If You Were a National Coach...

[ChiefsFan]

All Blacks Team (Not based on Form)
15 - Muliaina
14 - Rockocoko
13 - Kahui
12 - Carter
11 - Sivivatu
10 - Evans
9 - Leonard
8 - Collins
7 - McCaw
6 - Messam
5 - Williams
4 - Eaton/Flavell
3 - Sommerville
2 - Mealamu
1 - Woodcock

22 - Toeava/Nonu/Macdonald
21 - Toeava/Nonu/Macdonald
20 - Weepu
19 - So'oalo
18 - Flavell/Eaton/Brad Thorn
17 - Schwalger (Probably)
16 - Hore

I think that seems like a fair representation of what the ABs team will be.

 

[Orcaral]

Btw, here is the 22 I would have based on the first 4 rounds. Been too caught up

1. Woodcock - Top quality stuff from the silent assasin, and other real contenders atm.
2. Mealamu - defence has been massive, running game not his usual self yet bet getting there.
3. Afoa - great workrate around the park, monster of a man and part of the dominant blues scrum.
4. Williams - been playing great footy, even if he is in red.
5. Flavell/ Thorn -if Flavell is going to Japan, then Thorn.
6. Collins - working into form. Part of the trinity. Kaino is pushing close though.
7. McAwe - Nuff said.
8. Rodders - See Collins.
9. Ellis- form halfback IMO
10. Carter - as good as Evans is, I would still have Carter in there. Watch this space by the round 14.
11. Rokocoko - best winger in world rugby.
12. Stanley - rock solid defence, pace, the step, good clearing kicks, cut outs and a cool head. Only a rookie too and we need a new #12
13. Toeava- form centre. Dangerous runner, good defender, feeds his outsides very well. (Had a very quiet game against the sharks though)
14. Tuitavake - Massive defence the last few games. IMO better line breaker than even Nonu. Can also cover center very well.
15. MacDonald - playing better than Mils atm. Again watch this space.

16. Sommerville
17. Flynn
18. Eaton
19. Kaino
20. Weepu/ Cowan
21. Evans
22. Mils/ Sivivatu

 

[sambãd5]

i think that the most intresting to see come selection time will be what henry does with the 5/8 and 2nd 5/8. evans has been on fire for a long time now. and carter really only stepped up against the force from what ive seen. however - i think it will be unhealthy to have a 10) evans 12) carter combo going. its just something we are going to have to face. some people are going to miss out. remembering that it is the year after the world cup so centres such as kahui, brett, toeava, stanly etc is an option. i doubt anyone will argue that they would have carter/evans in there team rather than one of those centres. but what it comes down to is would you rather have 2 piviots/play makers in a team, or one with specialist 2nd 5/8.

personally, i think we should invest in the centres. meaning imo carter, should miss out on current form.


now oricale, whats this about flavel going back to japan? this would be huge loss for the all blacks if he does. hes a monster and will be playing a key role in the blacks now with jack out of the picture.

 

[Orcaral]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4431717a10295.html

Troy Flavell will be back playing in Japan by the end of the year.

Sunday News can reveal the 22-test All Black and current Blues captain will return to Japan to see out his playing days after his NZRU contract expires at the end of the season.

A source at the Japanese Rugby Union told Sunday News last night that Flavell will be returning to the land of the Rising Sun.

"It has been agreed for Troy to return to Japan,'' the source said.

"He played very well for Toyota when he was there before and I'm sure he will be just as good this time in Japan.''

A source in New Zealand confirmed Flavell's departure.

"Troy hasn't got anything left to prove in New Zealand and at the age of 31 he's not getting any younger.''

Flavell was one of the unluckiest players to miss out on the World Cup squad last year and had every right to feel he was badly treated by the All Blacks selectors.

He was brought into the squad for his ability to play lock and blindside flanker but never got a chance in any of his five tests to play at six. And strangely, was made the fall guy for the team's 15-20 loss to the Wallabies in Melbourne.

