KEY POINTS:
Here is an earlier selection of Your Views:
Spenner
I feel for Piri Weepu as I don't think he has played any worse than Byron K. The reconditioning spell did him no favours and his stint at 1st five for the Hurricanes was certainly the wrong move for him. Ellis may have some form but he will have less recent game time as well as the fact he was playing much weaker teams. You would have to say that he has little chance of playing that much of the world cup.
Long Standing (Sydney)
Masoe should be in the squad. Full-stop. Thorne shouldn't. Weepu should be there. Ellis shouldn't. Gear should have been there. Howlett's had his chance. Ditto Thorne & Oliver. How does anyone who has had two cracks at bringing home the RWC & failed, get a third? Weepu is the second best goal-kicker in the entire AB squad, experienced, and a big-game player. Masoe can cover all three loose forward positions. Can Braid or Holah? I look forward to a wet, miserable French pitch with Masoe, Lauaki and Collins forming a very powerful and imposing back row against all comers. Go the All Blacks!
Nate From Jaffa land
Both Byron and Piri are out of form, either could have been dropped, but Byron got the nod for his experience. I think Flavell was only ever considered as a lock and couldn't be considered as a lock/blind as he hasn't played there all year, they don't need a fourth lock. I'm not a Throne fan at all, and I think he will only start one or two games at blind, a reserve lock in the warm up games and otherwise be out of the A 22 barring injury to one of locks. They have picked him for his contribution as the ultimate team man, as for most of the 2 months he'll be holding tackle bags, and he won't complain one bit. Could you imagine Piri and Flavell doing that? The A team will have Lauiki a specialist lock and Masoe on the bench.
SH, NP
This is a fine side, best in the world by some distance. All other teams will be looking with envy at us. Though judging from some of your readers comments you'd think not. Sad to say not many people understand what they are seeing when watching a rugby test. Australia were lucky not to have conceded 40-plus. I can't believe some of our fans think we were outplayed! I think they are confusing what they saw with rugby league, where the winning team run in try after try. There are different ways of winning rugby, and, usually, the best forward pack wins. Like on Saturday. The line outs were annoying, but that was because of good Aus play, not a "shambles", or "random" or any other made up words which are just noise masquerading as thought.
Juzzy (Melbourne)
I wonder if they should still do the haka since there are no Maoris in the team since Weepu, Gear and Flavell were dropped. Henry is a joke! I had so many nerves leading up to this World Cup, not anymore, I no longer support the ABs. Go the Wallabies!
Weepy Weepu
If his decision to switch codes is a result of his non selection then it proves the selectors made the right decision. It just proves that he wasn't 100 per cent locked in and committed to the All Blacks. His recent failure to adhere to basic team code of conduct also shows he's not 100 per cent committed to the All Blacks. 100 per cent professional or nothing is what we expect of our top players. Nothing less.
Barry D
The selectors have got it right. Weepu's form has been shabby at best. Ellis can clear the ball faster then any other halfback in the country. Flavell was in his devastating form 2 months too early, or he too would be on the way to France. Ruben Thorne does enough good work to keep his place. Lauaki is a big ball runner and will expose gaps in defence in the last 20 mins when the other team's get tired. We will bring the cup home this time. We have so much depth in most positions and we are the fittest team in the comp. Our subs and reserves would all be in any other teams in the world. Go the Blacks, bring the cup home.
Anton-Jay (Sydney)
Henry has got to be kidding us if he expects the public to believe Weepu was dropped purely on form alone, definitely more going on. What about other guys in the squad with 'no form' due to not playing international rugby for months. Why do they get the opportunity to bring their form up to scratch during pool play and others are dismissed. I also think other players rate better then Thorne on the field but his experience and leadership will be valuable to the 'world cup virgins' to let them know what Australia or any other team can do at the sudden death stages. As for Smith, who is this guy? Never seen him do anything worthy on inclusion in an international game, and someone needs to put a firecracker up Joe Roko's bottom and explain to him about passion he seems so casual and is getting to predictable. All said and done I think the best 22 players out of the squad have the team to win. Good luck.
Hmmmmm (Auckland)
This should be an exciting World Cup then aye! Weepu dropped becoz of form? I've been a big fan of Byrons over the years and to tell you the truth he hasn't been that great lately. Andy Ellis, who? I'm sure there were more than a few raised eyebrows yesterday. Never mind, bring on the NewCastle Knights Piri.
Syd
You know, months ago I offered real good odds around the club on the ABs taking the World Cup in a cake walk, but couldn't any takers. Now my odds have eased somewhat, but the cake walk still stands. Nobody is getting close to them when it matters. Weepu should have concentrated more on the game at hand rather than trying to embarrass his bench mates by poking their ears. Maybe he would've been in on the Costa del Sol junket if he had.
