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<blockquote data-quote="nickdnz" data-source="post: 318168" data-attributes="member: 38640"><p><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">I'll give my 2c towards the team.</span></p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Props</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">:</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Tony Woodcock</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">: Good selections, solid player who's not had his best season but offers a lot of experience and is a safe option up front.</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Neemia Tialata: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Was always going to be in the squad, another safe selection. Not a great long term option however shouldn't be a risk either.</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Owen Franks: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">The prop whom we need to give the most amount of time on the field. Has a lot of good potential and no real downsides to his game. Should hope to see more of him this year.</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Ben Franks:</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'"> Another good prospect like Owen, had a good S14 season behind a dominant Crusaders scrum. Still pretty young for a prop, so plenty of time to develop him.</span></p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Hookers</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">:</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Kevin Mealamu: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Obvious selection, no one else would do after Hore's injury. Good work rate and leadership. Good lineout thrower and scrummager. Safe and good selection.</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Aled de Malmanche: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Despite a great season from Rutledge, I'm actually fairly pleased that Aled was selected. He does need to work on his lineout throwing, however a problem with New Zealand is that we tend to pick players who will be at their prime for the RWC, and then go overseas for a big contract as their careers will be nearing it's end anyway and they probably wont see another RWC. Rutledge is 32 years old. While it would have been nice to see him included on form, and an end of year tour isn't out of the picture, I think Aled's selection is a better long term option, especially considering his work rate and power is all very good.</span></p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Locks:</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Brad Thorn: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Automatic selection. Best current lock in New Zealand. Great work rate and leadership, he tends to motivate his team especially when playing in the AB's. Lineout is average, but has backup in other capable locks and loose forwards.</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Tom Donnelly: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Was impressed with his form last year and a very good end of year tour. Does that basics well. Surprised he was selected as he hasn't had much time with the Highlanders due to injury and is still recovering, despite this I think it was a solid selection and his selection for the AB's last year should now be paying off.</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Anthony Boric:</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'"> His role in the AB's I believe to be a place holder for either Ali William's return or the rise of Whitelock or even Isaac Ross. Offers nothing other than being solid. Won't set the world on fire, but wont mess up too badly either. Safe (in not too safe) selection.</span></p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Loose Forwards:</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Richie McCaw: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Because we don't have any other decent openside flankers who can play at the moment and Richie is the best openside flanker in the world and is captain.</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Jerome Kaino:</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'"> He's come off his best season so far in the Super 14 and should add a bit of grunt to what is an otherwise athletic and mobile loose forward trio.</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Adam Thompson: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">I rate the guy fairly highly, however I think we are over stocked in the loose forward compartment. Had a good season and is a good fetcher and ball runner, however I think he isn't hard enough for the blindside flank, not a good enough fetcher for the openside flank, and not good enough off the flank for #8. Seems destined to be on the bench for RWC. He is a good lineout jumper however.</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Victor Vito: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Great new selection. He is a fast runner of the ball, but over this S14, he has developed into a good blineside flanker and #8. He has gained the hardness he needs to play international rugby while maintaining his athleticism. He can also jump in the lineout which I think the AB's will take advantage of.</span></p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Halfback:</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Jimmie Cowan:</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'"> Another safe selection. Jimmie Cowan is a good defender, an average kicker, a good passer and has good leadership. Not a player who I believe should be starting halfbacks for the AB's however he works well with Daniel Carter.</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Peri Weepu: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Many feel he is taking the place of Alby Mathewson, who has had a great season at S14. I can see the exact only reason why Weepu was chosen over Mathewson. Because Aaron Cruden is still suspect on goal kicking, Weepu will be brought in to kick the ball over the posts. Weepu is a talented player and has moments of magic however is often inconsistent. He will be played from the bench which will encourage his status as "impact sub". Not a poor choice however I would have preferred Mathewson.</span></p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Fly Half:</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Daniel Carter: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">He's one of the best, if not the best fly half in the world. He's had an average Super 14 season however he shines when he is in the All Black jersey and is an obvious first selection for the All Blacks.</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Aaron Cruden:</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'"> Biggest surprise selection for me, seeing how Henry and co are usually very conservative in their selections. Right now I don't think he is good enough to be a RWC All Black, however by putting him in the AB's he should develop nicely by the time the RWC arrives. My only hope is that Henry has patience with him, because he is bound to make mistakes. Best backup to Carter we have at the moment.</span></p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Centre:</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Benson Stanley:</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'"> Had an impressive S14. The general opinion is that he is only in the squad because everyone else in injured, however I believe that he has plenty to offer the AB's and at the very least, he won't make mistakes. He is a very powerful defender and won't hurt the AB's. Still, I imagine by the time the RWC comes around, and McAlister and Nonu are back to form, he will not be selected.