KEY POINTS:
Here is an earlier selection of Your Views:
Dont be Conned (Gold Coast)
Wayne Smith's Buddy A Mauger has to go!
For 2-3 seasons now the Fox Sports panel of Kearns, Clark and Martin are conning the Kiwis by saying he is an essential part of our back line. He lacks aggression, he lacks pace, woeful tactical kicker and easily exposed when a crucial close game is on. Two important games this year, South Africa and Austalia, and he was terrible. He will be the player that will cost us dearly. I said this last year. Just look at his play against Aust last game. Don't believe the Aussie were targeting centre. Mauger was so bad on defence and positional play that gave a huge advantage to the Aussies.(Are they "smart" or we are so stupid we cant see it?) With Mauger out of the side it will stop an upset win against us. We wont be beaten this year unless we get Dickinson as referee - he bad news for NZ sides - just look at him in Super 14 & tests. He so cunning, knows how to stop momentum of Kiwi play. The Aussie refs have a bloody agenda against the All Blacks don't kid yourselves.
Allan
Why not? Because, when they get beat, then its panic stations!
Mokes
Saturday's Team against Aussie should be:
15. Evans 14. Siv 13. Mils 12. McAlister 11. Rockoko 10. Carter 9. Leonard 8. Rodney 7. McCaw 6. Collins 5. Robinson 4. Jack 3. Hayman 2. Mealamu 1. Woodcock
Reserves: 16. Hoare 17. Tialata 18. Flavell 19. Masoe 20. Weepu 21. Gear 22. Mauger.
Grivyn
1. Tony Woodcock 2. Anton Oliver 3. Carl Hayman 4. Chris Jack 5. Keith Robinson 6. Jerry Collins 7. Richard Mccaw 8. Rodney So'oialo 9. Brendan Leonard 10. Dan Carter 11. Sitiveni Sivivatu 12. Luke Mcallister 13. Conrad Smith 14. Joe Rokocoko 15. Mils Muliaiana.
Reserves: 16. Greg Somerville 17. Kevin Mealamu 18. Troy Flavell 19. Chris Masoe 20. Piri Weepu 21. Isaia Toeva 22. Nick Evans.
Phil
It doesn't really matter who is selected to play for this year's All Chokers. They will spend their time worrying about losing and fumble, bumble 'n' stumble round the paddock. Whatever Henry and Co have done to these players they should patent it and sell to the bookies for those moments when they need an all time guaranteed sure thing to lose. After watching all the Tri-Nations games, including the ones between the Wallabies and the Springboks, it is blindingly obvious that neither of those teams have improved from their abysmal form last year. NZ should be able to pick any players from a pool of 60 Super 14 players and beat either side like an old tin drum. That they can't is an indictment of the process that the AB management team have perfected to turn a silk purse into a sow's ear. It's not going to matter, whoever is picked will probably jag a win at Eden Park but that will be a reflection of the appalling state of Oz rugby now that League has bounced back there. As for the world cup the humiliation of some wussy Northern Hemisphere team winning yet again will be too much to bear I think I'll be watching something more interesting - like paint drying.
Big old Pete
There is only one country in the world that can beat NZ in the world cup, and that's NZ. When I read the posts from loyal NZ rugby fans, wracked with self loathing and doubt, I think, hey, maybe Australia does have a chance. All we need now is a couple of stories in the press about a few All Blacks having a scuffle after a night on the drink, followed by the coach humiliating some hapless AB in show-trial press conference, and then please God, rumours of dissension in the team, and Australia is back in with a chance. Keep it up.
You know, my friend Geoff said he saw one of the All Blacks last Saturday night...
Steve, All Black Fan (Cape Town, South Africa)
I agree that the strongest possible team should be playing 'cause the selectors should know by now who that team is. My personal opinion is that Toeava is not the first choice and it should be Luke and Mauger with Leonard as my halfback. The loose trio must include Collins. A fit Leon Macdonald is a must.
Mister B (Auckland)
I must admit I was frustrated watching the game on Saturday, but the Boks were only there to defend and to try to frustrate the ABs. Jake White has completly ruined the Tri-Nations as a competition by pulling out his top players.
This Saturday should give us a better idea of where the team is in terms of RWC preparation.
I was very impressed with the new half back and also Nick Evans. Evans' direct running and eye for a gap reminded me of Christian Cullen. I hope we see more of them.
Andy (Melbourne)
Can anybody tell me what has happened to Jono Gibbes? My view for the RWC? Masoe and Flavell out and Lauaki and Holah in.