Sunday News has been told Flavell issued then-manager Rob Brady a "get me out of here quick" notice immediately after the naming of the World Cup team.

But Brady instructed Flavell to remain in New Zealand until at least the end of the 2008 Super 14 to avoid being snapped up on the cheap around the World Cup when it was very much a buyer's market.

Flavell will be New Zealand's top rugby export as long as the NZRU can hang on to Dan Carter.

He has proved with the Blues that his hot-headed days are behind him and that he has genuine leadership qualities.

Flavell was linked with Nick Evans as being on Ulster's hitlist of players to sign for next season but it appears neither will go.

Evans, who has an out-clause on his contract, could be more inclined to stay because of the success he's having with the Blues and must feel for the first time that he's in a position to challenge Daniel Carter for the ABs No 10 jersey.

Flavell may have already played his last game for Auckland. It's possible he'll ask the NZRU to be released from his contract to move to Japan in time for the start of their season in September.

[/b]

He could be throwing this out there to further his bargaining price, but doesn't look like it.
Gonna be a huge loss to the blues, but not so much the All Blacks I think. He was only going to play one more year at most anyways. Still would have been very nice to have him around, but it wouldn't be a major blow. We have a few up and comers in the ranks who could be given a chance.

He could've been a great All Black if he didn't **** off to Japan from his ill discipline all those years ago. Ah if only aye...

 

[sambãd5]

man that sucks ehy. it is true though. he did mature a hell of a lot in japan and is very unlucky to make the allblacks and i guess he just fell into a trap of maturity vs age. if the wc was two years earlier then he would be at his prime. but who knows - i thought that he wouldnt have come back in the first place - and it just seems that hes one of those players who just gets better with age.

 

[candybum]

Poor Troy just unable to turn his S14 form into the international scene. Maybe he is leaving due to him not going to make the 2011 WC?? and thought he'd make a few bucks before he throws in the towel.

Interesting not to see Tuiali'i in those XV's up there, hes been the mantis so far, with Rodney not anywhere near his best. Nick Williams has been playing well but i don't see him playing for the ABs anytime soon, he's still pretty young i believe. One player i can't wait to see back is Daniel Braid, he's often been unlucky due to McCaw and (at times) Holah, and the development of Masoe (hes been solid for the ABs but hasnt really been on fire). Jerome has been coming along nicely, but like Troy, hasn't really been impressive in the ABs, apart from his debut. Lauaki is going nowhere, fast! is it me or has he found the art of handbrake? everytime i see him take up the nuts, he slows down, and goes.... nowhere...

Stanley could be one of the Favs to be the AB's bolter should he be injury free prolly rookie of the year (nz) along with Stephen brett. Kurtis Haiu is one of my favs too, shed his bush of hairs for the good i reckon lol hes come a long way since i first saw him couple years ago

Not being plain mean or anything but i don't see anyone in the Highlanders being AB's at this point. Hurricanes are their own worst enemies.

Far Sivivatu looks like a fat *******!

 

[sambãd5]

haha, oh how the times are changing.

how many years does collins have left in him? because your right - kaino and williams along with tualii are looking good.

and what a fall from grace! sitiveni and sione! whats happened? theyve both been eating too many pies! im really looking foward to the rest, especially the latter end of the super 14 this year. and eagarly waiting for the all blacks to be named. hopefully (and from past experiance he will) henry will take a risk on kaino, williams and stanly. should be good.

 

[Mr. Laxative]

Very difficult to actually pick a 15, so I've got a thirty man squad, with the team I think should be selected.

