Possible All Blacks Leaving After World Cup 2011

[Gavin]

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/u...uge-postworld-cup-pay-day-20101211-18tcs.html

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/4450127/Euro-cash-lure-for-All-Black-Mils-Muliaina

Mils Muliaina is getting snowed under with offers from European clubs who want to whisk him away after next year's World Cup.
The star fullback, who has played a record 94 tests for the All Blacks since his debut in 2003, will be 31 at the end of the cup and in the perfect position to secure a massive contract before hanging up his boots.
Sunday News understands Welsh club Ospreys are leading the chase for Muliaina, with the Swansea-based side considering him as a replacement for Wales and Lions fullback Lee Byrne.
Clermont coach Vern Cotter wants to take Byrne to France but Ospreys will only allow the move if they can find a suitable replacement, and that's where Muliaina fits in.
This week relations between the Ospreys and Byrne turned sour. The club threatened to fine him after he went AWOL when a scheduled doctor's appointment for a thumb injury picked up in last month's test against the All Blacks.
The incident is likely to hasten his departure.
But it's not just the Ospreys who are after Muliaina â€" a number of other high-profile European clubs are in the hunt and it leaves the Chiefs star in a great position to negotiate the best deal.
Muliaina was in France last week on promotional duties for adidas and said he's always been keen on the French lifestyle.
"Perhaps [I'll go to France]. It is a country I've always liked," he said. "I like French culture, French food and French wine. To play in France would be an opportunity difficult to refuse.
"I haven't thought about where I'd play next but I'd never say never to coming to France."
Ma'a Nonu could be heading to Munster after the World Cup. The Irish side that has former All Blacks Doug Howlett and Sam Tuitupou on its books are after a world-class centre, and with Nonu coming off contract after the cup he is a prime target.
Although there is a year to go before any All Blacks join European clubs, the NZRU want contracts sorted out sooner rather than later.
"We would like as much certainty around key guys as early as possible next year," NZRU boss Steve Tew said.
"The leading guys in the All Blacks want to clear this off their plate well in advance."
All Blacks coming off contract after the cup also include Dan Carter, John Afoa, Sonny Bill Williams, Richie McCaw, Josevata Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock, Neemia Tialata, Andy Ellis, Keven Mealamu, Piri Weepu and Brad Thorn.

So Mils to Ospreys and Nonu to Munster. Though I don't think Mils would fit in well with the Ospreys.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I said in another thread imagine if they put in an offer on Mils after Byrne leaves

 

[Amobokoboko]

Mils should stay and actually push the chiefs to the final and win it. Williams will not go overseas as he is to fragile for injuries. The rest I don't know. But it would be a bad thing for NZ rugby if the entire team leaves.

 

[nickdnz]

I don't know if Nonu will go to Munster, although Conrad Smith has stated that if he was to play overseas, it would likely be for Munster. I hope there isn't quite the same player exodius as last World Cup.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

After reading that, I imagine Muliaina will got to France over 'spreys
More money, better weather, and he said he likes France as well



Also, you need to stick SBW back to Toulon on the list

 

[ckell]

Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems to me as if New Zealand is an endless pit of rugby talent so even if there was to be the mass exodus that there was in 2007-2008, they would be able to develop another strong young team, with growing pains for sure, but I'm sure New Zealand would be fine even if big players left.

 

[Amobokoboko]

True, but you need some of your key players to help the youngsters develop and you can't replace a Carter or McCaw in one week.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

keep in mind a few of these guys are getting on anyway and we need to really start thinking about replacements for after the world cup, Mils has been amazing in the last few seasons but with people like Dagg/smith coming through im not too worried, Mils wouldn't make it to the next world cup anyway.

Dan is still a problem, they need to decide to give Salde or Cruden or anyone else (Donald is not the futrue) a decent run before he goes, same with Richie (although less likely to go?) although fewer names jump out.

 

[Dizzy]

We're well covered if mils leaves.. We've got Jane and Dagg to cover that position so im not too worried about him leaving... Nonu is a worry though with SBW a certainty.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Mils to Ospreys is a likely target, Ospreys are willing to match the money of France!

 

[markshaw]

**** mills would carve up there!

 

[Larksea]

Dan Carter, John Afoa, Sonny Bill Williams, Richie McCaw, Josevata Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock, Neemia Tialata, Andy Ellis, Keven Mealamu, Piri Weepu and Brad Thorn

listed with the biggest loss first in decending order.