Stevo (Harbour)
No problems with Flavell not being there. Had a shocker in Melbourne and was very average in Durban. When did he ever play a good test for the ABs? Doesn't win lineout ball and doesn't do the hard yards. Not a thinking man under the cosh either and gives away stupid penalties like he did early in the Durban test match. His off field discipline is another matter Thorne is a far more solid option with leadership skills, takes good lineout ball and is a roadblock on the blindside. Weepu looks as though he is auditioning for "Dancing with the Stars" with the number of steps he takes before passing, so no loss there. Kellerher needs to be held back in the changing room in an ice bucket until after the haka and the anthem as he gets too hypo and this reflects in his play. I think he will be lucky to be in the mix by the end of the tournament. Personally, would have picked Holah over Masoe now that Luaki is in.
Digger
Time to get behind the whole team. ABs don't need their own supporters knocking them down. Aussie's out there who would like nothing better than to fuel this sort of stuff. It's the only way they have half a chance - so don't play into their game. Depth of NZ rugby means many unlucky players (Rico, Troy, Marty, Liam, Jimmy, Ma'a, etc). Nobody has had to prove their place in the team to the selectors harder than Thorne, so give the man a break. Doesn't do anything flashy but has had to earn the respect of three coaches who initially didn't rate him. Team player. Rather have strong no.6 (vs. lock) on the bench than other way around. Flavell would be untried option as a true no.6 for defensive nous at scrum and lineout. Piri too similar to Byron and seems to be elsewhere at times. Ellis won't disappoint. Great to see Lauaki make it, but will need game time to be as his best. est offensive loosie in NZ. Totally outplayed and out muscled Tui'ali and Palu at tail end of S14. Let's hope injured players fully recovered by RWC and looking forward to players reaching their potential because they have consistently been playing the best rugby of any country.
Claire
Sheesh, I can't believe that Reuben Thorne is in. The one time our loose forward trio looked below par and not the dominant team this season was when he was captain against Canada. I really would hate for him to be captaining any of our games in the World Cup. And I'm afraid I think Chris Masoe is a bit lucky to be in too to be honest, I've been to four of the test games this season and my biggest concern for our team is two things:
1. A lack of a sense of urgency.
2. A real desire to beat their opposite numbers.
Some players do this, but sometimes watching the game there didn't seem to be a real commitment to beat the guy to the ball, nail him in a tackle or to break his tackle. The last time I saw the All Blacks playing so nonchalantly was in Murrayfield against Scotland in the world cup before we went to Twickenham and were beaten by the French (that was an awful game). We need to treat every game with the same urgency, the dire need to win - no complacency!
Watto (Thailand)
I don't agree with some of the choices. Flavell should be in ahead of Thorne after his game in SA versus Thorne's game against S.A. last week. Nonu should be in ahead of McAlister because he can break the line, isn't as greedy and has an element of intimidation that a McAlister/Smith combination will never have. Smith has had no game time so his selection is questionable unless he went paired with Nonu which brings me to the next point. With all the natural attributes of Tana Umanga, Rico Gear should have been given a chance at centre this year. He definitely should be in this team (probably at the expense of Masoe). Simply he is the best defensive winger, can play centre and is prepared to get off his arse and cover defend for the opposite wing unlike Mils/Howlett from the last semi-final. Sure Mils, Howlett, Siviatu, Rococoko all deserve their places but Rico is wasted sitting at home, and would have been a better choice than Smith. Weepu is unlucky because he never got a full 80 min run that he probably needed to prove his worth. Happy to see Lauiki back - but his selection was never in doubt.
Richie
Oh dear oh dear oh dear! And there I was thinking that Mr Henry was a clever man. Am I mistaken or is one of the world's best wingers (and proven) missing from the squad? Where oh where is Mr. Gear? What work rate and ingenuity has Sivivatu proven other than to run fast? Who does the stats for Anton's line out wins? A guide dog perhaps? When the AB's get a line out (with Anton throwing), they might as well just give it to the opposition for 'tap and run' - am I the only one to notice this from years gone by? Did no one in the AB management hear Stirling last week talk about our 'weak centres and they would be targeted? And, wasn't it targeted 'again' (hello, anyone at home?) this week, and truly proven to be the weakest link? SA/Fr/Au appear to be the only ones listening. So there, ladies and gentlemen, is the highlighted weak link. Please don't appear to be surprised when this is our failing! Our problem is that we don't listen to reason. Don't follow your heart, for this isn't love, this is war! You heard it here first! Perhaps then in 2011?
