Who would pick in the All Blacks to build depth in the squad

[lance2010]

Colin Slade,Julian Savea,Sean Maitland

 

[William18]

I know that there has been some discussion about this already on other threads, but given the injury/surgery for Carter, the lack of a specialist open side to backup McCaw, who captains if he is absent.

I would like to see Colin Slade picked as a backup for Aaron Cruden (in Carter's absence), Robbie Fruen given a go at outside centre at some stage, Sonny Bill Williams a go at inside centre at some stage, and Karl Lowe given a run at open side flanker.

Not sure who the form No 8 is, but who ever it is probably needs a run as well.

What are your thoughts?

Considering how much criticism Henry coped for his rotation policy, a lot of people obviously want serious changes to the All Blacks. SBW hasn't even played an ITM Cup games in NZ and people want to put him into the All Blacks. If we given Fruen a go we would be putting him ahead of C.Smith, Kahui and Ranger off of something like four games in the ITM Cup. Prior to this year he has been a massive disappointment and what's the point picking someone now who won't be at the world cup?

The All Blacks should only be experimenting at half-back, first-five and openside flanker. Positions where we have a lack of depth or are still up in the air. Mathewson, Cruden and a suitable flanker should all be tried out. In other positions we don't need to build depth, we already have depth.

 

[Iron Mike]

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Corey Flynn
3. Owen Franks
4. Brad Thorn / Anthony Boric
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Victor Vito
7. Richie Mccaw
8. Kieran Read
9. Piri Weepu
10. Aaron Cruden
11. Hosea Gear
12. Luke Mcalister
13. Richard Kahui
14. Jane
15. Israel Dagg

This would be a team I would play against England and such. Australia would be the same team in the last few games but with Aaron Cruden.

 

[nickdnz]

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Corey Flynn
3. Owen Franks
4. Brad Thorn / Anthony Boric
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Victor Vito
7. Richie Mccaw
8. Kieran Read
9. Piri Weepu
10. Aaron Cruden
11. Hosea Gear
12. Luke Mcalister
13. Richard Kahui
14. Jane
15. Israel Dagg

This would be a team I would play against England and such. Australia would be the same team in the last few games but with Aaron Cruden.

Good boy.

On the other hand, I don't think England want to play against Hosea Gear again.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Haha, you never know, if David Strettle isn't in the team we might have a winger who could tackle him (that attempt by Strettle was laughable)

 

[Shaggy]

Considering how much criticism Henry coped for his rotation policy, a lot of people obviously want serious changes to the All Blacks. SBW hasn't even played an ITM Cup games in NZ and people want to put him into the All Blacks. If we given Fruen a go we would be putting him ahead of C.Smith, Kahui and Ranger off of something like four games in the ITM Cup. Prior to this year he has been a massive disappointment and what's the point picking someone now who won't be at the world cup?

The All Blacks should only be experimenting at half-back, first-five and openside flanker. Positions where we have a lack of depth or are still up in the air. Mathewson, Cruden and a suitable flanker should all be tried out. In other positions we don't need to build depth, we already have depth.

I don't want serious changes to the All Blacks, just viable substitutes with experience, that can be called upon if needed.

I see that No. 8,inside centre, and outside centre are all positions that need these back up players.

At No.8, IMO, there is only Keiran Read at the moment ... Is Vito or Kaino going to play there if needed. if so they need some game time there.

2nd five seems to have Nonu ... and then who? ... it seems that McAlister hasn't done too much in the ITM, they've spent the money on SBW (yes he actually needs to play some ITM), why not give him a go on the NH tour.

Yes Conrad Smith is the best 13 we have, and Kahui is class, but he's also extremely injury prone, hence why i'm suggesting another one (Fruen), recalling Toeva, would be my preference when he's fit, as he can play in other positions as well.

Seven potential games in seven weeks is a tough ask if you are playing the same players - some of them are bound to get injured along the way, or before the tournament starts for that matter

 

[Iron Mike]

Damn, I've completely forgotten about Toeava. What happened to him? Last time I heard he was struggling with dodgy hips?

He would be an excellent 12/13 backup as the All Blacks have too many class wings / fullbacks where I doubt he could push through to be a replacement.

My All Blacks squad if all are fit by the RWC for the All Blacks would be (32)

Forwards : Woodcock, O.Franks, B.Franks, Afoa, Mealamu, Hore, Thorn, Williams, Whitelock, Donnelly, Eaton, Vito, Kaino, Mccaw, Read, Messam.

Backs : Weepu, Cowan, Carter, Cruden, Brett, Mcalister, Nonu, Smith, Kahui, Toeava, Dagg, Jane, Mils, Sivivatu, Gear, SBW (if he turns out to be the god everyone makes him out to be, if not probably another halfback).

