All Blacks squad for their end of year tour

[Darwin]

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id=ieooui></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> The All Blacks end of year tour to the Northern Hemisphere starts in 6 weeks time. The 30-man squad won't be named for a month, but since there are no more AB's tests before then I thought I'd get peoples opinions on who they would pick for the tour. Do people think we should use the tour to develop some new players, or should we build on the combinations that have already been developed?

Much will depend on how a number of players recover from their injuries – Kahui's injury is being assessed today so how long he is out is unknown. Apparently Carter will be back for the tour, similarly Toeava is meant to be back within a few weeks. Sivivatu and Hore are meant to be back in the middle of next month, so it may be touch and go as to whether they will be selected. Here is who I would pick if I was selecting the team – players in brackets represent who I would select if certain players don't recover from their injuries.

Hookers: Hore (Flynn), Mealamu
Props: Woodcock, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Afoa
Locks: Thorn, Donnelly, Boric, Sam Whitelock
Loosies: Kaino, Vito, Read, Messem, McCaw, Daniel Braid
Halfbacks: Weepu, Cowan, Mathewson
First-fives: Carter, Slade
Mid-field: Nonu, Kahui (Stanley), Conrad Smith, Toeava
Wing/Fullbacks: Sivivatu (Rococoko), Jane, Dagg, Ranger, Muliaina

Up front, Afoa would be my third hooker. The AB's selectors need to establish whether he can cover hooker at the top level –if he can it allows the selectors to take an extra loose-forward in the squad. Flynn was disappointing versus Australia – unless he has a couple of strong games for Canterbury I'd be tempted to pick one of de Malmanche, Elliot, or Rutledge if Hore is unavailable.

I'm happy with the props and locks – it will be interesting to see how Eaton goes when he comes back for Taranaki in the next few weeks though. I think they need a specialist 7 to cover McCaw, and at this stage I'd pick Braid over Latimer or Lowe. I'm not convinced by Messem, but still rate him ahead of Thomson.

I'm sure the selectors will stick with Cruden, however I'd much prefer if they invest some time into Slade who looks a much better test player at this stage. I'd also be tempted to include Delany in my squad, however wasn't able to find any room for him – Weepu would be my third choice 10 in the squad.

I think Rococoko has played quite well this year, however he seems to be carrying some sort of injury, as I've seen him limping on more than one occasion. Assuming Sivivatu is fit, I'd give Rococoko a rest for the tour so he gets himself fully fit for next year.

As tempting as it would be to blood new players, I think they should stick largely with the existing squad. However I would be giving the likes of Sam Whitelock, Messem (at 8), Braid, Mathewson, Slade, Ranger etc at least one start at during the tour (as well as some minutes from the bench), and I'd certainly give Afoa some gametime at hooker.

 

[Ninja]

No SBW?

He will definitely be picked by the 3 wise men though...

 

[Darwin]

No SBW?

He will definitely be picked by the 3 wise men though...

SBW wouldn't even be close to my squad - Nonu and Smith are the premier midfield combo, while Toeava and Kahui would be my preferred backups. At this stage I'd also rate Stanley, MacAlister, and Ben Smith ahead of him as second-five options - he would have to play exceptionally over the next few weeks for me to consider him.

 

[ranger]

Hookers: Hore (Elliot), Mealamu
Props: Woodcock, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Afoa
Locks: Thorn, Donnelly, Boric, Sam Whitelock
Loosies: Kaino, Vito, Read, McCaw, Daniel Braid
Halfbacks: Weepu, Cowan, Mathewson
First-fives: Carter, Slade, Cruden
Mid-field: Nonu, Kahui (Toeava/Fruean), Conrad Smith, SBW
Wing/Fullbacks: Sivivatu (Rococoko), Jane, Dagg, Ranger, Muliaina

-I have never really rated Flynn and he has done nothing so far to change my mind, i thought it was a poor decision taking him over Anton Oliver in 2003 and i think its a poor decision to continue with him now. If Hore doesnt recover id go with Elliot. He has the ball running skills the All Blacks have grown to depend on from Mealamu,he really gets around the park hitting breakdowns and making tackles and his lineout throwing is suspect but probably the best in NZ behind Rutledge (who seems to be out of contention). If ADM improves his lineout throwing drastically then he would get my vote.

