England v New Zealand

[markshaw]

i thought cowan was excellent against Australia... why Mathewson?

good question..ah well at least its not aussie. he might be useful against the poms

 

[Larksea]

Yeah Cowan looked good though I only saw the 2nd half. It's been a long time since he's had a good game. Hope he keeps it up.

I can only guess that the coachees want to give all halfbacks a run. With 3 of them I guess Jimmy cant start all the tests.

 

[northharbour]

But if you think back through the year, The form halfback was Piri Weepu but the selectors incised on having Jimmy Cowan ahead of Weepu. So maybe they have a thing for the 2nd choice halfback???

Sounds random but they are the facts.

 

[Shaggy]

But if you think back through the year, The form halfback was Piri Weepu but the selectors incised on having Jimmy Cowan ahead of Weepu. So maybe they have a thing for the 2nd choice halfback???

Sounds random but they are the facts.

My recollection was that when they were both fit, they alternated which one started, and which one came off the bench ... I think Piri had the greater impact off the bench and closed out a game better though

 

[Tomsey]

England: Ben Foden (Northampton); Mark Cueto (Sale), Mike Tindall (Gloucester), Shontayne Hape (Bath), Chris Ashton (Northampton); Toby Flood (Leicester), Ben Youngs (Liecester); Andrew Sheridan (Sale), Steve Thompson (Leeds), Dan Cole (Leicester), Courtney Lawes (Northampton), Tom Palmer (Stade Francais) Tom Croft (Leicester), Lewis Moody (Bath, capt), Nick Easter (Harlequins)

Replacements: Dylan Hartley (Northampton), David Wilson (Bath), David Attwood (Gloucester), Hendrie Fourie (Leeds), Danny Care (Harlequins), Charlie Hodgson (Sale), Delon Armitage (London Irish).

Why is it that England seems unable to produce decent inside centres? The two best 12's are New Zelanders and on the world stage they aren't even that good...

 

[nickdnz]

I think a lot of New Zealanders really under estimate how good Flutey has become. He is a B&I Lion afterall.

 

[Shaggy]

Well here's the AB's team

http://tvnz.co.nz/all-blacks/sonny-bill-williams-named-start-3878966

Sonny Bill Williams will make his highly-anticipated All Blacks debut this weekend, after being named in the starting XV for their opening Grand Slam Test against England at Twickenham on Sunday morning (NZT).

The 25-year old league convert is set to play at centre.

Conrad Smith has not been named in the 22-man squad, putting the onus on Williams and Ma'a Nonu to create a strong midfield combination.

Isaia Toeava, slammed for two missed tackles in the Bledisloe Cup loss last weekend, remains as cover on the reserve bench.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry announced four changes to the starting team tonight, and eight in all, as the All Blacks look to atone for the gripping 26-24 defeat to Australia.

Halfback Alby Mathewson will also take to the field in a surprise selection over Jimmy Cowan, who was lauded for his impressive performance against the Wallabies.

The opportunity gives the Wellington player a chance to stake his claim for the jersey in Piri Weepu's absence after two Test caps of little significance.

The injured Cory Jane makes way for Hosea Gear to press for a more permanent place on the wing, with Tom Donnelly rounding out the starting casualty list, dropped in favour of Sam Whitelock.

The back line selections create one of the largest three quarter lines ever to play for New Zealand, with Nonu, Williams, Gear and Rokocoko all over 100kg.

The reserves bench has also seen a shake-up, with John Afoa and Daniel Braid dropped in favour of Ben Franks and Liam Messam.

Anthony Boric also makes a return to the bench, and uncapped hooker Hikawera Elliot will have another opportunity to make his debut from the bench.

Last week's villain, Stephen Donald, retains his position as Dan Carter's cover and Andy Ellis completes the squad.

New Zealand team to play England:

Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Samuel Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Alby Mathewson, Daniel Carter, Hosea Gear, Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Joe Rokocoko, Mils Muliaina

Reserve bench:

Hikawera Elliot, Ben Franks, Anthony Boric, Liam Messam, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava

 

[nickdnz]

Well here's the AB's team

http://tvnz.co.nz/all-blacks/sonny-bill-williams-named-start-3878966

Sonny Bill Williams will make his highly-anticipated All Blacks debut this weekend, after being named in the starting XV for their opening Grand Slam Test against England at Twickenham on Sunday morning (NZT).

The 25-year old league convert is set to play at centre.

Conrad Smith has not been named in the 22-man squad, putting the onus on Williams and Ma'a Nonu to create a strong midfield combination.

Isaia Toeava, slammed for two missed tackles in the Bledisloe Cup loss last weekend, remains as cover on the reserve bench.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry announced four changes to the starting team tonight, and eight in all, as the All Blacks look to atone for the gripping 26-24 defeat to Australia.

Halfback Alby Mathewson will also take to the field in a surprise selection over Jimmy Cowan, who was lauded for his impressive performance against the Wallabies.

The opportunity gives the Wellington player a chance to stake his claim for the jersey in Piri Weepu's absence after two Test caps of little significance.

The injured Cory Jane makes way for Hosea Gear to press for a more permanent place on the wing, with Tom Donnelly rounding out the starting casualty list, dropped in favour of Sam Whitelock.

The back line selections create one of the largest three quarter lines ever to play for New Zealand, with Nonu, Williams, Gear and Rokocoko all over 100kg.