Prop: Henderson, Sheperdson, Holmes, Ma'afu
Hooker: Faingaa, Freier, Hardman
Second Row: Chisholm, Sharpe, Horwill
Flanker: Chapman, Smith, Pocock, Waugh
Number 8: Hoiles, Palu

Scrumhalf: Phibbs, Cordingley
Flyhalf: Giteau, Barnes
Centres: Mortlock, Ashley-Cooper, Cross, Staniforth
Wing: Playford, Rathbone, Mitchell
Fullback: Latham, Gerrard, Turner

And the next fifteen, who would be extremely unlucky to miss out:
Alfi Mafi, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Al Campbell, Peter Kimlin, Rocky Elsom, John Roe, Tamaiti Horua, Luke Burgess, Kurtley Beale, Tyrone Smith, Ben Jacobs, Clinton Shifcofske, Lote Tuqiri, Cameron Sheperd

 

[BLR]

So basically the Brumbies Mr Laxitive?

 

[Fushitsusha]

So basically the Brumbies Mr Laxitive?
[/b]

Haha...

However, I do think that the Brumbies might dominate the squad...

Anyways, I think the Wallaby needs to combine the strengths of all the Aussie S14 sides to make a good squad...

For instance, Deans will need to combine the strengths of the Reds scrum, the Waratahs lineout, the Brumbies breakdown dominance with a mixed Force/Brumbies backline...

I think the following team could have potential (this is just a rough draft)

1. Holmes
2. Faingaa
3. Maafu
4. Horwill
5. Sharpe
6. Elsom
7. Smith
8. Hoiles

9. Phibbs
10. Giteau
11. Mitchell
12. Staniforth
13. Mortlock
14. Turner
15. Latham (Gerrard when Latham leaves)

16. Freier
17. Shepherdson
18. Chisholm
19. Waugh/Pocock
20. Cordingley
21. Beale/Barnes
22. Ashley-Cooper

Unfortunately with Giteau likely moving to flyhalf there's going to have to be another backup on the bench. And while I don't think Barnes or Beale are playing good enough to be them one of them will have to in case Giteau gets injured. I'd prefer to have someone like Cross or Shepherd on the bench.

Also, that centre combination could go Mortlock/Ashley-Cooper, or Mortlock/Cross.

Horwill only starts because his set piece is better and I think Chisholm could be devastating off the bench because he's the best ball running lock in the country.

Phibbs is definately the toughest and most consistent halfback we've got. Cordingley is the other other halfback to be playing well.

None of the hookers have impressed me and I think Faingaa is showing the most promise. Freier has been fairly solid but nothing too special. And Moore isn't even starting for the Reds.

Clearly Dunning and Baxter's representative days are over after they got monstered by the Brumbies scrum (without Shepherdson) who a week earlier got outscrummed by the Reds!

They've yet to play the Force but so far the 'Tahs can only claim the THIRD best scrum in the country. And that's not good enough for the Wallabies.

And Rathbone probably won't be playing again this year so I don't he's going to be representing Australia.

 

[Fushitsusha]

And the next fifteen, who would be extremely unlucky to miss out:
Alfi Mafi, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Al Campbell, Peter Kimlin, Rocky Elsom, John Roe, Tamaiti Horua, Luke Burgess, Kurtley Beale, Tyrone Smith, Ben Jacobs, Clinton Shifcofske, Lote Tuqiri, Cameron Sheperd
[/b]

I doubt Mafi, Horua and Jacobs would even be good enough to represent Australia A.

Burgess is being wasted at the Waratahs. He really should be starting for them over Sheehan.

I'm sure McKenzie will wait until it's too late to give him a try.

 

[Juggernaut]

Unfortunately with Giteau likely moving to flyhalf there's going to have to be another backup on the bench. And while I don't think Barnes or Beale are playing good enough to be them one of them will have to in case Giteau gets injured. I'd prefer to have someone like Cross or Shepherd on the bench.
[/b]

Deans is known to prefer 2 kicking playmakers at 10 & 12 (Carter/Mauger & Carter/Brett)....so dont be surprised if he names his team with either a Gits/Barnes combo or vice-versa.

 

[nam97]

Well so far So'oialo hasn't done anything to suggest why he is the number 1 no.8 in the country. Tuiali'i and Williams are my front runners.

I don't know what to think about Weepu but Ellis, Cowan and Leonard are all in front of him.

Laulala has to be given some recognition also, he's been awesome in our midfield this season and is a beast at breaking the line and has great defense.

