KEY POINTS:
Here is an earlier selection of Your Views:
Wayne
Yay, at least they got something right. Lauaki's form is outstanding, but Ruebs not so, been there not done that and to omit the only gamebreaking blockbusting centre in NZ, Ma Nonu is plain crazy and one they will regret. Just like leaving a fit Tana on the bench last time while Macca was mortlocked. And as for Chris Jack...
Dave
Weepu's form has been bad all year and deserves to be dropped. Ellis has been picked for the future, unless there is serious injury he is not going to get game time. Troy has been outstanding this year, maybe he is carrying an injury that we don't know about. All Black player of the year was in my mind Tony Woodcock, man that guy does some work, really pleased he has been rewarded with a try on Saturday, which was a magnificent performance. Go the All Blacks.
Dean
I thought Henry was smarter then this? He's been sucked into picking conservative, unimaginative Canterbury players by Smith and Hansen - good enough for NPC/S14 not good enough for World Cups.
Neill R
Nothing would give me greater pleasure than watching Reuben Thorne score the winning try in the World Cup final, to finally shut up an ill-informed and myopic public. It's a testament to the guy's spirit that he wants nothing more than to put on the Black jersey to represent a country that (mainly) does nothing other than bag him at every opportunity. He has been selected by four different AB coaches, including Henry who didn't rate him - that should tell people something about the job he does, and the workload he shoulders. Take a look at how much better McCaw plays when Thorne's on the ground for starters - when Richie's going for the ball, Thorne's always there in support. He's not necessarily taking the ball up himself, but his key asset is continuity. He supports the ball carrier and ensures that quick ball is made available. And quick, recycled ball is going to win us a hell of a lot more games than showponies who only turn up when they're playing lesser teams. If we had another seven forwards with the ticker of Thorne, the World Cup would be a forgone conclusion.
Sarah Smith
Piri Weepu should be in the All Blacks - making comparisons between his form and that of Leonard and Ellis will not make a valid conclusion as they were playing in different situations. Piri Weepu reignited my interest in All Black rugby, as a 27-year-old female rugby had become boring, this guy added spunk and charisma to the side. Shame he didn't fit Graham Henry's mould, Henry should have embraced Weepu's attributes and given him better direction rather than turning his back on him. Secondly the All Blacks are a brand that needs to maintain its prestige - how can this be executed when it is calling up players who themselves don't even expect to be named - not very elitist is it? Nor does it show sensible use of resources as New Zealand had already invested resources (money and time) into Weepu only to dump him at the final hurdle.
Onjison (Sydney)
Good squad named to win the cup, but A.Ellis over Piri? Has to be some good reason behind that. Henry says form, but hello, can Ellis kick goals, sidestep, pass, run 20 metres across the field and lead our haka? I don't think so, but good luck to him. The rest of the team picks itself, with a couple questionable decisions, but as my wife says, let them do the coaching. Good luck to the boys at the world cup and 3 cheers for Piri!
Tassiedevil
I do agree with the selection of Ellis and in particular Lauaki. Look at the ABs and there's only a few ball carriers and impact players who could change the game. I'm surprised Tana Umaga did not make it to the squad. Midfield is still fragile and it won't take a non-rugby mind to sort that out as the weakness in the ABs. There was caution in Thorne's selection. Minimal mistakes compare to Flavell but no impact if he's on the bench which should suit the Aucklander. Anyway, selection is done, let's wait and see. Go the ABs, please don't choke.
Netts (Sydney)
I think with a player like Tana missing (again i.e 03 semi) and the lack of a decent replacement, they'll struggle to contain a Mortlock quality of midfielder (who was there in 03). For me it was either Nonu's attack or Tuitupou's defence (or both) but they went for soft and pretty McAllister and sleepy Conrad Smith. Tuitupou has been the most solid of hitters for a long time and Mortlock is now laughing coz he won't have to fear being hit true and hard. I dare the ABs midfielders to prove me wrong and justify their selections. All the breast! Bahahahha.
