KEY POINTS:
Here is an earlier selection of Your Views:
Marcus Joseph
The ultimate team, and this is no bull: 15.Muliaina, 14.Sivi or Rico, 13.Toeava, 12.Mcalister, 11.Roko, 10.Carter, 9.Kelleher, 8.Rodney, 7.Richie, 6.Jerry, 5.Flavell, 4.Jack, 3.Hayman, 2.Mealamu1, 1. Woodcock. Bench: Evans, Robinson, Piri, Masoe, Mauger, Tialata.
Kola Kiwi Mad Supporter (Brisbane)
I think that the All Blacks coaches are doing the right thing at moment. We need more patience and respect the decision that the coaches are making. I have every faith in Henry and his decisions, the rotation is working cause it makes everyone hungry for that All Black jersey, and if you are not hungry enough for that you should not be in the team. The All Blacks are the greatest team in rugby and every team in the world tends too pick up their game when the play the greatest. So to say that the rotation is not working is over the top, we must have faith in our coaches. The loss to the Gaybees was a set back, but the All Blacks looked like they didn't turn up to play and that disappointing because you can't take any team as easy beats. Aaron Mauger was disappointing and I'm really sick of him getting more chances to wear that All Black jersey when he should know what too expect when he puts it on. But in that game he did nothing but kick the ball and didn't link the back line together, him and Thorne should start coming off the bench more instead of getting the starting line up. Luke McAllister should be link with Dan Carter or Nick Evans to give the back three more room to attack. Luke also adds more speed and gives Carter more opinions to push run or kick. Mealamu should be in all games cause he adds more go forward for the forwards instead of Anton Oliver. Let him go, he is getting to old for the game and around the field and showed it in the first two test. Anyway, go the mighty All Blacks, smash them Gaybees this weekend and whatever team Henry puts on I will be supporting them at home in Brisvega, cause he is from Auckland and last time the All Blacks won a World Cup the Auckland were ruling the heart of New Zealand. Black is beautiful, go the World Cup champions of 2007.
Aaron Bowkett
Can't say I agree with Wynne regarding Flavell. I don't think he's done enough at the top level. Has he really been tested? I prefer Collins and Thorne and don't think Favell is a lock at test level. I think Felipo is better.
Paul Craig
I find it amazing that a 33 to 6 score line is not good enough for New Zealanders. Okay, it wasn't the most entertaining game of all time. But that was due to the pressure the Africians put on with their defence. Yes, few passes went to ground but why doesn't everyone realise to an All Black team that peaks now will have less chance of winning the world cup. We must have faith in what I consider to be the best coaching panel NZ have ever had. If things don't improve, we still have a chance. Boring but effective worked for England in 03 don't forget!
PJ
We can't afford to lose this one, so should definitely field our best team. Mine would be as follows: Hayman, Mealamu, Woodcock, Jack, Robinson, Collins, McCaw, So'oialo, Kelleher, Carter, McAlister, Toeava, Rocko, Sivivatu, Mils. I thought Jack and Robinson looked good together, Jack playing particularly well. McAlister and Toeava need more time together.
Stu
The varying debates that have staggered back and forth about the All Blacks over the current season, have been frustrating. Several fundamental issues face the team, and are issues that have surfaced before.
Firstly leadership. From all my years of playing and avidly watching rugby, I have learned this never choose a captain who wears the numbers 6, 7, or 10 on their backs. Even though they may the best footballers in the world (which at the moment they certainly are). These three critical positions require maximum focus on the task-in-hand from these players, anything else will divide their attention.
So who to pick as captain? Ritchie, while a great leader, and an outstanding footballer, is in an unenviable position as captain. Most often, as an offender (the burden of his position), he is left to argue his own case, the rest of the time he is mostly buried at the pitface and should not be seeing a lot else than that which is in front of him. So who else in the team has experience as captain so far that could act?
Reuben Thorne has had experience (while not so outstanding), but his full-time position in the team would not be advisable for a number of reasons. Anton Oliver has also led. Unfortunately, the rotation/substitution policy with Kevin Mealamu would not allow him continuity on field. Rodney So'oalio has had provincial captaincy, and has a good sense of the game, as well as being in a player position to see a bigger picture of events, his continuity on field, as well as his seniority would also work well. Troy Flavell has carried the task well, and personally lifted himself and his team in captaincy of the Blues this year, although continuity on field could be a problem (plus the issue of his captaincy would possibly stick in the craw of many). Of the other 'regular' players, none of the others have had the experience to my memory, of top level leadership, although there is still plenty of seniority. My vote would be for Rodney. He would certainly need to be well coached on conversing to the refs when Gregan is on field, but I feel certain that he could convincingly argue a good case, and appears to have a very good feel for the strategy, as well as respect from his fellows. Still, this is the stuff of pipe-dreams, as I am sure that the team would not want a change of leadership at this late stage, but I fear for the impact of the leadership weaknesses unless Ritchie gets more skill at the role of debating on field. Perhaps Rodney could be called to better support?