Awsome
Why does the NZ public put down the All Blacks so much when they won the game 33-6? We're not always going to beat everyone by fifty points, B-teams or A-teams. As for players who didn't shine on the weekend, don't forget they were the ones who came on in the republic in Durban and made the impact in the last 20min; Kevin, Luke, Piri and Masoe. I've been living in Brisbane for three years, been to rugby tests here and Europe, and found NZ supporters the most annoying, always moaning. Let's just get behind them. P.S. we could win the world cup easy if we get Sonny Bill Williams to play, yeah.
Marley (Auckland)
My team for Saturday is as follows: Mils, Howlett (only if Sivivatu is injured), Rokocoko, Toeava, Mauger, Carter, Kelleher, So'ialo, MacCaw, Collins, Robinson, Jack, Hayman, Oliver, Woodcock.
Reserves: Mealamu, Tialata, Filipo, Masoe, Leonard, Evans, Maclister).
If the selectors go with the above, a comfortable win for the ABs by at least 20!
Aaron
It's probably too late to try this experiment, but I can't figure out why Rico Gear hasn't been tried at centre. He has played there at NPC level, he's a great attacker and solid defender and he seems to be surplus to wing requirements. A centre that understands and can shift to wing must be helpful in picking a squad. Tana Umaga started out as a wing but couldn't find a place because Jonah and Jeff Wilson were the form wingers of the day. Before Tana shifted to centre, there was a national debate raging about who would fill that spot after Frank Bunce retired. I think Toeava is a great player but he doesn't seem to have the maturity yet. Our best centres have always been on the "wrong" side of 30. Rico Gear has played more rugby at the top level than Toeava. As for second-five, put McAlister there. He combines nicely with Carter and they're both attacking players. I noticed they switched around during the last game. Jerry Collins should be in there. Thorne can be a toiler in the tight but sometimes he's just invisible. You need a ball-carrier like Jerry (and Mealamu) to get momentum. I liked Leonard at half-back. Everything else is a tight contest.
Shane
Well it's time for the real team to front and here's mine. I hate to dis Thorne but man is he out of is depth in the squad. Leonard off the bench but perhaps the best half we have had in a long time.
Tony Woodcock, Kevin Mealamu, Carl Hayman, Keith Robinson, Troy Flavell, Piri weepu, Jerry Collins, Richie McCaw, Rodney Soiaolo, Daniel Carter, Rico Gear, Luke McCalister, Iosia Toeava, Sitivini Sivivatu, Leon MacDonald.
Reserves: Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Chris Jack, Chris Masoe, Brendon Leonard, Mils Muliaina and Nick Evans.
Batesy
Leonard deserves a shot and Maugers in by default, but Flavell? If the All Blacks are looking for a lock who "thinks" he can kick then he's the man. If the All Blacks are looking for locks who compete at lineout and kick offs, are good ball carriers but know there first job is good phase ball for the team then you can't go past Chris Jack, Keith Robinson and Ali Williams (when he's finally fit). Flavell started with great form in the super rugby but let's be honest he hasn't shown an ounce of that since the semi finals, sad but true. An sad to say it but "if" Lauaki gets fit, and that's a big "if", his ticket will be booked for France no questions.
Hendo
I am getting really tired with the negativity expressed in the sporting press covering the All Blacks and a lot of NZers lack of guts and patience in criticising this All Blacks team. For goodness sake! Two average games (one of which we won!) and every rugby writer thinks it's the end of the world. I happened to (by mistake) tune into Murray Deaker's talkback show the other day, and what do you know - the same old negative, tiring vitriol pouring out of callers mouths about how bad the All Blacks looked and how we didn't have a chance in the world cup. It makes me wonder what some of these people feel about themselves and if their just venting and projecting it on this team as a cop out - not cool - come on NZ! Let's get over ourselves and get behind this team win or lose. End this countries negative mindset!
Sean Kelly
I agree that Weepu is way too slow at clearing the ball. It was one of the most frustrating things of the Saturday's match. Dan Carter is also way too hesitant. The 22 against Oz should be: Tony Woodcock, Kevin Mealamu, Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Troy Flavell, Jerry Collins, Richie McCaw, Rodney Soiaolo, Brendon Leonard, Nick Evans, Joe Rocokoco, Luke McCalister, Iosia Toeava, Sitivini Sivivatu, Leon MacDonald.
Reserves: Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Keith Robinson, Chris Masoe, Byron Kelleher, Mils Muliaina, Daniel Carter.