-I've chosen one less loose forward as i think the current lot plus Braid can handle the work load and to be honest neither Messam or Thompson have done enough to seriously challenge for a 22 spot.

-Cruden has to stay on, he had a poor game but it wasn't enough of a shocker to rule him out of the 30 man squad completely. First five is too much of a critical position to just develop one backup and there has been so much effort put into him already. There are plenty of matches on the tour and i would like to see Slade and Cruden start the majority of them with Carter on the bench as a safety net.

-I would give SBW a run on this tour, he hasn't been the best player on the planet as the media have made out in his first few games, but at the same time he hasn't been as bad as some of the posters here make out. Watching his games objectively you can tell that he is a class above at ITM cup level, that much is obvious. I say he should be taken on the tour and thrown into the deep end against the likes of Scotland or Wales to see if he really is up to international standard.

-I'd love to make room for Gear but that doesn't look like its going to happen. Toeava has been out of the game for too long to command a position IMO, especially considering the depth in the backfield. He needs to come out of the blocks on fire to be in serious contention.

I'd really love to see this team lineup at least once on the end of year tour;

1)Tony Woodcock
2)Kevin Mealamu
3)Owen Franks
4)Sam Whitelock
5)Brad Thorn
6)Jerome Kaino
7)Richie McCaw
8)Keiran Read
9)Piri Weepu
10)Dan Carter
11)Sitiveni Sivivatu/Richard Kahui
12)Sonny Bill Williams
13)Rene Ranger
14)Corey Jane
15)Israel Dagg

16)Ben Franks
17)Andrew Hore/Hika Elliot
18)Tom Donelly
19)Daniel Braid
20)Alby Matthewson
21)Colin Slade
22)Conrad Smith

 

[gingergenius]

can't comment too much on the forwards. but NZ seem to have so much depth in the outside backs. Lets say they take 15 backs:

I'd take:

Weepu, Cowan, Mathewson

Carter, Slade, Cruden

Nonu, Smith, Rokocoko, Muliaina, Jane, Sivivatu, Dagg, Ranger, Fruean

which leaves out - Gear, Kahui, Ranger, Stanley, McAlister, Toeava. All of whom would walk into any of the home nations' sides. Not to mention SBW who really could look the part come next year's 3N.

 

[Darwin]

Hookers: Hore (Elliot), Mealamu
Props: Woodcock, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Afoa
Locks: Thorn, Donnelly, Boric, Sam Whitelock
Loosies: Kaino, Vito, Read, McCaw, Daniel Braid
Halfbacks: Weepu, Cowan, Mathewson
First-fives: Carter, Slade, Cruden
Mid-field: Nonu, Kahui (Toeava/Fruean), Conrad Smith, SBW
Wing/Fullbacks: Sivivatu (Rococoko), Jane, Dagg, Ranger, Muliaina

-I have never really rated Flynn and he has done nothing so far to change my mind, i thought it was a poor decision taking him over Anton Oliver in 2003 and i think its a poor decision to continue with him now. If Hore doesnt recover id go with Elliot. He has the ball running skills the All Blacks have grown to depend on from Mealamu,he really gets around the park hitting breakdowns and making tackles and his lineout throwing is suspect but probably the best in NZ behind Rutledge (who seems to be out of contention). If ADM improves his lineout throwing drastically then he would get my vote.

-I've chosen one less loose forward as i think the current lot plus Braid can handle the work load and to be honest neither Messam or Thompson have done enough to seriously challenge for a 22 spot.

-Cruden has to stay on, he had a poor game but it wasn't enough of a shocker to rule him out of the 30 man squad completely. First five is too much of a critical position to just develop one backup and there has been so much effort put into him already. There are plenty of matches on the tour and i would like to see Slade and Cruden start the majority of them with Carter on the bench as a safety net.

