Keven Mealamu injured

[Jaguares]

Mealamu's calf causes All Black and Blues problems

Auckland Blues hooker Keven Mealamu has been forced to return home early from South Africa with a calf injury that is likely to cause Steve Hansen some concern as the All Blacks coach finalises his planning for the 2015 World Cup:

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/...ail&utm_term=0_53e97ccfb4-a54926581b-63589685

 

[nzlizard]

I though the replacement planning for Mealamu should have started 2 years ago.

All last year I was like why persist with Mealamu and Hore all year, Coles needs more time and starts and we have no real backup at international level if he is out.

Surely we learnt from the 91 world cup that if you take a forward pack of old guys they just run out of steam.

 

[Jaguares]

I though the replacement planning for Mealamu should have started 2 years ago.

All last year I was like why persist with Mealamu and Hore all year, Coles needs more time and starts and we have no real backup at international level if he is out.

Surely we learnt from the 91 world cup that if you take a forward pack of old guys they just run out of steam.

I think Liam Coltman could be a wonderful replacement of Mealamu, is young and certainly is better than Coles, Hansen just have to give him a chance. I think the June tests are a great opportunity to pick him and give him minutes with the black jersey, with some games could be the new all black hooker.

Cheers

 

[nzlizard]

I think Liam Coltman could be a wonderful replacement of Mealamu, is young and certainly is better than Coles, Hansen just have to give him a chance. I think the June tests are a great opportunity to pick him and give him minutes with the black jersey, with some games could be the new all black hooker.

Cheers

Yeah I don't know what the answer is for a long term solution, with the June tests being against England I imagine we won't deviate from the standard too much until/if we wrap it up in 2 games.

Doesn't leave us a lot of international rugby before the WC to blood in one or two positions that may not make it to the WC.

Given the pressure on now for rugby it really is blooding new players "by fire" just about.

 

[Shaggy]

From what I read, the Blues are just making sure his Calf is 100% before he plays, which is sensible in the long run

 

[Bada-Bing!]

I think Liam Coltman could be a wonderful replacement of Mealamu, is young and certainly is better than Coles, Hansen just have to give him a chance. I think the June tests are a great opportunity to pick him and give him minutes with the black jersey, with some games could be the new all black hooker.

Cheers

Only problem is Coltman can't throw straight. We've seen this problem with Tom Youngs for England and it can cost test matches.