Blair Oliver
What a load of tripe from both Grey and Drake. Flavell has been badly exposed at lineout time this season by both the Wallabies and the Springbok's and apart from scrums that is a locks main function. Out of the squad is his best position. Mauger is out of form and the time has come to use McAlister if we are to settle on combinations for the world cup. Leonard off the bench with 20 to go would be most effective, agree Weepu who predictably goes blindside every chance he gets nowadays should go. As for Mealamu, maybe those experts who have commented so far should reflect on his job, last time I looked it wasn't playing 2nd five eight or out on the wing but lineout throwing (where he is rubbish), scrumming (where he is average) and rucking and mauling (where he very seldom arrives at because he is always waiting to do something fancy in the backline). Perhaps if he and others like Jack got out of the backline and delivered good quick go forward ball, our much vaunted backs would start firing. Hopefully we will see Conrad Smith for at least 30 this week in conjunction with Toeava and then we will get a clear idea as to whether our midfield options are as bad as everyone seems to think.
James Bunting
1. Woodcock 2. Mealamu 3. Hayman 4. Jack. 5. Robinson. 6. Collins. 7. McCaw 8. So'oialo 9. Kelleher 10. Carter 11. Sivivatu (depending on injury) 12. McAlister 13. Smith 14. Howlett 15. Muliaina.
Reserves: Tialata (prop), Oliver (hooker), Flavell (Lock/b/side flanker/8), Leonard (half back), Evans (1st five/fullback), Toeava (2nd five/centre), Rokocoko (left/right wing).
Lewis C
I fully agree with PJ's comments, that is our best team that we have available, by far. Although, I would like to see some of Lauaki, as he is a machine on offence and is out to prove something. Reuben Thorne has once again confirmed his place as 'biggest waste of space' again as he was crap in the weekend. Collins is the much better choice for 6. Thorne the has been, nearly lost his title to Piri Weepu, as he is more worried about his hair-do's than his game. Leonardo is a much better example of a halfback and therefore deserves his place, but we are stuck with Weepu due to any adequate alternatives. Lastly that game in the weekend was one of the worst examples of international rugby I have ever seen. If the ABs play like that against the Wallabies, they will be down 30 points in the first half.
Tom (Sydney)
1. Weepu is too fat.
2. Kellerher is too clumsy.
3. Leonard is neither.
Conclusion: halfback = Leonard
1. McAlister can't defend
2. Toevea can't catch the ball
3. Muliaina is the man
Conclusion: centre = Muliaina
1. Oliver can't throw
2. Mealamu can't throw
3. Muralitharan can throw
Conclusion: hooker = Muralitharan
Positive AB Support (Auckland)
Yes I agree with all those names mentioned for Saturday and don't forget Jerry Collins he is the bomb!
Maori dog Mike
The team should be picked on current form that means starting Brendan Leonard, Nick Smith, Andrew Hore, and some guys that are there on reputation should be dropped. I thought the coaches would have given Conrad Smith more game time against the Boks, and then started him against Australia. Toeva has had plenty of opportunity to show his potential without impressing. Not playing Smith means it's basically too late for him to be the incumbent no. 13 at the world cup.
Jd
We need to beat the Wallabies if we're going to have any chance at the World Cup. We need our best line-up, so mine is as follows: Woodcock, Mealamu, Hayman, Jack, Robinson, Collins, McCaw, So'oialo, Leonard, Carter, McAlister, Toeava, Rocko, Howlett, Evans. Carter's form could be improved to a higher extent, but overall his tactical positioning has been great. Even though Toeava has played well, his team work with McAlister hasn't been as good as expected. Maybe some time with McAlister to train would improve skills even further. I think the AB's form against the Wallabies was exceptional, but their handling skills have proved to be lacking that of international standards. We have the best team in the world. Let's prove it.
Richard
When are the selectors and you rugby scribes going to recognise that Perry Weepu is too slow at clearing the ball? He persists in taking a step backwards prior to passing and that allows the defence to get up and in the face of Daniel Carter who whoever is the first receiver. Can't he either be replaced or coached into clearing the ball from the ground like the other two incumbants? I don't have a problem with his general play but he far too slow especially for the fast tempo came we are attempting to play!
Steve (Auckland)
Mauger, McDonald, Mcalister, Carter, Evans all grew up playing 1st five. Mauger and Mcalister are different players and they will be picked on this difference depending on what the coaches are trying to achieve. Toeva is overrated. Muliaina at centre. To win all the All Blacks have to do is smash Aussie up front. Commitment like Soalao, Mealamu show. Woodcock, Jack don't do it. In fact Jack tries to be tough but he's actually a big girl. Flavell has this toughness, mind you its not what it used to be. Give Schwalger a start, he's got it. Schwalger, Mealamu, Haymen, Flavell, Robinson, Collins, Mccaw, Soalo, Leonard, Carter, Mauger, Muliania, Roko, Gear, McDonald. If they continue to include Toeava, Jack, Howlett we will lose. No mercy.