</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Conrad Smith: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">He's had yet another great season as the Hurricanes few consistent players (other than Cory Jane & Hosea Gear). Best defending centre in the world and a good attacker as well. He'd be an automatic selection.</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Richard Kahui:</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'"> He's had a poor season for the Chiefs, however while many criticize his selection it comes down to, who else is fit? He showed he has plenty of potential last year and the year before, now he needs to prove why he should be in the AB squad for the RWC.</span></p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Wing:</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Joe Rokocoko: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Yes, it's his number one fan reviewing him, so it may be bias however...He has had his best Super 14 season so far with 9 tries (tied as highest try scorer I believe, but I could be wrong). He was told to improve on several areas which include catching which he has done, as well as scoring plenty of tries like the Joe of old, which he has done. It's a good selection and I'm happy he has regained his squad.</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Zac Guildford: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">I am tired listening to 45 year old men in bars pointing to Zac and saying "this kids got a future" like they're the ones who have discovered him. He's good. Not great. Good. He finishes off tries nicely. He is pretty quick and I must admit I was impressed with him in the S14 semi final, chasing down Spies. I would not put Guildford in my starting line-up for the RWC. That being said, they way Henry seems to like him, as well as the fans, I'm betting he will be starting come the RWC.</span></p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Fullback:</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Cory Jane: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">No he is not a wing. Cory Jane is the most consistently good fullback this year. He is good in defence but is most prominent in attack. He has very good instincts and takes chances that pay off. He is also very comfortable under the high ball. No real problems in his game and i expect him to have overtaken Mils as the #1 fullback by the RWC.</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Mils Muliaina: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Hasn't had a very long or consistent Super 14, however he is the second most capped AB of all time and offers a load of experience as well as plenty of skill when he is in form. Last year he had a very good season which providing he gets over his injury, I expect him to be NZ's best backup. His ability to play Centre and Wing may see him played more often from the bench.</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Israel</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'"> Dagg: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">Has had a promising S14 season which has seen him make the AB's. He can goal kick, which will give him an advantage over other fullbacks, however the form of Cory Jane and experience of Mils, should see Israel Dagg play a mainly back up role to the other two. That being said, he has plenty of fans and a lot of talent. No obvious flaws to his game however I feel his is a little suspect on defence. Good addition. It will be interesting to see what till happen when Sivivatu is fit again, and which wing/fullback will be given the boot.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="nickdnz, post: 318168, member: 38640"] [FONT=Tahoma]I'll give my 2c towards the team.[/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma] [/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Props[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]:[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Tony Woodcock[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]: Good selections, solid player who's not had his best season but offers a lot of experience and is a safe option up front.[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Neemia Tialata: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]Was always going to be in the squad, another safe selection. Not a great long term option however shouldn't be a risk either.[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Owen Franks: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]The prop whom we need to give the most amount of time on the field. Has a lot of good potential and no real downsides to his game. Should hope to see more of him this year.[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Ben Franks:[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma] Another good prospect like Owen, had a good S14 season behind a dominant Crusaders scrum. Still pretty young for a prop, so plenty of time to develop him.[/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma] [/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Hookers[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]:[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Kevin Mealamu: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]Obvious selection, no one else would do after Hore's injury. Good work rate and leadership. Good lineout thrower and scrummager. Safe and good selection.[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Aled de Malmanche: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]Despite a great season from Rutledge, I'm actually fairly pleased that Aled was selected. He does need to work on his lineout throwing, however a problem with New Zealand is that we tend to pick players who will be at their prime for the RWC, and then go overseas for a big contract as their careers will be nearing it's end anyway and they probably wont see another RWC. Rutledge is 32 years old. While it would have been nice to see him included on form, and an end of year tour isn't out of the picture, I think Aled's selection is a better long term option, especially considering his work rate and power is all very good.[/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma] [/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Locks:[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma][/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Brad Thorn: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]Automatic selection. Best current lock in New Zealand. Great work rate and leadership, he tends to motivate his team especially when playing in the AB's. Lineout is average, but has backup in other capable locks and loose forwards.[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Tom Donnelly: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]Was impressed with his form last year and a very good end of year tour. Does that basics well. Surprised he was selected as he hasn't had much time with the Highlanders due to injury and is still recovering, despite this I think it was a solid selection and his selection for the AB's last year should now be paying off.[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Anthony Boric:[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma] His role in the AB's I believe to be a place holder for either Ali William's return or the rise of Whitelock or even Isaac Ross. Offers nothing other than being solid. Won't set the world on fire, but wont mess up too badly either. Safe (in not too safe) selection.[/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma] [/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Loose Forwards:[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma][/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Richie McCaw: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]Because we don't have any other decent openside flankers who can play at the moment and Richie is the best openside flanker in the world and is captain.