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<blockquote data-quote="Big Ewis" data-source="post: 660037" data-attributes="member: 57076"><p>for me Ben Smith at 15 is a no-brainer, can't understand anyone wanting Dagg over him there. I haven't seen Conrad Smith play in a long time, but I'd still probably have him along with Nonu at midfield, Fekitoa is fantastic but still very young and could start some of the "easier" games or add punch off the bench. Definitely a major prospect for the RWC. Cruden to start at 10, I've seen Carter play 12 only lately and he's fine but absolutely nothing compared to the Carter of old and NZ needs to play Cruden and Barrett as much as possible to solidify their confidence and comfort as All-Black flyhalves in view of the next RWC, that's the aim and Carter isn't getting any younger.</p><p>Aaron Smith was brilliant and consistent against England, I think he's possibly the best 9 around atm.</p><p></p><p>Indeed Woodcock looked brilliant in his last series against Eng, esp. that one test where he was all over the place, offering a lot across the field, not just scrummaging. Too bad he'll be absent.</p><p>Richie McCaw is still very good, what a player. Liked him a lot in the last SR semi-final, still very active. Messam had shown he may not have the world class power for a backrower against England, and I haven't seen much of Luatua but again, a fine young player, and with good size. NZ's third row should prob. be Kaino-Mccaw-Read though.</p><p>Read is on form, and he'll be his standard delight to watch, one of my favorite non-french players for a while. A back in a forward's body, but also an adept forward.</p><p></p><p>For the wings, I've got Savea by default, and the other Piuatu. Another very young and already stellar commodity for NZ, I particularly had the chance to see his ability against France last time they came to Paris. He had that offload to Read for the score; made the try. Haven't seen tons of him, but he's more athletic and dynamic than Cory Jane from what I've seen, and I think his max is more potent than Jane's max. I understand Jane is a more experienced back three, good under the high ball, a sure source, that sort of thing...but Piutau is like a Fekitoa-on-the-wing.</p><p>Dane Coles to start, no ? How old is Mealamu !!?</p><p></p><p>And nice to see Whitelock and Retallick at locks if you're supporting NZ. Retallick is in my current World XV, and Whitelock, one fine Rugby product, not just brute force in that second row.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Big Ewis, post: 660037, member: 57076"] for me Ben Smith at 15 is a no-brainer, can't understand anyone wanting Dagg over him there. I haven't seen Conrad Smith play in a long time, but I'd still probably have him along with Nonu at midfield, Fekitoa is fantastic but still very young and could start some of the "easier" games or add punch off the bench. Definitely a major prospect for the RWC. Cruden to start at 10, I've seen Carter play 12 only lately and he's fine but absolutely nothing compared to the Carter of old and NZ needs to play Cruden and Barrett as much as possible to solidify their confidence and comfort as All-Black flyhalves in view of the next RWC, that's the aim and Carter isn't getting any younger. Aaron Smith was brilliant and consistent against England, I think he's possibly the best 9 around atm. Indeed Woodcock looked brilliant in his last series against Eng, esp. that one test where he was all over the place, offering a lot across the field, not just scrummaging. Too bad he'll be absent. Richie McCaw is still very good, what a player. Liked him a lot in the last SR semi-final, still very active. Messam had shown he may not have the world class power for a backrower against England, and I haven't seen much of Luatua but again, a fine young player, and with good size. NZ's third row should prob. be Kaino-Mccaw-Read though. Read is on form, and he'll be his standard delight to watch, one of my favorite non-french players for a while. A back in a forward's body, but also an adept forward. For the wings, I've got Savea by default, and the other Piuatu. Another very young and already stellar commodity for NZ, I particularly had the chance to see his ability against France last time they came to Paris. He had that offload to Read for the score; made the try. Haven't seen tons of him, but he's more athletic and dynamic than Cory Jane from what I've seen, and I think his max is more potent than Jane's max. I understand Jane is a more experienced back three, good under the high ball, a sure source, that sort of thing...but Piutau is like a Fekitoa-on-the-wing. Dane Coles to start, no ? How old is Mealamu !!? And nice to see Whitelock and Retallick at locks if you're supporting NZ. Retallick is in my current World XV, and Whitelock, one fine Rugby product, not just brute force in that second row. [/QUOTE]
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