Wopwop (Melbourne)
Piri's just unlucky. I thought he was better last year but since losing all that weight he's found it hard. Tell me how Rico missed out so Roko could go again? How do take Roko when Auckland didn't even won't him? His defence is badddddddd, his attack is even worse. 1 try all year. Rico played once and scored. Top try scorer for Canterbury. Instead we let him go to Europe when it should have been Roko. I'm not saying Rico would be our only choice there are a lot of good wingers in NZ but Roko is the number one choice. Will he score a try in the World Cup?
Anton Vernall
Do you think if Thorne had been dropped there would be as much reaction from the public? Not a chance. The reaction has not only come from the public but from All black greats. I've read articles written by Josh Kronfield about no back up to Mccaw (Holah). Laurie Mains, the best All Black selector ever, complaining about the inclusion of Thorne. Sean Fitzpatrick also on Thorne's lack of authority. Zinzan Brook today also concerned about Thorne not needing to be used on the bench. So if your looking for off-field encouragement for the locker room take Zinzan. And also Richard Loe disappointed by the exclusion of Holah. If you want to label these comments with the arm chair critics think again. And don't listen to the claim that the last four All Black coaches can't be wrong with there selection of Thorne, because none of them won the Cup. If fact if you want to know what the last coaches have in common and it's not winning cups. John Hart/Wayne Smith (Canterbury). Tony Gilbert/Wayne Smith (Canterbury). John Mitchell/Robbie Deans (Canterbury). Henry/Smith and Hanson (Canterbury) I wonder why they keep selecting Thorne. Wake up NZ and stop falling for the same old BS. The selection should have been Lauaki at the expense of Thorne, Holah in for Masoe. I'm with the All Black legends who are with you.
MCAC (Whangarei)
If Weepu is not good enough to represent NZ then Kelleher falls into the same category. He had a shocking game in the weekend with a very slow delivery at the base of the scrum and telegraphing his intentions just in the same way as Justin Marshall and Gregan. Flavell vs Thorne? No contest. I know who I would rather run into if I was a first five. It's not Thorne! However, I must admit that in spite of these contentious selections we still have a team that will secure the goods. Go the Blacks.
Sly (Weedons, Christchurch)
Let's be realistic it is still a wee way off till the first game and a lot can happen in that time ("training injuries etc") and if the worst does happen and we get a couple of injuries during the build-up then we have depth in our reserves as well as game fitness and the mindset of test-match attitudes. This is all due to the rotation of AB players.
Sam (Timboon, Victoria)
Lauaki is going to be the next big thing after Lomu. Even though he does not have the speed, he will be the most damaging ball runner the ABs have ever had and for the world to see in the game as long as he keeps a level head, stays fit and does not get carried away.
Pete.G
The dropping of Piri Weepu and Troy Flavell, will be as much a discipline and attitude issue, as a form issue, you have to feel for them on a purely personal level, as their replacements may never climb to any gr8t heights at the world cup. In fact they may be found missing in action.
Once was Coach (Christchurch)
All Black forward play has gone backwards in the past four years and one can only look at Steve Hansen for the blame. Beware if you are praised by Hansen as that normally means the death knell, just ask Jerome Kaino. The inclusion of Thorne in the world cup side should not be a surprise. We were told by the selectors that it was a two-horse race between Thorne and Flavell. Whereas Thorne was given starts at blindside then moved to lock, the reverse was never offered to Flavell. That way Flavell could not expose the nepotism of Hansen's continued selection of his mate from the Old Boys Club in Christchurch.
Ian Morine
I still think Graham Henry is the best Rugby coach in the world, but why oh why would the selectors pick Anton Oliver to go to France and leave out amazing talent like Troy Flavell, a player that any other team in the world would be so grateful to have in their WC squad ? The answer to these questions is a complete enigma. On Saturday night, as we have seen so many times before, the AB's failed to fire until Anton Oliver was taken off - I totally agree with Laurie Mains re Anton Oliver, what is it about Anton's lack of ability that appeals to Graham Henry so much ?
Rugby Mum
I feel for Flavell and Weepu not making the Team. Think about it, How many times this year during the Tri nations and the Bledisloe cup was Flavell require to step in and cover whenever there was injury. He was globe trotting back and forth like a yoyo due to the requests of the ABs selectors,no wonder the poor guy didn't stand out in those games,would you if you had to fly back and forth.!As for Thorne! Who?? Exactly, when do you ever see him do anything on the field other than run on at the beginning and sing the national anthem.Again I think Politics has alot to do with rugby and who they select,It's not,what you know or how well you play,It's who you know and who you hang out with.AAY Oliver,Ellis,Thorne,Smith and Leonard.enough said.