-I would give SBW a run on this tour, he hasn't been the best player on the planet as the media have made out in his first few games, but at the same time he hasn't been as bad as some of the posters here make out. Watching his games objectively you can tell that he is a class above at ITM cup level, that much is obvious. I say he should be taken on the tour and thrown into the deep end against the likes of Scotland or Wales to see if he really is up to international standard.

-I'd love to make room for Gear but that doesn't look like its going to happen. Toeava has been out of the game for too long to command a position IMO, especially considering the depth in the backfield. He needs to come out of the blocks on fire to be in serious contention.

I'd really love to see this team lineup at least once on the end of year tour;

1)Tony Woodcock
2)Kevin Mealamu
3)Owen Franks
4)Sam Whitelock
5)Brad Thorn
6)Jerome Kaino
7)Richie McCaw
8)Keiran Read
9)Piri Weepu
10)Dan Carter
11)Sitiveni Sivivatu/Richard Kahui
12)Sonny Bill Williams
13)Rene Ranger
14)Corey Jane
15)Israel Dagg

16)Ben Franks
17)Andrew Hore/Hika Elliot
18)Tom Donelly
19)Daniel Braid
20)Alby Matthewson
21)Colin Slade
22)Conrad Smith

I agree that 6 loosies is possibly over-kill - 5 would probably be adequate. I think they need to establish who is their next best option at 8 behind Read -whether it be Messem, Vito, or Thomson (or someone else). Rather than having six loosies they could add another prop or Hooker to the squad.

My exclusion of Cruden from the squad is not based on just this one game - actually I didn't think that Cruden was that bad at all. I just don't think his style of play is suited to test rugby at this stage. He needs to add a huge amount of distance to his punting, and needs to do a lot of work at kicks-offs. If the team is going forward he has the ability to dominate games, however in a tight game (as test rugby often can be) I'd much prefer the likes of Slade or Delany. In saying all that, I would be very surprised if the AB selectors don't pick him for the tour given the investment they have made in him so far.

 

[Larksea]

My Squad, 30 players

Woody, Franks x2, Afoa (unlucky - MacIntosh who's in brilliant form but only plays loosehead, may only get his chance if Woody gets injured)

Mealamu, Hore (Elliot) (unlucky - Aled, just needs to improve his lineout throw, everything else about his game is great, Elliot would be good in this squad the way the AB's are playing would suit his game. Both are better options than Flynn)

Thorn, Donnely, Boric, Whitelock - Awesome foursome. Not much room for argument here really.

McCaw(7), Read(8,6), Kaino(6), Messam(7,8), Vito(6,7) - No need for a specilest 7 to cover McCaw. Braid is ok but look at the ITM cup he cant touch What messam has been doing and messam is surely the next best 8 in NZ, and I just worry Braid is simply too small for the big time... as I've said before I imagine him up against the likes of Burger, Pocock, Elsom & co and I really dont think he has the stature to deal with those guys. Taking only 5 Loosies makes room for another 9 or 10.

Weepu, Cowan (Mathewson/Leonard) mathewson has his nose in front from the super14 but Leonard has been in great form in the ITM cup. These Two guys are basically in a shootout for an end of year tour spot. Last chance for Cowan he hasn't been in form really since 2008!

Carter, Cruden, Slade (10, utility) - Cruden is a special project yes but Slade just overtook him in the pecking order with a brilliant show in Sydney.

Smith, Nonu, Sonny Bill, Kahui (Fruen/Toeava) - fingers crossed kahui will make it, if not then Fruen may get the call. have some question marks about him and the way he ran out of steam in the super14 though. Needs to be managed, maybe he's not an 80min player? Toeava is a wildcard, he may be back in the next few weeks so we will see. SBW has been involved in almost every try Canterbury has scored over the last two weeks. It's been very impressive and he just has to keep on doing what he's doing and he will take Stanley's spot in the squad. I think he maybe even has the ability to lift another gear in big games when something needs to be done as well.