[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Jerome Kaino:[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma] He's come off his best season so far in the Super 14 and should add a bit of grunt to what is an otherwise athletic and mobile loose forward trio.[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Adam Thompson: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]I rate the guy fairly highly, however I think we are over stocked in the loose forward compartment. Had a good season and is a good fetcher and ball runner, however I think he isn't hard enough for the blindside flank, not a good enough fetcher for the openside flank, and not good enough off the flank for #8. Seems destined to be on the bench for RWC. He is a good lineout jumper however.[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Victor Vito: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]Great new selection. He is a fast runner of the ball, but over this S14, he has developed into a good blineside flanker and #8. He has gained the hardness he needs to play international rugby while maintaining his athleticism. He can also jump in the lineout which I think the AB's will take advantage of.[/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma] [/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Halfback:[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma][/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Jimmie Cowan:[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma] Another safe selection. Jimmie Cowan is a good defender, an average kicker, a good passer and has good leadership. Not a player who I believe should be starting halfbacks for the AB's however he works well with Daniel Carter.[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Peri Weepu: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]Many feel he is taking the place of Alby Mathewson, who has had a great season at S14. I can see the exact only reason why Weepu was chosen over Mathewson. Because Aaron Cruden is still suspect on goal kicking, Weepu will be brought in to kick the ball over the posts. Weepu is a talented player and has moments of magic however is often inconsistent. He will be played from the bench which will encourage his status as "impact sub". Not a poor choice however I would have preferred Mathewson.[/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma] [/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Fly Half:[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma][/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Daniel Carter: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]He's one of the best, if not the best fly half in the world. He's had an average Super 14 season however he shines when he is in the All Black jersey and is an obvious first selection for the All Blacks.[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Aaron Cruden:[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma] Biggest surprise selection for me, seeing how Henry and co are usually very conservative in their selections. Right now I don't think he is good enough to be a RWC All Black, however by putting him in the AB's he should develop nicely by the time the RWC arrives. My only hope is that Henry has patience with him, because he is bound to make mistakes. Best backup to Carter we have at the moment.[/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma] [/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Centre:[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma][/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Benson Stanley:[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma] Had an impressive S14. The general opinion is that he is only in the squad because everyone else in injured, however I believe that he has plenty to offer the AB's and at the very least, he won't make mistakes. He is a very powerful defender and won't hurt the AB's. Still, I imagine by the time the RWC comes around, and McAlister and Nonu are back to form, he will not be selected.[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Conrad Smith: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]He's had yet another great season as the Hurricanes few consistent players (other than Cory Jane & Hosea Gear). Best defending centre in the world and a good attacker as well. He'd be an automatic selection.[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Richard Kahui:[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma] He's had a poor season for the Chiefs, however while many criticize his selection it comes down to, who else is fit? He showed he has plenty of potential last year and the year before, now he needs to prove why he should be in the AB squad for the RWC.[/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma] [/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Wing:[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma][/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Joe Rokocoko: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]Yes, it's his number one fan reviewing him, so it may be bias however...He has had his best Super 14 season so far with 9 tries (tied as highest try scorer I believe, but I could be wrong). He was told to improve on several areas which include catching which he has done, as well as scoring plenty of tries like the Joe of old, which he has done. It's a good selection and I'm happy he has regained his squad.[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Zac Guildford: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]I am tired listening to 45 year old men in bars pointing to Zac and saying "this kids got a future" like they're the ones who have discovered him. He's good. Not great. Good. He finishes off tries nicely. He is pretty quick and I must admit I was impressed with him in the S14 semi final, chasing down Spies. I would not put Guildford in my starting line-up for the RWC. That being said, they way Henry seems to like him, as well as the fans, I'm betting he will be starting come the RWC.[/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma] [/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Fullback:[/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma][/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Cory Jane: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]No he is not a wing. Cory Jane is the most consistently good fullback this year. He is good in defence but is most prominent in attack. He has very good instincts and takes chances that pay off. He is also very comfortable under the high ball. No real problems in his game and i expect him to have overtaken Mils as the #1 fullback by the RWC.[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Mils Muliaina: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]Hasn't had a very long or consistent Super 14, however he is the second most capped AB of all time and offers a load of experience as well as plenty of skill when he is in form. Last year he had a very good season which providing he gets over his injury, I expect him to be NZ's best backup. His ability to play Centre and Wing may see him played more often from the bench.[/FONT] [B][FONT=Tahoma]Israel[/FONT][/B][B][FONT=Tahoma] Dagg: [/FONT][/B][FONT=Tahoma]Has had a promising S14 season which has seen him make the AB's. He can goal kick, which will give him an advantage over other fullbacks, however the form of Cory Jane and experience of Mils, should see Israel Dagg play a mainly back up role to the other two. That being said, he has plenty of fans and a lot of talent. No obvious flaws to his game however I feel his is a little suspect on defence. Good addition. It will be interesting to see what till happen when Sivivatu is fit again, and which wing/fullback will be given the boot.[/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma] [/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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