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Official All Blacks Squad for Iveco Series
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<blockquote data-quote="darwin_23" data-source="post: 199072"><p>I might actually do something crazy and post my opinion on the All Blacks squad....</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p> Props: as expected - Woodcock will start at loose head, with Afoa and Sommerville fighting for the other spot - would like to see Afoa given the start, but would be happy with Sommerville.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p> Hookers: Again as expected - on form Hore would have to start, with Mealamu on the bench, but again it doesn't really matter either way to me.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p> Locks: Thorn and Williams are there, but surprised to see Boric taken over Donnelly. Boric is certainly good at lineout time, but seems to lack the bulk of Donnelly - will be interesting to see how Boric goes at this level...</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p> Loosies: McCaw and So'oialo are there as would be expected. Kaino in my opinion has been the form New Zealand 6 of the competition (just ahead of Read) and his strong ball running complements McCaw and So'oialo in the loose forwards. Lauaki chosen as the backup 8 is no surprise, as when he is fit and on form he is a devastating ball-runner. His selection indicates that Kaino will be used primarily as a 6 - I had thought initially that Kaino would be selected as the backup 8 making room for Read in the squad. Adam Thomson is the bolter in the squad, taking the Masoe role of backup 6 and 7 (and 8 for Masoe). Not yet convinced about his selection over other utility players e.g Messem or Masoe or a specialist 7 (Braid), but time will tell... As for the omission of Read I'm not really surprised - his game is similar to that of a young Reuban Thornes - does the basics very well with a very high work rate. So'oialo has similar attributes so I don't think that they fit well into a loose trio together - If Read is selected they would be better to go with a more dynamic 8 (Lauaki, Tuiali'i <em>et al</em>.)</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p> Halfbacks: No surprises - Cowan just doesn't set the backline going the same way Ellis or Leonard can. Ellis will likely start with Leonard on the bench</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p> First-Fives: No surprise </p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p> Mid-field: No surprise - Nonu the only specialist 12 deserves his spot, Brett's exclusion from the Crusaders lineup over the last few weeks certainly would have cost him (maybe if he learns to tackle he might be able to make that Crusaders lineup again...). Kahui and Smith deserve there places - Laulala played his way out of contention in the last few weeks.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p> Wings: again no surprises - Personally would have liked to see Masaga, but his time will come. Sivivatu's experience will see him start on on wing, while its a toss-up between Wulf, Tuitavake and Muliana for the other wing</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p> Fullback: no surprises. close call who will start - perhaps both will start with Mils playing on the wing (or even centre...)</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Apologies for going off-topic like this <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="darwin_23, post: 199072"] I might actually do something crazy and post my opinion on the All Blacks squad.... Props: as expected - Woodcock will start at loose head, with Afoa and Sommerville fighting for the other spot - would like to see Afoa given the start, but would be happy with Sommerville. Hookers: Again as expected - on form Hore would have to start, with Mealamu on the bench, but again it doesn't really matter either way to me. Locks: Thorn and Williams are there, but surprised to see Boric taken over Donnelly. Boric is certainly good at lineout time, but seems to lack the bulk of Donnelly - will be interesting to see how Boric goes at this level... Loosies: McCaw and So'oialo are there as would be expected. Kaino in my opinion has been the form New Zealand 6 of the competition (just ahead of Read) and his strong ball running complements McCaw and So'oialo in the loose forwards. Lauaki chosen as the backup 8 is no surprise, as when he is fit and on form he is a devastating ball-runner. His selection indicates that Kaino will be used primarily as a 6 - I had thought initially that Kaino would be selected as the backup 8 making room for Read in the squad. Adam Thomson is the bolter in the squad, taking the Masoe role of backup 6 and 7 (and 8 for Masoe). Not yet convinced about his selection over other utility players e.g Messem or Masoe or a specialist 7 (Braid), but time will tell... As for the omission of Read I'm not really surprised - his game is similar to that of a young Reuban Thornes - does the basics very well with a very high work rate. So'oialo has similar attributes so I don't think that they fit well into a loose trio together - If Read is selected they would be better to go with a more dynamic 8 (Lauaki, Tuiali'i [i]et al[/i].) Halfbacks: No surprises - Cowan just doesn't set the backline going the same way Ellis or Leonard can. Ellis will likely start with Leonard on the bench First-Fives: No surprise Mid-field: No surprise - Nonu the only specialist 12 deserves his spot, Brett's exclusion from the Crusaders lineup over the last few weeks certainly would have cost him (maybe if he learns to tackle he might be able to make that Crusaders lineup again...). Kahui and Smith deserve there places - Laulala played his way out of contention in the last few weeks. Wings: again no surprises - Personally would have liked to see Masaga, but his time will come. Sivivatu's experience will see him start on on wing, while its a toss-up between Wulf, Tuitavake and Muliana for the other wing Fullback: no surprises. close call who will start - perhaps both will start with Mils playing on the wing (or even centre...) Apologies for going off-topic like this ;) [/QUOTE]
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