Jane, Sivivatu, Ranger - Hard to see Room for Roks when sivivatu is back? Alot will bepend on how his knee goes in the ITM cup before the squad is named but I would rather he got his knee sorted and hit next year 100% fitness than take him on EOY tour.

Mills, Dagg - pretty set here

 

[Shaggy]

Okay I'll give it a go

Hookers: Mealamu, Hore, Rutledge

Props: Franks, Franks, Woodcock, MacIntosh

Locks: Thorn, Donnelly, Whitelock, Eaton

Loose Forwards: Macaw, Kaino, Read, Vito, Thomson ... possible the form open side flanker in the ITM cup who ever that is but trying to make room for other players

Half backs: Weepu, Cowan, Lennard

Five eigths: Carter, Cruden, Slade

Centres: Nonu, Smith, SBW, Fruean

Wings/Full Backs: Sivivatu, Dagg,Jane, Muliana

I realise that the outside backs are a little bit low, but if you include Slade and Nonu as cover ... several other players I'd like in there but no room

 

[Ninja]

Here's my stab at a 30 man AB Squad:-

Hookers: Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore

Props: Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, Ben Franks, John Afoa

Locks: Brad Thorn, Anthony Boric, Sam Whitelock, Tom Donnelly

Loose Forwards: Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Vitor Vito, Adam Thomson

Half Backs: Piri Weepu, Jimmy Cowan, Kahn Fotuali'i

First-Fives: Dan Carter, Colin Slade

Centres: Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Robbie Fruen

Wings/Fullbacks: Mils Muliaina, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Hose Gear, Rene Ranger

Utility Back: Isaia Toeava


I would like to see this line up:-

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Keven Mealamu
3. Owen Franks
4. Brad Thorn
5. Anthony Boric
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Richie McCaw
8. Kieran Read
9. Piri Weepu
10. Dan Carter
11. Hose Gear
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Robbie Fruen
14. Israel Dagg
15. Mils Muliaina

16. Andrew Hore
17. Ben Franks
18. Sam Whitelock
19. Adam Thomson
20. Jimmy Cowan
21. Ma'a Nonu
22. Colin Slade

 

[nickdnz]

A few nice Squads here. Here's mine.

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Kevin Mealamu
3. Owen Franks
4. Brad Thorn
5. Tom Donnelly
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Richie McCaw (c)
8. Kieren Read
9. Peri Weepu
10. Daniel Carter
11. Hosea Gear
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Cory Jane
15. Mils Muliaina

16. Flynn (Hore if fit)
17. Ben Franks
18. Sam Whitelock
19. Victor Vito
20. Alby Mathewson
21. Aaron Cruden
22. Rene Ranger

R. Aled de Melmanche
R. John Afoa
R. Chris Jack
R. Daniel Braid
R. Jimmie Cowan
R. Colin Slade
R. Julian Savea
R. Joe Rokocoko
R. Israel Dagg

Some players would be great to test out like Savea and Gear in the All Blacks, and other I think could either gain confidence or prove their no longer AB material (Joe Rokocoko). I'd like to see SBW play in the Super 15 before he's part of the AB's. Maybe June test (Who makes the All Blacks after 7 first class games in New Zealand? That's hardly unreasonable to wait till June before being tested). Sivivatu is a no brainer for the June series, so I think making sure he's at 100% should be the priority.

 

[Darwin]

A few nice Squads here. Here's mine.

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Kevin Mealamu
3. Owen Franks
4. Brad Thorn
5. Tom Donnelly
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Richie McCaw (c)
8. Kieren Read
9. Peri Weepu
10. Daniel Carter
11. Hosea Gear
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Cory Jane
15. Mils Muliaina

16. Flynn (Hore if fit)
17. Ben Franks
18. Sam Whitelock
19. Victor Vito
20. Alby Mathewson
21. Aaron Cruden
22. Rene Ranger

R. Aled de Melmanche
R. John Afoa
R. Chris Jack
R. Daniel Braid
R. Jimmie Cowan
R. Colin Slade
R. Julian Savea
R. Joe Rokocoko

Some players would be great to test out like Savea and Gear in the All Blacks, and other I think could either gain confidence or prove their no longer AB material (Joe Rokocoko). I'd like to see SBW play in the Super 15 before he's part of the AB's. Maybe June test (Who makes the All Blacks after 7 first class games in New Zealand? That's hardly unreasonable to wait till June before being tested). Sivivatu is a no brainer for the June series, so I think making sure he's at 100% should be the priority.