Ra/Tok
I don't agree that Carter needs Mauger to baby sit him, leave team as it is except for Weepu and Thorne they are not up to it! Flavell can replace Thorne but on bench and Byron back to halfback. I don't know why they keep on rotating Jerry he is the best loose forward on the paddock, count how many tackles Richie misses, compared to Jerry! no-one mentioned that Mortlock ran thru both Mauger and Richie to set up Aust second try! Ashley-Cooper ran thru Rico, Chris Jack and Richie to score his try! Henry, Hansen & Smith (All Black selectors) need to concentrate on defensive patterns first, attack will take care of itself, we have the skills with Carter, McCallister and Toeava; make blindside wingers work harder on defence, take pressure off loose forwards having to get across all the time!
Pabs
Mauger is playing badly at the moment, but it's a bit of a stretch to say he's the worst-performing back ever to play for the All Blacks. That mantle still rests comfortably with Caleb Ralph (at least as far back as my relatively young memory goes). Muliaina is both the best fullback and best centre in the team, thus, the question becomes "is Evans a better fullback than Toeava is centre?" and sadly for Evans, I'm leaning towards Toeava because of his combination with McAlister from the Blues.
I'm glad Sivivatu didn't get to play on the weekend. Rokocoko is much better, and so are both Gear and Howlett. Being Fijian and fast doesn't mean you're a good winger. If Flavell plays, Thorne needs to play, because someone will need to do the tackling. Finally, Leonard is fantastic!
Wayne (Auckland)
Can't believe that Aaron Mauger is considered a better option at second five than Luke McAlister who has the ability to break the line. I like Keven Mealamu but when is he going to improve at throwing the ball into the lineout? He spends too much time trying to find out the call instead of getting the ball into the lineout as quickly as possible. They should have it sorted as to where Keven is going to throw the ball before the even line up for the lineout. Brendon Leonard plays with such energy and precision that he should start and the same goes for Nick Evans who they need to find a place for. He is a better kicker of the ball than Mills so fullback could be a consideration. Grubber kicks inside your own 22 only give the ball to the opposition in a good location for them. You would make just as much ground taking the tackle with the benefit of retaining possession. The All Black forwards need to play at pace with everyone getting their hands on the ball quickly running up the middle.
Matthew Williamson
What is with the on going obsession with the media commentators to have an "A Team" announced? Is it so they can then get down to the real role they wish to occupy, which is to complain about the selections and how they know better than coaches and players about the serious business of rugby? It seems that the All Blacks have been performing exceptionally well and look well placed to take the Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations honours for 2007, so why is there a sense of desperation in this writing that these people don't really know what they are doing? The Rest and Rotation policies have been questioned endlessly and after the win in South Africa they seemed to have been proven as a successful strategy, but one loss and the ultra conservative response is to return to some narrow selection process as the answer. We have a fantastic squad of players a great coaching team and it looks like we have a good chance of winning the World Cup this year, so how about a bit of positive appreciation of our All Black Squad and a little less of the nay saying?
Bigpoppaj
What a frustrating game, we looked so good, but couldn't finish. For me the most exciting was Luke McAlister. It has been such a long time when the ABs backline has dazzled with so much pace. His step was magical and his combination with Carter saw carter have a much better game this week and get out wide for those big wipers kicks. If he can sort out the passing and handling he will be absolute dynamite at the world cup. Please get rid of Reuben Thorne. How can you leave out Jerry? Leave in Kev Mealamu, Toeava and bring back Kelleher. And surely Howlett's work rate is worthy of more game time. If we get those passes to stick, watch out world.
"The Colonel from ET"
When will all the so-called experts tell the truth? We are being refereed out of the game by slackness in applying the offside rule at ruck and maul and from the set pieces. Poor old Dan Carter's skill is being questioned by all and sundry, when in fact he is being stifled out of the game by slack referees. All three Tri-Nation games have had the same issues. Coupled with this is the constant change to scrum rules to depower our scrum. When we have a clear advantage at scrum time the opposition either do not try to hold us or collapse the scrum. The result invariably is a penalty against us. We have a professional game, played and coached by professionals and refereed by egotistic amateurs.
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