With a two prop bench
1; Woodcock
2; Hore
3; O Franks
4; Romano
5; Whitelock
6; McCaw
7; Cane
8; Read
9; Smith
10; Carter
11; Savea
12; Nonu
13; Smith
14; Jane
15; Dagg
16; Charlie
17; Toby Smith
18; Dane Coles
19; Brodie Retalick
20; Liam Messam
21; TJ Perenara
22; Bauden Barrett
23; Richard Kahui
notes:
- Richard Kahui was clearly our best 11 and pretty much on a level with Smith as a 13 before being injured, But Savea has pretty much established himself at 11 (that said if it was a world cup final tomorrow I'd select Kahui over Savea in a heartbeat). I have Jane at 14 but I'd just as easily start him at 14 depending on form. Jane is a great player but compared to Kahui I think Jane has quiet games, not as good on defense (tackling) jane has a bit more x-factor and agility, kahui more size, tough call.
- SBW would be 12 but obviously he's currently playing league. Lets check again in a year or so.
- Going on recent form the best of Mealamu has maybe come and gone, we need New Blood, Coles is the best option right now. Hore is old as well but just seems to be as good as ever. His experience and strength at the breakdown are critical for the AB's.
- McCaw moving to 6 would clearly be the best option for NZ right now, I think the only thing stopping that move is McCaw's ego. He clearly and openly does not want to move to 6 which is a shame I think.
- Pains me not to have Ben Smith in the side, he's about on a level with Dagg at 15 and i think even though Conrad is the best 13 in the world Smith is just as good as him at 13. Just as good at 12 or win as well. Just has not been given the chance.
- I think Toby Smith is a world class Prop, he's had bad luck with injuries and really bad timing with injuries. I think if he gets an injury free season, or even last half a season he will make the All Blacks. This is the guy who could take over from Woodcock as NZ's premier loosehead. Great Scrum, tackles like Owen Franks and is one of NZ's best ball running props.
1; Woodcock
2; Hore
3; O Franks
4; Romano
5; Whitelock
6; McCaw
7; Cane
8; Read
9; Smith
10; Carter
11; Savea
12; Nonu
13; Smith
14; Jane
15; Dagg
16; Charlie
17; Toby Smith
18; Dane Coles
19; Brodie Retalick
20; Liam Messam
21; TJ Perenara
22; Bauden Barrett
23; Richard Kahui
notes:
- Richard Kahui was clearly our best 11 and pretty much on a level with Smith as a 13 before being injured, But Savea has pretty much established himself at 11 (that said if it was a world cup final tomorrow I'd select Kahui over Savea in a heartbeat). I have Jane at 14 but I'd just as easily start him at 14 depending on form. Jane is a great player but compared to Kahui I think Jane has quiet games, not as good on defense (tackling) jane has a bit more x-factor and agility, kahui more size, tough call.
- SBW would be 12 but obviously he's currently playing league. Lets check again in a year or so.
- Going on recent form the best of Mealamu has maybe come and gone, we need New Blood, Coles is the best option right now. Hore is old as well but just seems to be as good as ever. His experience and strength at the breakdown are critical for the AB's.
- McCaw moving to 6 would clearly be the best option for NZ right now, I think the only thing stopping that move is McCaw's ego. He clearly and openly does not want to move to 6 which is a shame I think.
- Pains me not to have Ben Smith in the side, he's about on a level with Dagg at 15 and i think even though Conrad is the best 13 in the world Smith is just as good as him at 13. Just as good at 12 or win as well. Just has not been given the chance.
- I think Toby Smith is a world class Prop, he's had bad luck with injuries and really bad timing with injuries. I think if he gets an injury free season, or even last half a season he will make the All Blacks. This is the guy who could take over from Woodcock as NZ's premier loosehead. Great Scrum, tackles like Owen Franks and is one of NZ's best ball running props.