Good looking squad - the only question I'd have is who is your backup second-five? Interesting to see that you've managed to fit not just one but two Wellington wings in your squad (as well as Jane)

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Eh, I think the NZ squad pretty much picks itself with only really the back-up positions where there might be room for someone to sneak in. Pretty goog place to be in a year away from a WC.
My picks:

Props:
Franks, Woodcock, Franks, Afoa
Hookers:
Mealamu, Hore*, Rutledge
Locks:
Thorn, Donelly, Williams*, Whitelock
Loose forwards:
McCaw, Read, Kaino, Thomson, SBW at 8!
Scrummie:
Weepu, Cowan, Mathewson
Flyhalf:
Carter, Donald (because we have PDiv as a handicap), Slade
Centers:
Smith, Nonu, Stanley, Toe'ava
Outbacks:
Muliaina, Jane, Dagg, Sivivatu*

PS, send a couple of outbacks you're not using our way.

 

[Shaggy]

Good looking squad - the only question I'd have is who is your backup second-five? Interesting to see that you've managed to fit not just one but two Wellington wings in your squad (as well as Jane)

I certainly don't want to answer on Nick's behalf, but his squad and your question does raise the possibility of playing Carter at second-five for some of the games ... it probably would relieve some of the pressure off the other 1st-fives mentioned.

i'd completely forgotten about the June internationals until I read Nick's post, and it's a good point regarding the injured players like Sivivatu who are already proven at test level, can be omitted from the EOY tour to make sure that they've recovered ... other players that might fit into this category could be Hore or Mealamu (but not both), some other injured players such as Kahui, Toeava, etc probably need the game time to press for further selection

 

[Darwin]

I certainly don't want to answer on Nick's behalf, but his squad and your question does raise the possibility of playing Carter at second-five for some of the games ... it probably would relieve some of the pressure off the other 1st-fives mentioned.

i'd completely forgotten about the June internationals until I read Nick's post, and it's a good point regarding the injured players like Sivivatu who are already proven at test level, can be omitted from the EOY tour to make sure that they've recovered ... other players that might fit into this category could be Hore or Mealamu (but not both), some other injured players such as Kahui, Toeava, etc probably need the game time to press for further selection

In my opinion it would be great to get the injured players (Sivivatu, Hore, Kahui, Toeava) re-involved in the squad for the end-of-year tour, so they have as much time as possible to build combinations before the RWC. However, as you say, if they cannot prove they have recovered 100% it may be worth leaving them until the June internationals.

 

[nickdnz]

I certainly don't want to answer on Nick's behalf, but his squad and your question does raise the possibility of playing Carter at second-five for some of the games ... it probably would relieve some of the pressure off the other 1st-fives mentioned.

i'd completely forgotten about the June internationals until I read Nick's post, and it's a good point regarding the injured players like Sivivatu who are already proven at test level, can be omitted from the EOY tour to make sure that they've recovered ... other players that might fit into this category could be Hore or Mealamu (but not both), some other injured players such as Kahui, Toeava, etc probably need the game time to press for further selection

Ohhh, yeah, that's what I was thinking <_<. In honesty I'd totally decided having my two Wellington wingers in the squad was the priority :lol:. Although Carter would be great at 2nd 5/8th, to take some of the pressure of Cruden and Slade. I don't think the returning players should be playing internationals unless they really are 100%. Now's the time for conserving a few players, so I think giving many a rest, while rewarding the good form of other players.

Gear's been on the verge of breaking into the All Blacks, but needs the time to prove himself, while I think it's safe to say Julian Savea has been the on form winger of the NPC (excluding last game). If either of them are selected though, I'd be happy. And if Zac Guildford could get an AB call up as early as he did, Savea certainly should make the team.

