Vito called into All Blacks group

[Sneaki]

Interesting squad, I'm guessing Weepu will be on the bench as cover for 9/10, so that they can fit two outside backs on there as well. I'd pick Toeava at fullback, then Gear and Dagg on the wings, with Jane and Guildford (or perhaps Nonu) on the bench. It could go the other way around, but given that Dagg hasn't played yet for the AB's and Gear wasn't hugely impressive last week those two guys probably need a good 50-60 mins to try to force their way into the WC squad.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

I'd imagine Dagg will get the fullback berth, with Toeava and Gear on the wings.

I don't think Guildford and Ellis will be in the 22.

I'm predicting:
Woodcock, Mealamu, Franks, Williams, Whitelock, Kaino, Thomson, Messam, Cowan, Slade, Gear, Williams, Kahui, Toeava, Dagg.

With a bench of Hore, Crockett, Hoeata/Donnely, Vito, Weepu, Nonu, Jane.

 

[Larksea]

still some big implications for selection.

If Dagg and Toeava come back well that may mean that only two wingers make the final squad, which means the race to secure wing positions becomes even hotter than it already is. If Dagg and Toeava make the squad then of.

Jane
Sivivatu
Guildford
Gear

only two will make the final 30

what ever way you look at it, going to be a tough call. If anything I think Gear is bottom of the pecking order as the only one not to impress so far this year

Toeava has looked ok for Auckland but not spectacular but could improve alot over the next couple of weeks.

 

[Steveskiez7]

Odd that they're only taking one specialist fly half.

 

[Darwin]

I'd imagine Dagg will get the fullback berth, with Toeava and Gear on the wings.

I don't think Guildford and Ellis will be in the 22.

I'm predicting:
Woodcock, Mealamu, Franks, Williams, Whitelock, Kaino, Thomson, Messam, Cowan, Slade, Gear, Williams, Kahui, Toeava, Dagg.

With a bench of Hore, Crockett, Hoeata/Donnely, Vito, Weepu, Nonu, Jane.

Crockett won't be in the 22 unless he starts, as he is only able to cover loose-head prop. The only reason I think he is going is in case Woodcock doesn't recover sufficiently from his hamstring/foot injuries.

Odd that they're only taking one specialist fly half.

Weepu is more than capable of covering 10. He will be the third choice 10 in the RWC squad, so it will probably benefit him to get some gametime there. There is also really no reason to bring in another 10 for one-off match, given they won't be part of the RWC squad.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Crockett won't be in the 22 unless he starts, as he is only able to cover loose-head prop. The only reason I think he is going is in case Woodcock doesn't recover sufficiently from his hamstring/foot injuries.

Whoops missed Afoa... Yeah he'll get that 17 jersey I guess.

 

[WhoDaresWin]

Gear's not being rested?

And Zac Guildford's mum said Dagg played really well in his last club outing

What else did she say???

a back three of 11. Gear, 14. Jane, 15. Dagg is more likely with Toeava on the bench with Weepu as the only two backs.

 

[Darwin]

What else did she say??? a back three of 11. Gear, 14. Jane, 15. Dagg is more likely with Toeava on the bench with Weepu as the only two backs.

There will definately be 3 backs on the bench. I'd go with Weepu, Nonu, and one of Guildford/Jane/Dagg, but there is the possibility that they may take two halfbacks on the bench (likely Ellis and Weepu) with Weepu getting a good 20-30 mins gametime replacing Slade at 10.

 

[Muzzy]

i'm shocked, i thought he's been real average all year