My second point, and I have argued this often. In looking at a number of players, it could be argued that if they played for a provincial or Super 12/14 team other than the one they are with, what would be their honest chances of being chosen for the ABs? I have witnessed over the years a number of players that frankly have arrived in the wider team by association and not fully on merit. The country has had a number of good players passed over because of this parochial bent. I will say no more on that.
Thirdly on the debate over the centre position. Have you observed over the years how many good centres have come from the wings, compared to those who have moved out from the inside backs? Our most potent centres have been converted wings. The instincts of the wing are far better suited to centre than say, second-five-eights. The recent experiment with Luke McAllister has shown that, he is by far better suited in his current position, where he is developing the brilliance required. As well, I must say that I have been perplexed by what appears to be a relaxed indifference by Aaron Mauger of late. Perhaps he, in this position, along with a couple of others needs a spell on the bench. I remember that it has worked with others in the past anyway. To counter, say, Stirling Mortlock, would require a player with good vision of the back-line movement and be able to read the potential attack lines. He would be sizeable, but quick, He can defend well, and cover-tackle well enough to slow or minimise off-loads, and who can make space for the outside wings by the angles run, and who can break tackles with strength, and pass off accurately. We have such a player, and I have been for some while surprised that the selectors have not seen him in the light of a Centre. While this player is currently being played as a wing (where his pace, though good, will never quite match that of the incumbent wings), he has above all others that I have witnessed, all of the attributes formerly mentioned.
The player is Scott Hamilton from Canterbury (this opinion comes from an Aucklander, by the way). I believe he is intelligent enough, and skilled enough, even at this late stage, to be re-educated to the position. I would love to see a line of debate on this particular issue.
I will leave my opinion at that.
zl2bmh
Both players should go to France, more so Robinson, who added a dominate influence to the pack, and his aerial lineout work was excellent. It was refreshing to see an All Black take on the opposition on their lineout ball. We are dropping far too many passes because the accuracy of the passing is not there. When you are running at the top of your speed it makes it almost impossible to catch anything but a good pass. I know because the same terrible thing happened to me many years ago in a shield match against Canterbury.
The Balls (Ottawa, Canada)
I agree with Troy Flavell, he deserves a shot. Reuben Thorne must go, he already got in the way of more deserving players. Aaron Mauger I don't think is as good as MacAlister and always makes a few mistakes against the grain through a bad option. Robinson should sit and play a few NPC games to build his fire. Toeava is also the only option right now. Interesting about Piri Weepu, he just hasn't done it yet since the layoff and plenty of opportunity. Interesting, no Sione Lauaki and no Ma'a Nonu suggest that the last two RWC's weakest positions, big ball running No. 8 & 13's and no willingness for the AB coaches to try and develop the other elements around those natural vital skills brought forth in those two players.
Lance
Leonard definitely, what he lacks in experience is for outweighed by his obvious skills. The reason we had so many fumbles is because of Weepu's poor timing, he flat footed the guys most of the time and where was he at maul time. The SA scrum half had him beaten, Weepu showed no signs of breaking through the defence at all. As for Reuben Thorn, get rid of him. Once we address the voting imbalance within the Rugby Union we might see less bias towards South Island players and get some real talent in there.
Lionking (Palmerston North)
I think it's good for the All Blacks to have a top 30 rather than a top 15. Besides injuries, any player can have a bad day. Haven't anyone ever wake up in the morning sometimes feeling lousy for no apparent reason? Or it could be a simple tiff with a loved one and you could be feeling emotionally down for the rest of the day. If the coaches can slot any of the 30 at any time without throwing the team out of sync then we are on to a good thing. The combinations amongst the 30 should gel regardless of what permutation you come up with. Wouldn't that be great! We should all start thinking top 30 instead of top 15. Just look at Australia, they are so dependent on some key players so much so that if one or two is off on that day then it's game over. Go on and rotate all you like but give us the results. We don't need to crush them (but that will be a bonus), we only need to win.
Adam
A few rules that need to be followed if you are going to win the world cup:
1. Don't take any injured players in the party no matter how good they are.
2. Don't use players out of position even if they are brilliant in a near by one.
3. Settle on a team before you go to the tournament and play them prior to going.
4. Put your in-form players in ahead of incumbents who normally are better. Leonard and Evans both looked good when they came on and cracked open the game, I would play them now.
World cups are immediate and about momentum rather than form and history. It seems to me that the All Black management are breaking at least two of the above rules and that is why I am nervous about them winning it.