Obviously McCaw would be the biggest loss - at the same time he gets bashed around more than most people in world sport and he can't play that way forever. Money wont be an issue as he is one of the handfull players in NZ that do get a real level of pay that compares well with europe. He is one guy that thrives on test rugby though, you can see it in him that the black jersey is what it's all about for him. So my gut feeling is that he will finish his carrier in NZ which may even involve playing through till 2015 if he can manage his body well - another knee injury would change that, he had a couple last year and since then he has a ton of strapping on that knee.

Carter would be a loss too but between Donald, Slade, Delany & Cruden someone will step up. They all have the potential to do well at test rugby if given more than Dan Carters Scraps to feed off. Cruden seems destined to take over at some point but maybe a couple years away and needs to sort his goal kicking.

People hate on Tony Woodcock at times but he's been very reliable for the AB's for a long time and has done the job very well all round the park and plays the full 80 pretty much every time. He will be very hard to replace. Looking at NZ rugby right now - Toby Smith looks destined to become an all black but he's still very young and jamie MacIntosh could come on - but he doesn't have the cool head Woody has which has been critical to the AB's.

Mills next, best 15 in the world. The way he plays oozes experience because he pretty much never makes mistakes apart from the odd kick that's not perfect. He's so sure under the high ball and on defence and has still got enough blistering speed to drag off the kids in the Aussie backline. He finds himself this far from the top of the list because of the fact Israel Dagg looks the goods and the perfect choice to take over and could become the most exciting 15 for the AB's since Cullen.

Next big loss would be Weepu - he is NZ's best halfback when he's fit. Cowan has been hot and cold for most of his carrier and Leonard has been hampered by injuries. Weepu has his fitness issues but when he's good he's the best there is in the world IMO. And seems to come up trumps in the big games.

Next would be Kevin Mealamu - huge amount of experience and ability and I'm sure he does a lot within the squad to keep everyone on their toes and focused on winning.

Brad thorn - not so much because of his playing ability because there is a lot of depth now at lock in New Zealand. But I think he's an important member of the AB squad and he brings work ethic and sets the example. Everyone in this squad looks up to thorn and I'm sure none of them want to let him down.

Next would be John Afoa, because he can play both sides of the scrum and hooker at a pinch. He never seems to let down in the scrum and ball in hand he's very good for a prop.

Rokocoko - world class winger but there is so much tallent on the wings in NZ it's hard to tell how much he will be missed. Roks has lost his grip on the starting 15 anyway.

Sivi & Ali Williams - been injured too long to tell how much of a loss they would be... But these guys aren't All Black journymen, they have both at one point been the best players in the world at their position and critical within the AB's - so it all comes down to how well they go next year. But at the same time Lock and Wing seem to be where NZ has a lot of depth.

Sonny Bill - no one expects him to stay in NZ long after the world cup. Who knows maybe he'll become a professional golfer and sholdercharge tiger woods (I'd pay to see that).

Nonu & Conrad Smith aren't on that list but both have expressed interest in playing overseas and it's hard to imagine them staying long after 2011. They would be a big loss. Kahui could be better than either of them but he's had a shocking run with injury and it's hard to pick another young midfielder who could be world class. Maybe he could pair with Toeava or Ranger though I'd rather see the steady influence of Ben Smith come in who maybe has similar attributes to Conrad smith and an even wider skillset.

Tialata & Elis I won't miss

IMO the biggest issue would be not the impact of individuels leaving the squad but the combined impact of a number leaving at the same time. It will require new people to step up and take over the mantle of the leaders in the squad and the right people have to take up those positions. In particular McCaw, Mills, Mealamu & Thorn

Also have to consider the other guy who's contract is up. If uncle Ted carries on doing this well he will end 2011 being the most successful & experienced Rugby coach ever. I think it was a great move to keep him on after 2007 when he lost pretty much half of the AB's squad to player drain post WC. A similar loss of players plus the coach as well will be about as close to square one as the AB's have ever been and make for very interesting times.

 

[Larksea]

Mils to Ospreys is a likely target, Ospreys are willing to match the money of France!

Does sound like Mills would rather live in France though which would tip the scales

 

[Larksea]

just for giggles.

2012 All Blacks:

1, Ben Franks
2, Hika Elliot
3, Owen Franks
4, Anthony Boric
5, Sam Whitelock
6, Jerome Kaino
7, Richie McCaw
8, Kieran Read
9, Brendon Leonard
10, Stephen Donald
11, Hosea Gear
12, Ben Smith
13, Richard Kahui
14, Toeava
15, Israel Dagg

16, Mega
17, Toby Smith
18, Issac Ross
19, Liam Messam
20, Alby Mathewson
21, Colin Slade
22, Cory Jane