Readers react - All Blacks Tri-Nations squad

Colin Slade - the the ideal back-up for Dan Carter according to some Herald online readers. Photo / Getty Images

The naming of the All Blacks squad for the Tri-Nations and Fiji test has thrown up a few surprises, leaving many nzherald.co.nz readers disappointed about the omission of certain players.

The call up of Taranaki lock Jarrad Hoeata as the only newcomer in the 30-man squad, the selection of Colin Slade over Aaron Cruden to be Dan Carter's back-up at first five-eighth, and the omission of 68-test veteran Joe Rokocoko from the squad were the main talking points after the announcement in Auckland.

Bill Guy was not impressed with the choices made by coaches Graham Henry, Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen.

"I cannot believe they have not selected Crockett, but as I have said before and will continue to say, these three idiots will again fail in the World Cup, and this time it will be worse because it's on home soil."

Alexandra Mason was surprised the coaches had persevered with Conrad Smith and Isaia Toeava.

"Is Graham Henry sleeping with these guys? Can't see any other reason they're there."

Ed believed Cruden should have been selected ahead of Slade.

"Colin Slade hasn't had the necessary game time. Aaron Cruden surely should have been the logical choice," he wrote.

Matt was surprised there was not a "true" number 7 back-up for Richie McCaw.

"All Blacks fail on team selections, will this reflect on the trophy cabinet?" he wrote. "Have New Zealand just made the same mistake again?"

Inkie believed Sean Maitland, Matt Todd, or Cory Jane should have been selected instead of Isaia Toeava.

John Dainty did not believe the bolter Jarrad Hoeata is up to All Black standard.

"Also Victor Vito should have been picked ahead of the very over rated Liam Messam. Zac Guildford is too slow and his first instinct is to kick it and chase."

Derek Pokoina, however, was impressed with the team.

"Good squad, but [Andy] Ellis shouldn't be there, as [shouldn't Tony] Woodcock. [Wyatt] Crockett and [Alby] Mathewson should be there. Other than that, stop your whinging people, you sound like the poms, complaining about everything. Let the players do the talking."

R Mayall was one of a few who disagreed with the selection of Crusaders players who struggled in Brisbane last night.

"The selectors obviously did not watch the final of the Super 15 last night. That atmosphere was the closest to a test match as one could get. Several Crusaders seemed to play themselves out of All Black selection, but not so," he wrote.

"Last night the Crusaders played as if they expected an easy win. Reminds me of the way the All Blacks played against France at the last WC. Will history repeat itself? The selectors are doing their part to allow that to happen."

Steven Stanford questioned the naming of Crusaders hooker Corey Flynn who didn't have his best game in Saturday's loss to the Reds.

"Sivivatu should be gone, Jane is a far better option because he has more to his game where as Sitiviti is only good from open play. Not sure about Flynn, if Saturday's game is anything to go by he can't handle the high pressure situation," he said.

"Biggest concern is identifying the brains trust who can take a game by the scruff of the neck when the coaches game plan is not working."

- HERALD ONLINE