Bill
Another so-called Jaffa expert. Why would you drop the best lineout foward (Jack) for an Aucklander that gives away too many penalties, and is no good in lineouts? He is a proven hothead. The other selections I must agree with, the return of Mauger and Leonard in at half back. From what I have seen this year, Kelleher is too slow at distributing the ball, and Wepu has not impressed at all. Leonard has sparked the backline into action and should be given a chance to start against the Wallabies.
Mr Darcy
I think that Mr Henry should go for form players. You do not win games on reputation!
He needs to select Leonard, Evans, Hayman, Woodcock, Robinson, Mils, Joe, Doug, Rodney, Luke, Ice, Richie, Lauaki, Blues hooker (not Kev), Jack. They need impact players such as Lauaki.(Go forward men!)
Bruiser
Earth to Wynne, you've lost the plot. You're shooting down, not playing our best 15, then advocating bringing in Leonard based on 30 mins as a sub, dropping Kelleher who has been in great form. Flavell has dropped out of form and is our 5/6 cover on the bench for me. As for Mauger, he is our biggest liability and wouldn't even be in my 30 if Smith was fit. Keep ice on and give Smith 30 mins this Saturday. More pick and go, rolling mauls for this weekend, especially given the weather.
Hughie
After disposing of the French and Canadian sides, we then went to Africa and won well. I remember turnover Graeme saying that his policies are working, and he said it with a smirk. Well we watched a supposed South African "B" side play Graemes super "22". One could be forgiven for thinking that for the first 65 minutes, our ABs were the "B" side. Josh Kronfield was right when he said they have made that many rotations (160) he wouldn't be surprised if the next AB jersey came out of a Weetbix box.
Actually, Rotation, Rotation, could be a good TV series on the lines of Location, location. We have had the players rotated, let's try the coaches. I got that bored with the game after half time, I went for a cup of tea, mum (the Mrs) yells out to me, when did Reuben Thorne come on!
Actually old Reubs wasn't the only one that didn't have a good game, it's just that he has more not good games than any one else. Young Dan'l at first five needs a rest, best first in the country if not the world, just not up to his best at the moment.
Richie epotimises the word "AB", Rodney, Chris, Piri, Luke, the reserves that came on, awesome guys. The rest, tidy up the mistakes guys, you make too many to win a world cup. Hopefully, Rotating Graeme can get his 15 on and stick with them. These last two games have been a lesson that we need to learn from, players and coaches. Leave the mental excuses out.
Tones (Christchurch)
The All Blacks are heading for a repeat of 1991, will probably squeak past the Wallabies and convince themselves still fair enough to be over confident. As Brian Lochore once said there is nothing more dreadful than an over confident All Black team! Where is the application, thinking and teamwork. Why do we have an experienced lock attempting a crazy quick throw inside the 22 on defence anyway, but also, with absolutely no support? Why does a winger attempt a grubber kick on defence right in front of his posts? Why does a No.8 hang out on the right wing and expect a free kick to be sent out to him. The way the All Blacks are playing would be better to put two teams of sevens on the field.
John (Sydney)
I agree with Bruce. The Wallabies look more settled than any team at the moment and the combinations in the old firm are gelling in stark contrast to the ABs backline. They have no pressure on them they are building up each game with no real pressure from their public. Man for man there not much between the teams Smith/McCaw, Larkham/Carter, Vickerman/Jack, Rockoko/Tuquiri etc. Their weakness is lack of depth in the key positions Larkham is their key. Leonard should start on Saturday. His service will give the backs something extra and Gregan has the wood on Kelleher. McAlister and Smith should be the centres. The home crowd should bring them home, but only just.
Keith
The reason why we have not won the world cup in the last 20 years is because we do not have the same team playing week in week out so therefore that is why we are so inconsistent at loosing all those semi-finals, when it comes down to business end. Stop rotating your players and play your best 15, as the public are getting ripped off and short changed by going to these matches. By playing your B team, people are also getting bored of rugby. The same thing happened in the world cup cricket this year. Why do you think Australia have won two rugby world cups? I don't think the coaches have a clue, take a leaf out of Manchester United Football club and start playing the same team week in and week out. Listen to players like Sean Fitzpatrick because he has been there and done that. I know people get injured but I agree the coaches don't have a clue as to who is the best player for the position, i.e. they have just confused us and themselves.
Peter Rouse
Forwards: Thorne replaced by Collins. Thorne on bench with same as last forward replace. Rest of pack unchanged.
Backs: Leonard, Carter, McAlister, Toeava. Wings: unchanged. Fullback: Evans.
Mulliaina , Mauger, Weepu on bench.