 

[Sam Owen]

I'd think it'll be good for the ABs to rest a few senior core players. Guys like Ritchie, Brad, Dan and Kieran (no Im not a Crusaders fan) maybe they can start but not give them too much game time, let them rest more as they've finished a good tri-nations. Only use them if they're really needed. It'll be a big loss if the All Blacks was to lose one of these guys to a major injury. I know, I know, I know...injuries a part of the game but you know what I mean...

The same goes for the Wallabies as I dont think they have as much depth as NZ and SA does. Australia like SA and NZ have heaps of talent but they're either playing League or AFL. So back to my point because the Wallies dont really have much quality depth it might be good to see more game time for the up and comers for their EOYT.

 

[Larksea]

I'm on the fence about resting senior players.

yes we need to manage their workload, I personally believe that one of the main factors that could hurt NZ's chances of winning the world cup is injury. Simply making sure we have our best players healthy when RWC kicks off will be a key to victory. If we end up with 10+ of our top 30 players out like we had last year it will make it very hard. If we have all but a few fit and ready it will be ours to lose. And Resting players this year will keep them freash for next year.

I am a bit worried about player workloads because of what happened in 2008 - 2009. In 2008 the AB's dominated. But they relied on a core group of ~20 players that had the major workload and played most tests. They basically didn't have a break all year at best a few weeks before 2009 super14 training started. Then in 2009 all but 2-4 of that core 20 players from 2008 had major form and injury issues in 2009 and it had a big impact on the AB's performance. Really only Nonu & Mills got through 2009 ok though Mills had a dip in form mid season and Nonu had a dip in form late season.

I hope the AB coaches learned from that.

But I dont want too many senior players kept home from the EOY tour because they are critical in the devalopment of the youg players and they drive the atmosphere in the squad. McCaw obviously runs the show, he's a walking breathing legend and sets the example, being an all black earns the players the right to stand side by side with McCaw and I think that is a big part of the squad. Also having someone like Mils around is critical in the devalopment of players like Dagg, Ranger & Sonny Bill. Can those young guys learn more from the coaches or from a guy who has played ~90 tests and has been rated the best at his position or there abouts year after year? There are stories around about Brad Thorn and when players slack off at trainig or aren't focused enough he sorts them out! It just shows how important those guys are to keeping the rest of the squad focused. Keeping the winning ways going.

What I'd like to see is most of the experienced players go, leave any guys with injury issues behind. Use rotation and use the bench to give new guys experience and also use the bench to rest the likes of McCaw, Carter, Nonu, Thorn & Woody.

 

[Sam Owen]

Yeah good read Larksea, some good points also. Yeah I've heard from many Crusader's that Thorn always points them in the right direction and is one of the first guys to come up to you, befriend and welcome you into their camp and I guess you do need that aswell as other things you mentioned. Nothing like experience to guide you.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

The only June tests we have are the Tri-Nations.

I'm predicting a squad of...

Props: Woodcock, Franks, Franks, Afoa
Hookers: Hore, Mealamu, Flynn
Locks: Thorn, Whitelock, Boric, Donnely
Loosies: McCaw, Kaino, Read, Vito, Messam
Halfbacks: Cowan, Weepu, Mathewson
First Fives: Carter, Cruden
Centres: Nonu, Smith, Williams, Kahui/Stanley
Outside Backs: Muliaina, Ranger, Jane, Sivivatu/Rokocko, Dagg

Though I'd prefer Toeava, Slade and Leonard in there for Williams, Cruden and Mathewson.

 

[Larksea]

Slade has to go

and I hope leonard goes too, I hope the halfback pecking order changes. Cowan just isn't the man anymore and hasn't been for the last 18 months. His Experience and comitment are great but his passing and clearance has been way way below par and his kicking - which was awesome back in 2008 just isn't a factor anymore. His Running game simply isn't threatening enough.

I think we will only see 2 hookers in the squad, and Afoa.