weepu at 10 rather than Slade.

You're right though, it seems Slade is the man that the coaching staff will give the job to.

Do you know when the squad for the Argentina game is being named?

I'd imagine that it will be announced Friday morning.

Something people need to take into account is the defensive ability of Slade/Weepu/Cruden. Slade is a very strong defender, and is also great in cover defense (a good example here). I think defense is an issue for Weepu - he has no problem tackling when players run straight at him, but his lateral defense can be a big issue at times (I remember him missing a pretty simple tackle in the Canada game). Cruden, like Slade, is a pretty strong defender, however his size is an issue. He invariably make the tackle, though players can make some good ground before he brings them down. In terms of defense, Slade is certainly the stronger of the three options.

I'm sure Slade will start, and personally I think it is the right decision. He's got a similar style of play to Carter, therefore there will be minimal changes to the AB's gameplan. I really like Weepu/Crudens ability to create gaps for others in the midfield - Cruden could cause all sorts of problems for a tiring defense coming off the bench for the last 20-30 mins.

Personally I'd start Weepu and Slade, with Cowan/Ellis and Cruden on the bench. However I expect we will see Cowan and Slade start, with Ellis and Weepu on the bench (or Weepu and Cruden).

 

[Kiwiwomble]

there is more info and opinions here

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/...ly-quot-in-doubt-for-rest-of-the-world-cup!!!

 

[TRF_Olyy]

there is more info and opinions here

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/...ly-quot-in-doubt-for-rest-of-the-world-cup!!!

Well said!

LOCKED