Ben Franks out - Tialata in

[Darwin]

from the first game I saw Toby Smith play I've thought he looks like a future all black - I didn't know he could play both sides though, I've only seen him play loosehead. And after keeping ben may on the bench in ITM cup he may be ready sooner rather than later.

Good point about Faumauina (sp) he may have been a better choice for the future compared to Tialata. Better around the field for sure, but I really dont rate Tialata much around the field.

I think Aled is awesome, he is one bad arsed dude. but from what I've seen of his proping it's only just good enough for super14 at a pinch. Not test standard IMO

Nathan White is an unlikely choice, but I have to agree I'd rate him higher than Tialata...

Toby Smith was a tight-head prop up until a few years ago - he played there for the NZ under 20's, and did a play his first NPC games there. He's been used at loose-head recently as there is an abundance of tightheads in Waikato (and the Chiefs). He is really untried at tighthead prop at ITM/Super Rugby level, but I have no doubt he is more than capable of playing there if he is given a chance...

 

[Larksea]

he's super impressive

great at the pick and go & going forward with the ball in hand
Like the franks brothers he gets around and makes a lot of tackles many props don't
For his age his ability at the scrum is very good, considering he's ~5 years away from his prime.