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candybum
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http://allblacks.com/news/10432/Eaton-and-...i-Nations-squad
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Some inevitable inclusions and omissions. Can't help but to feel Messam was a scapegoat for the 1st test loss. And seems silly to have 5 props when Franks is very unlikely to get any game time. Discuss.
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The selection of 2008 All Blacks, lock Jason Eaton and winger Hosea Gear, and the return of All Black veterans Richie McCaw, Rodney So'oialo and Sitiveni Sivivatu, are the key features of the 30-strong All Blacks squad for the Investec Tri Nations, announced today by All Blacks Coach Graham Henry and his Assistant Coaches Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen.
John Afoa - Auckland
Jimmy Cowan - Southland
Wyatt Crockett - Canterbury
Aled de Malmanche - Waikato
Stephen Donald - Waikato
Jason Eaton - Taranaki
Bryn Evans - Hawke's Bay
Owen Franks - Canterbury
Hosea Gear - Wellington
Andrew Hore - Taranaki
Cory Jane - Wellington
Jerome Kaino - Auckland
Tanerau Latimer - Bay of Plenty
Brendon Leonard - Waikato
Luke McAlister - North Harbour
Richie McCaw - Canterbury (Captain)
Keven Mealamu - Auckland
Mils Muliaina - Waikato
Ma'a Nonu - Wellington
Kieran Read - Canterbury
Josevata Rokocoko - Auckland
Isaac Ross - Canterbury
Sitiveni Sivivatu - Waikato
Conrad Smith - Wellington
Rodney So'oialo - Wellington
Brad Thorn - Canterbury
Isaia Toeava - Auckland
Neemia Tialata - Wellington
Piri Weepu - Wellington
Tony Woodcock - North Harbour
The squad is made up of 17 forwards and 13 backs with the forwards bolstered by the return of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw who has recovered from his pre-Iveco Series knee injury, while Rodney So'oialo returns after his recovery and rehabilitation. In the backs, Sitiveni Sivivatu returns after recovering from a dislocated shoulder, which ruled him out of the Iveco Series.
It will be a quick turnaround for 26-year-old Hurricanes and Taranaki lock Jason Eaton and 25-year-old Hurricanes and Wellington winger Hosea Gear, who last played for the All Blacks on the 2008 Grand Slam tour, with the pair returning to New Zealand yesterday after helping the Junior All Blacks to victory in the recent IRB Pacific Nations Cup in the Pacific Islands.
Meanwhile, the injury news for the All Blacks continues, with Isaia Toeava likely to miss the first three Tests of the Investec Tri Nations, with a scan late this week confirming that he has a stress fracture in his left foot; while Stephen Donald is also recovering from his hamstring strain.
The All Blacks squad will assemble in Wellington for a two-day camp next week (Wednesday and Thursday) and four players will assemble with the squad for the camp as cover: Hurricanes and Wellington utility back Tamati Ellison, Crusaders and Canterbury first five-eighths Stephen Brett and 2008 All Blacks Ben Franks and Anthony Tuitavake, who were all members of the victorious Junior All Blacks squad.
Players not considered for selection due to injury include lock Ali Williams (Achilles), wing Rudi Wulf (shoulder), flanker Adam Thomson (hand), centre Richard Kahui (shoulder), lock Anthony Boric (toe), halfback Andy Ellis (ribs), hooker Corey Flynn (forearm), flanker Scott Waldrom (back) and first-five eighths Daniel Carter (Achilles).
All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said the team was under no illusions how challenging this year's Investec Tri Nations would be.
"It's going to be a huge contest right from the first Test. But this group of players has the resolve and the character to meet that challenge head on so we are expecting it to be another massive competition between the three top-ranked countries in world rugby," he said.
The All Blacks open the Investec Tri Nations on Saturday July 18 when they take on the Wallabies at Eden Park, Auckland, in the first Bledisloe Cup clash before they head to South Africa for two Tests against the Springboks at Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein (July 25) and ABSA Stadium, Durban (August 1). They play the Wallabies at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, on August 22 and finish the competition with two home Tests against the Springboks at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, on September 12 and the Wallabies at Westpac Stadium, Wellington, the following week on September 19.
The All Blacks will assemble in Auckland on Sunday 12 July ahead of the Auckland Bledisloe Cup Test.
Meanwhile, tickets to the Auckland Test are selling quickly with almost 30,000 sold and just 2,000 remaining. Tickets cost as little as $20 for children and $50 for adults and are available from Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.co.nz or 0800 111 999).
Ticket holders and Eden Park ground members are encouraged to use the free transport options available to and from the park – visit www.maxx.co.nz closer to the date for full details.[/b]
Some inevitable inclusions and omissions. Can't help but to feel Messam was a scapegoat for the 1st test loss. And seems silly to have 5 props when Franks is very unlikely to get any game time. Discuss.