 

[markshaw]

Colin Slade,Julian Savea,Sean Maitland

finally a decent idea i was about to write that my self..people think outside the square

 

[markshaw]

Good boy.

On the other hand, I don't think England want to play against Hosea Gear again.

good call with hosea over joe. personally id like to see joe goneskees along with zac guildford. sean maitland would benefit from the end of year tour. that guys one of the fastest and strongest wingers around

 

[Shaggy]

Damn, I've completely forgotten about Toeava. What happened to him? Last time I heard he was struggling with dodgy hips?

The last article I found on him was in late May when it said that he'd have the op on his hip, and would be out for 4 - 6 months ... so he might be back before the end of year tour


He would be an excellent 12/13 backup as the All Blacks have too many class wings / fullbacks where I doubt he could push through to be a replacement.

Yep, that would be the place to put him, but he could also cover the outside backs from the bench if needed... I agree that we seem to have an abundance of talent in the squad already to cover the wings and fullback positions, so that's why I didn't suggest Savea, Maitland, and co (not saying they won't make the AB's eventually though)


My All Blacks squad if all are fit by the RWC for the All Blacks would be (32)

Forwards : Woodcock, O.Franks, B.Franks, Afoa, Mealamu, Hore, Thorn, Williams, Whitelock, Donnelly, Eaton, Vito, Kaino, Mccaw, Read, Messam.

Backs : Weepu, Cowan, Carter, Cruden, Brett, Mcalister, Nonu, Smith, Kahui, Toeava, Dagg, Jane, Mils, Sivivatu, Gear, SBW (if he turns out to be the god everyone makes him out to be, if not probably another halfback).

Good squad, not convinced about Messam, Brett, and Gear though ... maybe one of the specialist No. 8's mentioned earlier, Colin Slade, and Rokocoko, for those three

 

[Iron Mike]

My basis for Brett is purely from those NZ Maori games as he is on better form, but from the last few years Colin Slade would be my first pick but Brett has a better running game, Slade reminds me a lot of Merthens. Messam is the best of what they have, he in my opinion would only be used as a backup if any of the main players got injured.

 

[nickdnz]

My basis for Brett is purely from those NZ Maori games as he is on better form, but from the last few years Colin Slade would be my first pick but Brett has a better running game, Slade reminds me a lot of Merthens. Messam is the best of what they have, he in my opinion would only be used as a backup if any of the main players got injured.

Brett has a better running game than Slade? Slade is one of the quickest players in the Crusaders, which is why he can and has played wing and fullback. I'd say Slade is a very different type of player from Mehrtens.



Am I the only one who also likes Botica? Great save by Slade in this vid though.

 

[Shaggy]

Brett has a better running game than Slade? Slade is one of the quickest players in the Crusaders, which is why he can and has played wing and fullback. I'd say Slade is a very different type of player from Mehrtens.



Am I the only one who also likes Botica? Great save by Slade in this vid though.

Botica looks pretty impressive in the clip but he's probably too far down the pecking order for 1st fives isn't he ... from what i remember of Brett, he was a bit erratic with his goal kicking isn't he?

 

[Sam Owen]

Botica is ok, I wonder what he'd be like a few kg's lighter. He'd probably have scored that try in that clip had he been lighter. Other than that try and a game winning drop goal his ITM has been ok so far, made his starting jersey just last week I'm sure.

 

[nickdnz]

Yeah, I wasn't saying Botica should be an All Black, I just thought he's looked impressive so far. The video was highlighting the defensive skill of Slade. With Brett gone back to the Saders, I wonder who's in the run for the Blues 1st 5/8th jersey?

It may be an idea for someone like Delany or Donald to move back to Auckland.

 

[Sam Owen]

Slade is very athletic and thats what got him that try-saver on Botica for his team. I didnt know Brett had gone back to the 'saders, Delaney might be good for the Blues I think Donald should stay with the Chiefs but who knows.

 

[Amobokoboko]

As a chief fan I reckon both guys should stick with the Chiefs

 

[Shaggy]

As a chief fan I reckon both guys should stick with the Chiefs

I agree - to be honest, i'm not sure that being the Blues 1st five does you any favours when it comes to someones All Black aspirations ... they don't seem to keep them from season to season do they

 

[Sam Owen]

I agree - to be honest, i'm not sure that being the Blues 1st five does you any favours when it comes to someones All Black aspirations ... they don't seem to keep them from season to season do they

I think Carlos and Grant Fox were the longest incumbants in their time. Definately a lot of chopping and changing with the Blues 1st fives lately.

 

[nickdnz]

I think Carlos and Grant Fox were the longest incumbants in their time. Definately a lot of chopping and changing with the Blues 1st fives lately.

In fairness though, they've had to borrow too many players. Gopperth and Brett were the last two Blues fly halfs, and they were both borrowed, so if they could sign a permanent fly half, they'd do much better.