Richard
Thorne couldn't do it last time around so won't be able to this time either. But at least he can carry the suitcases for the real players. Weepu obviously has an opinion of his own, rather that toeing the party line, but retains a lot of respect nonetheless. Flavell was always the teacher's pet, so must have done something really bad to get the boot.
Arrion
Letter from the AB's management: Dear Piri and Troy. Thanks for the effort, the training, the international travel and time away from your family, getting beaten up at practise and covering our arses all season when the chips were down. But we're going with Andy and Sione.
Yours Faithfully yarda yarda ya whatever.
Ark (Wellington)
Piri Weepu should not despair and continue his efforts and show the selectors that he deserves to be there. There are still six weeks to go and injuries could happen to any of the incumbents.
Frank (Titahi Bay)
Weepu is a better halfback than Ellis and a more complete footballer than the other two when in form. He has suffered from being versatile - like John Preston. The All Blacks will miss the Wainuiomata boy when the going gets tough. The selection of Ruben Thorne is a continued mystery and Luaki will not last the distance - he never does. Nonu should have gone simply because he is the only really explosive midfielder in the country.
Vinnie
Conrad Smith (Anthony Tuitavake) and 'Reuben the Horne' (Troy Flavell) must be the most overrated players? Still don't believe that Masoe is a better cover for the loosies than Jerome Kaino, who can play in all 3 positions rather competitively.
Bondie (Christchurch)
Worst world cup squad ever. Full of out of form has beens (Thorne, Oliver, Masoe). Flavell and Weepu have been ripped off buy the Cantab selectors. They are all just a joke especially W.Smith. Where are the form players? (Whitcombe, Cowan, Kaino, Rawlinson, and co). No chance of winning this cup with passengers and hand-holders like Thorne and Oliver. As for Ellis, Weepu streaks ahead. Cowan out-played him and was the better in junior ab. Hansen and Smith have stacked it full of out of form Cantabs and Henry has given in.
Louie (Sydney)
Good squad except for one player. What has Reuben Thorne done in the Tri-Nations this year? In my honest opinion he went missing in 2004, so what makes 2007 any different? I hope for his sake and the sake of the NZ rugby public he proves his selection.
Cheers
The selectors know what they need and Weepu has certainly been below form all year and has had no variation to his play. Complacency was evident in his on-field attitude. Flavell, yes a choice was difficult but Thorne has and is doing the job well as well "as been there and done that".
Monty (Christchurch)
Don't agree with the selection of Ellis over Weepu or Thorne over Flavell. Also can't understand the continued selection of Andrew Hore who appears totally out of his depth at test level. Flynn & Witcombe both far better options. Also believe Laulala is a better centre option on both ability and form to Conrad Smith.
G Up
Bad call by Graham. Eills over Weepu? I dont think so.
JR
Byron's form in the Tri-Nations was not crash hot, so how he got picked ahead of Piri is a mystery. The last game showed his timing was off. Remember semi final 2003? Gregan's got the measure of his game so they should have stuck with the three halves they used.
Joyride
Do we miss something here? Oh yes, Weepu, so sad he's not in the team. Ellis did he deserve it? Maybe. C'mon NZ, lets stand behind and support the boys. Go Black.
Daks
Predictable apart from Ellis and Lauaki.
Josh
Born in Australia, grew up in NZ, howzat for loyalty issues. Good luck to both teams.
Trev (Cape Town)
Unlucky players will always be part of All Black team selection. This time I feel for Flavell, Weepu, Nonu and Briad. It is however good to see Lauki in. It is not a lucky selection as his Super 14 form was outstanding. The squad is a strong one and with the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cups already won they should complete the treble in October. It is only the refs that can deny the ABs the World Cup. I wish the All Blacks all the success at the up coming WC competition.