Brad Thorn is great too, I'd include him as cover for Williams/Eaton. Reuben Thorne is history in my opinion.

 

[Fushitsusha]

<div class='quotemain'>
Unfortunately with Giteau likely moving to flyhalf there's going to have to be another backup on the bench. And while I don't think Barnes or Beale are playing good enough to be them one of them will have to in case Giteau gets injured. I'd prefer to have someone like Cross or Shepherd on the bench.
[/b]

Deans is known to prefer 2 kicking playmakers at 10 & 12 (Carter/Mauger & Carter/Brett)....so dont be surprised if he names his team with either a Gits/Barnes combo or vice-versa.
[/b][/quote]

If that was the case you'd have to have Barnes at flyhalf and Giteau at inside centre and Mortlock at outside centre.

But the word on the street is that Giteau will play at flyhalf with two strong ball running centres outside of him.

 

[BLR]

But the word on the street is that Giteau will play at flyhalf with two strong ball running centres outside of him.
[/b]

Do you mean Mortlock offering to play 12? Thanks but no thanks...Why would Deans listen to that when he has been so successful doing things his way, with two playmakers in 10 and 12....it's the reason we hired him after all....

 

[mackka]

That's all well and good but coaches have to work with what they've got and at the moment the Wallabies haven't got 2 kicking playmakers who you would be really confident in at Test level. Barnes isn't yet directing play like he should and in a Wallabies backline that would include attacking options such as Giteau, Mortlock, Ashley-Cooper, Mitchell, Turner, etc that would be a tragic waste. The best coaches, like Deans, are adaptable and tailor their strategies to the players available. Unless another flyhalf steps up and improves dramatically this Super 14, it has to be Giteau.

 

[BLR]

Well okay, Deans gave Stephen Brett a chance when Carter was off at the All Blacks, I mean, he was a good player but no one knew he would step up as much as he did, I suspect Deans will do the same...pick someone who he sees a certain talent in and nurture him...why would he pick much the same players as were beaten in the World Cup? Time to blood some new players instead of just moving the deck chairs around...

 

[Fushitsusha]

<div class='quotemain'>
But the word on the street is that Giteau will play at flyhalf with two strong ball running centres outside of him.
[/b]

Do you mean Mortlock offering to play 12? Thanks but no thanks...Why would Deans listen to that when he has been so successful doing things his way, with two playmakers in 10 and 12....it's the reason we hired him after all....
[/b][/quote]

I don't think Mortlock is offering at all, but with so many outside centre choices at the moment the word is that Morltock might be shifted inwards. I believe that's what is going to happen at the Brumbies when he and Ashley-Cooper return from injury. Unless Fisher decides to stay with Tyrone at inside centre and put Ashley-Cooper on the wing and bench Fainifo.

Anyways, Barnes was excellent for the Wallabies last year, and he might surprise us and be great again if selected this year. I guess we have to remember that he's surrounded by a pretty cruddy team, which is why Latham probably isn't shining to brightly right now.

 

[Juggernaut]

Well okay, Deans gave Stephen Brett a chance when Carter was off at the All Blacks, I mean, he was a good player but no one knew he would step up as much as he did, I suspect Deans will do the same...pick someone who he sees a certain talent in and nurture him...why would he pick much the same players as were beaten in the World Cup? Time to blood some new players instead of just moving the deck chairs around... [/b]

Dont be surprised too if he goes for the Force combo of Gits & MacKay :unsure: .

If given more game time there and stays injury-free, he could be in the mix....but I still think a Gits/Barnes combo is the way.

Like what Fushi said about Barnes being surrounded by a "pretty cruddy team"..come on, the RWC game against Wales should be reason enough to give him another go.....and his defence his first rate. You wont often see him miss tackles easily (like Gits on the weekend for Carter's first try)..

 

[BLR]

You wont often see him miss tackles easily (like Gits on the weekend for Carter's first try)..
[/b]

I've already blocked that one from my mind