The reserves bench has also seen a shake-up, with John Afoa and Daniel Braid dropped in favour of Ben Franks and Liam Messam.

Anthony Boric also makes a return to the bench, and uncapped hooker Hikawera Elliot will have another opportunity to make his debut from the bench.

Last week's villain, Stephen Donald, retains his position as Dan Carter's cover and Andy Ellis completes the squad.

New Zealand team to play England:

Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Samuel Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Alby Mathewson, Daniel Carter, Hosea Gear, Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Joe Rokocoko, Mils Muliaina

Reserve bench:

Hikawera Elliot, Ben Franks, Anthony Boric, Liam Messam, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava

Interesting squad. Not a squad I'd be too comfortable with against Australia, but with any luck our huge backline will give Englandsome trouble. Can't see Sonny Bill Williams replacing Conrad Smith, or even being primarily a Center, I just think they want to test out the giant backline. I very much doubt Sonny Bill Williams will replace the best center in the world, on a regular basis.

 

[Shaggy]

Interesting squad. Not a squad I'd be too comfortable with against Australia, but with any luck our huge backline will give Englandsome trouble. Can't see Sonny Bill Williams replacing Conrad Smith, or even being primarily a Center, I just think they want to test out the giant backline. I very much doubt Sonny Bill Williams will replace the best center in the world, on a regular basis.

Yep, I was surprised that Cowan wasn't at least on the bench ... and Toeava's, and not Smith (I know he's there to cover multiple positions) there to fix up the mid field experiment if it all goes wrong ... it's a bit of a gamble ... no Donnelly either

 

[Hurricane Nate]

Wonder what the TAB will be paying for SBW first try hmmmm? or better yet if they'll have odds on how long will it take SBW to be exposed on defence?

 

[Sneaki]

Well, interesting to see that they are giving SBW a start this early. I guess they don't have enough time to just ease him into the squad the way they did with guys like Cruden, so they're just throwing him in the deep end and seeing how he goes.

Pretty strong team overall, although I'd have to question why Ellis is on the bench with Mathewson starting. He's not exactly an impact player, and I would've thought they'd be better having Cowan in the mix, will be interesting to see how it goes in that department anyway.

 

[Teh Mite]

Why is it that England seems unable to produce decent inside centres? The two best 12's are New Zelanders and on the world stage they aren't even that good...

Unfortunately all the ones who've had potential over the years have been ignored for media favourites. Anthony Allen immediately springs to mind.

Sadly though there's nobody about now who could hold a candle to Greenwood or Catt.

 

[veux]

Donald on he bench is a really bad idea for this match - I'd say the last 20 is when NZ can punish England most, but if Donald comes on they've got a relitavely inexperieced backline that aren't the best at decision making.

 

[Darwin]

Donald on he bench is a really bad idea for this match - I'd say the last 20 is when NZ can punish England most, but if Donald comes on they've got a relitavely inexperieced backline that aren't the best at decision making.

They didn't have any option but to have Donald on the bench given they only picked two first-fives in their tour squad... Luckily Carter won't go off this match unless he is injured (or the AB's are up by at least 30)...

 

[Nate Dizzle]

Carter will play 80 unless he's injured so needn't worry about Donald ruining this one. Definitely a rawish look to the backline but the forwards look solid and will probably outgun the English pack around the field. That'll give our backs front foot ball all day and they have the potential to run riot with the likes of Gear running off Nonu and Williams. ******** to them taking the ABs on in the running stakes they need to play to their strengths which is territory, set piece and pressure. No use in reinventing themselves for this game they'll just fall harder if they do.

 

[Covertjay]

The All Blacks have played England 33 times since 1905 with 26 wins to New Zealand, six to England and one draw. The last Test against England was at Twickenham on last year's end of year tour, which the All Blacks won 19 - 6.

Starting XV:
1. Tony Woodcock (70)
2. Keven Mealamu (81)
3. Owen Franks (18)
4. Brad Thorn (47)
5. Samuel Whitelock (9)
6. Jerome Kaino (34)
7. Richie McCaw – captain (90)
8. Kieran Read (26)
9. Alby Mathewson (2)
10. Daniel Carter (75)
11. Hosea Gear (2)
12. Ma'a Nonu (53)
13. Sonny Bill Williams *
14. Josevata Rokocoko (67)
15. Mils Muliaina (90)

Reserves:
16. Hikawera Elliot (uncapped)
17. Ben Franks (7)
18. Anthony Boric (16)
19. Liam Messam (5)
20. Andy Ellis (14)
21. Stephen Donald (20)
22. Isaia Toeava (27)

Toeava instead of Smith? No Cowan? Otherwise ok team.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Firstly can we stop bagging Donald, there are a number of players who stuffed up and one could easily argue that Donald did the right thing.

In regards to the XV, I guess Toeava is on the bench because if Muliaina gets injured we'd be stuffed.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Donald on for Nonu or $BW at some point.

 

[Covertjay]

So Dagg must be out for a while I guess. Toeva play at FB much??

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

So Dagg must be out for a while I guess. Toeva play at FB much??

Dagg's out for the whole tour, and Toeava spends about as much time at fullback as he does at centre.

 

[Nate Dizzle]

Firstly can we stop bagging Donald, there are a number of players who stuffed up and one could easily argue that Donald did the right thing.

In regards to the XV, I guess Toeava is on the bench because if Muliaina gets injured we'd be stuffed.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Donald on for Nonu or $BW at some point.

Really?