Kemz1
Pretty sad that Rico Gear never was trialled at centre, plays there for Tasman and has done for the Crusaders. Ruben Thorne, two failed world cup campaigns, looking for a third. At least Tana had the dignity to stand down, although that is where our problems started from at centre. The three wise men should have persisted with Andrew Hore as the second hooker and he and Mealamu should have been the two hookers going to France not Anton Oliver. Nevermind, Piri the UK Super league is waiting.
Jay Jay
I can't agree with this team being the best the Coaches could have sent! Rico and Piri should have been in the team! Ellis who? As per usual New Zealand coaches think there smarter than the rest of us! Probably still win cup, but this is definitely not the full strength squad of deserving players.
Rebeginz (Auckland)
I have all faith in Henry and his wise men. The only surprise I guess to everyone is the naming of Ellis over Weepu. Anyway, in saying that we still have a strong team. Whatever team we name for the ABs we will still be the major threat in the RWC. Bring on the World Cup!
M (Auckland)
Looks like a pretty impressive squad. Tough to pick between Kelleher and Weepu. Reuben T is in! Are you sure you were voting for the ABs? Flavell is a legend and it is going to cost us come crunch time.
David G
Andy Ellis has struggled at test level. His instinct is to fight for the ball in rucks and mauls, and this often means he becomes bound/committed and isn't where he should be when the ball comes loose. Weepu looked good when he came on against the Boks in Durban - his delivery was a lot crisper than Byron's. There must be some attitudinal issues with the young fella. A tough call by Ted. Flavell for Thorne is simpler. Troy makes too many mistakes, Thorne doesn't. Flavell was decidedly average in Durban, Melbourne and the late stages of the Super 14 - his body position was too upright going in to contact and he kept spilling the ball. One player I am questioning is Anton Oliver. Oliver doesn't seem to value winning enough, instead waxing philosophical (at every opportunity) about the relative strengths of each side, the beauty of the contest, etc. He was one of the players responsible for the plummet at RWC in 1999. In the second half of the quarter final against Scotland, Oliver's form deteriorated rapidly, and this continued into the semi-final. If Anton doesn't show hunger early in the tournament in France, Henry will need to relegate him pronto.
Raja
Why is Ruben in the team? Gee, I would have kicked him out a long time. Graham says he us impact player against Aussie, God knows what he saw in him. Good for Lauaki to be in the team and another impact player would be Nonu. He is a real line breaker.
13th Warrior (Auckland)
Weepu was the best halfback NZ had. Oh well, Yawnions loss is League's gain.
SuzyJ
Weepu and Flavell got dropped because they weren't from Canterbury.
Kahawaikid
Agree 95 per cent of the team. Have reservations about Masoe, would have preferred Braid. While I am not a Rueben Thorne fan, I picked him in my team as I think he gets through a lot more work than he is given credit for. He is also pretty reliable and gives away very few penalties which is more than can be said for some others both in and out of the team. I still cannot see the need for three hookers would rather have had another loosie, say Messan instead of Hore.
Steven (Auckland)
Glad to see Brendon Leonard in the squad. And thanks to the "cotton wool" strategy he got significant game time during the Super 14 because Byron Kelleher was out. There are more benefits than expected by leaving the top players out of the beginning of the Super 14. Other great players get exposure and high level experience giving us more options, depth and experience. Especially with players like Kelleher leaving for France next year, this is great for Leonard's career. He was a great impact player off the bench on Saturday and I look forward to seeing him in the World Cup.
Kay
Come on Kiwis, put your negativity aside and take a leaf out of Australia's book. An Aussie player or supporter will never believe they are going to lose, even when they know they have an inferior team (no offence to a brilliant back line). We've pulled apart this AB team and its coaches non-stop over the last few months and now is the time to get behind them as a nation. The team is chosen and it is what it is. They have their battle plan and they aren't stupid, so give them some credit and back them 100 per cent. I have no doubt that our boys are the best in the World. They are working hard for us and they deserve our loyalty! Go ABs.
Paul
I am all for a team that can think and respond under pressure, hence from that perspective Henry has picked the right side. For those that disagree, ask yourself this question, how many times has flair and speed won the world cup in the last 20mins of the games we have played in? The answer none. Bring on a team that is solid and can think and play intelligently.
Go the ABs.
Next