Exactly what I as going to say, but you beat me too it!
Overall a largely predictable 22. Mealamu has been given the nod over Hore at hooker, and it will be interesting to see whether he starts throughout the RC, or whether they rotate their hookers a bit. Romano over Retallick is a slight surprise, but a good move in my opinion. Though I think Retallick is probably still a better lock than Romano, Romano is a specialist TH lock, whereas Retallick is a really more of a LH lock (though could develop into the TH lock role). Romano doesn't have the same work-rate as Retallick, but he will certainly add a lot to the AB's scrum, and offers another very powerful ball running option (which the AB's used very well in the 3rd Ireland test). I'd expect Retallick will still get a number of starts throughout the tournament, and I'd even be keen to see him paired with Romano in one of the Argentina matches. Messam gets his big chance to nail down the AB's 6 jersey - while I would have (just) preferred Vito, it is hard to argue that Messam doesn't warrant a start on form! All he needs to do is bring his Super Rugby form into the test arena - he showed he could do that in the third Ireland test, but this will be another step up again.
No surprises at all in the backline. Gear likely got the nod over Savea due to his experience, and now has a good chance to to nail down the AB's left wing spot. The key for him is to not only continue with the strong work-rate he has displayed all season, but also to be very aggressive, as when he is fired up he is very hard to stop!
Oh yeah, you love him too. +ve rep to that man.