In my opinion Evans is a very versatile player with a cool and analytical head who has been robbed of recognition by injury and playing with a poor quality team. He is also a fast and elusive runner. Toeava needs the game to build his self respect. He is good but does not fully realise this himself 100 per cent. McAlister has finally come of age. He has the speed and strength of Nonnu and the self discipline and brain to fill this position. Henry may have found another Umaga I hope he doesn't lose him.
Carter does not need a nurse anymore. Leonard needs to show the world he is good and needs to run on to do this against a master. The three on the bench do not have to prove anything.
American rugby fan
I'm sorry, I don't get it. New Zealand won and everyone talking bad and the win was not good enough. I've been supporting the New Orleans Saints all my life, and when ever we won the city never had anything bad to say about anyone on the team. New Zealanders are always looking for that perfect game, trust me it will never come. Maybe once or twice, but not every time. And I understand the tradition that goes behind the All Blacks and all the winning they've done I've been here for more than a few years now, but the only thing that the media and fans are doing is putting doubt in their own players mind by criticising or analysing their game to the 10th degree the pressure that's on these guys are huge. I know the nation didn't think the South Africans were coming over here to get whipped, they came to play! So did Canada & all the rest of the teams the All Blacks were supposed to just "cruise through". The gap is shortening and nations do not fear the All Blacks anymore. Let's just cut the boys a bit of slack and let them win the world cup like they will and supposed to do. I bet the coaches know what they're doing, and if not you can get rid of them like John Mitchell.
Antz
Brendon Leonard is a great impact player not necessarily a starting player, in which Byron Kelleher is the better player in the meantime. Maugher has to start there is no question with Toeava in jersey 13 and MacAllister impacting on the bench. I would still like to see Troy Flavell starting with Jack. All Blacks by 13+ this week.
Simon (Auckland)
The All Black forwards are playing pretty well, we just seem to lack ball carriers to distribute the ball and maximise the benefits from the pick & go. We all know that you have to make yards up the middle before you can make breaks on the flanks. I believe that the loose forwards could benefit from an additional ball carrying impact player on the bench. To that end, use Troy Flavell on the bench to cover lock / blindside. Drop Thorne who seems to have little impact and bring Luaki on to the bench. This is not going to happen but...
Our problems in the back line stem from not having a class international centre who is actually playing in that position. To some extent we also lack depth at international level at fullback if Muliaina is playing centre. Muliaina is the best centre in NZ. But he is also the best fullback. The difference is that centre is the major link between inside & outside backs, both on attack and defence. It's a pivotal position and therefore it's not easy to rotate players through and maintain continuity. Mils should be picked at centre and while Leon McDonald is injured Nick Evans should play fullback. His performances over the last 3-4 tests have earned him a start. His defensive play/tackling is up to it, he kicks well, he is a good positional player and he has played at fullback before.
So the ideal team for Saturday:
15 Evans, 14 Sivivatu, 13 Muliaina, 12 McAlister, 11 Rocokoko, 10 Carter, 9 Leonard, 8 Rodney Sio'alo, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Keith Robinson, 4 Chris Jack, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: 16 Oliver, 17 Tialata, 18 Flavell, 19 Lauaki, 20 Kellerher, 21 Toeava, 22 Howlett.
All Blacks to win by 25.
Nuts
Disagree. Mauger, Leonard and Robinson yes. Flavell no!
B-unit
I agree with Wynne Gray's article about getting some consistency in the team. Start with our 'best' pack which does include Mealamu and Jerry Collins. If we take a minute to reflect on the Bledisloe last year in Christchurch, Kevin Mealamu was at the forefront of a strong All Blacks performance, scoring one or two tries in memory. The team needs him there this weekend. Toeava needs to back up for the Auckland test, a player that has huge potential but needs that game time week in and week out. A couple of last thoughts its great to see big Keith back winning that line out ball, and lastly our man Joe Roks confirmed his world class on sat night.
Leonard (Auckland)
I think that Mils Muliaina should play at centre with Luke McAlistar at second five. We need a strong centre who will be able to negate Stirling Mortlock, as well as providing attacking opportunities for the wings. If Leon MacDonald is not fit to play, then Nick Evans should be given a go at fullback. I agree with Troy Flavell and Brendon Leonard starting as they have been strong when given the opportunity.
PDM
I quite agree Leonard and Mauger should start against Australia and what's more, should start through the World Cup, subject to injury. Less sure about Robinson I think a fit and focused Ali Williams partnered with Chris Jack are the best locking combination. Flavell is not up to it even off the bench. They must also get Muliaina into centre and Macdonald at fullback to get the best backline on the field and the top XV must start every game from now with Williams slotting in ASAP. This includes reserves.
Kiwi in Canada
Leonard should be starting every game. He is far and away the best halfback in the country. Robinson is an automatic when healthy. Conrad Smith should be getting all the game time they can get him. All three vital to world cup aspirations.
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