Anonymous from 5 Carbery
This is a massive call from the All Black selectors. Lauaki & Ellis? It's good that Lauaki was included into the World cup squad. Lauaki is a destructive number 8 and you can choice between Jerry and Lauaki to bring the ball crashing up the middle. But he hasn't seen much action on the field, so I have to question his match fitness especially at this level of rugby? Personal choice I would of went with Flavell instead of Thorne, don't get me wrong Thorne is a good player but he is not aggressive enough, he's just a safe and reliable player if that make sense. And Ellis, well yes he too is a good player but, personal choice again, I think Weepu should have been included the World cup squad. You have to ask yourself if Weepu didn't have a nightcap on Thursday, would his name be read out on Sunday? They said that his form was not up to standards during the Tri-Nation. I'm sitting asking myself why Ellis wasn't called up to the Tri-Nation squad. They say that when are given the honours of playing in the Black jersey you lift your standards of the way you play, which I'm sure Lauaki and Ellis will do. Everyone has a different opinion on who should be in the AB's World cup squad, even me, but if this is the team to do it then so is it... "Let's bring it home boys".
Indy (Fiji)
Apart from shocking choice of Thorne and Ellis, I don't think there are many worries. Would have liked to see Troy in and the 2003 skipper out and also if on form Weepu was bad, did anybody watch the performance of Byron on Saturday night? He has been like that in most of the tests this year and I would prefer to see Leonard to start now that no Weepu. All the best ABs and bring our cup back home.
Believer (Auckland)
Oh yee of little faith. Graham and the selectors should be believed in and trusted for their wise opinions. They are the best we have to lead us into this campaign. So why would they choose players that are not the best on offer? They want to win the World Cup as much as we want the ABs to win the World Cup. So their selections should not be doubted - they are the experts. If we cannot win the World Cup with Graham at the helm, we will never win it. Have some faith, be a believer - we are on track to bring home the other piece of silverware missing from our cabinet.
Phil - Worried AB fan (Sydney)
I would have discarded Byron Kellaher and kept Piru Weepu. Henry says that Weepu is out of form. No halfback fumbled or kicked without effect more than Kellaher. Out of form Weepu still showed a quicker, cleaner and more accurate pass than an 'in form' Kellaher. What on earth has Rueben Thorne done this year to warrant his selection? Absolutely nothing, seriously he's just a waste of space. I would have Troy Flavell in the trenches instead, at least he has 'presence'. Schwalger wasn't given much opportunity to show his wares was he? Our lineout throwing is still pathetic. Employing one of our lovely Silver Fern girls as a line-out throwing coach wouldn't go astray.
Admin@metaltech
A Welsh referee who ref'd the myth that is the All Blacks, rather than what was in front of him, was all that prevented New Zealand from being humiliated by a game Wallaby side that was better on the night. Unfortunately for New Zealand, the same rugby mythology states that the All Blacks will 'choke' in the world cup semis, so my guess is that another incompetent IRB referee will achieve this result.
Evz
I don't have a problem with the selections, that's the reality. Don't perform when given opportunity? Oh well, that's what happens, Weepu will just have to learn from his exclusion. Lauaki brings his size an power + ball carrying, his skills an handling just needs work but other than that his inclusion will add strength to the bench. This All Black side looks good and balanced just as well we have depth in our rugby ranks. The one thing I noticed with the selections is that these guys is that they've come through the Graham Henry regime last couple of years and a few test caps under there belt.
Brown
The AB selection for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in my opinion is a force to reckon with. I have no doubt that the players chosen has more than the heart needed to land NZ in the finals. Whether they can pull it off and win the World cup will all depend on the team they'll be playing against. (Aussie is my guess).
Asterix
All these 'arm chair experts' are knocking the AB team for the World Cup. That's what you are guys, 'armchair experts'. Nothing more, nothing less. You are not coaches of professional sports teams, so leave it to the experts. If Rueben Thorne was as bad as his knockers make out him to be, how has he been picked by so many AB selectors over the years? I support the 'team', no matter who is there or not. Go the AB's, they are representing NZ.
Andy (Melbourne)
I'm not Thorne's biggest fan but for all those who've never played in the engine room and see fit to criticise a good guide to what he does do can be found on the Silver Fern website, an article entitled "So what do you do around here?"
Binge
I wish all the Reuben knockers would leave him alone. If they bothered to watch a game with two eyes open they would see what the selectors see - someone who does an awful lot of work in the tight and on defence.Selections are made on a positional base but also with an overall 'squad mix of talent' in mind. I think the selectors have it about right. Let them get on with the job.These boys are, "our boys" and they carry the hopes of a nation.They have my full support!
BACCA (Townsville, QLD)
Spot the Difference! ha ha ha.
Dylz (West Auckland)
I think Lauaki is the best person for the job, look at his first year in super 14 playing for the chiefs and his first game against the all blacks he set up a try in the first half and got one himself in the second(he ran 60 - 70 meters), that's when I noticed him, he starts off the years slow but gets a hell of a lot better towards the end that's why its good to put him in now he makes plays from nothing (like that kick to Siviatu in his last chiefs game in Christchurch) and he's a harder worker on flied than Flavell watching his last few games, his defence is great he'll bring something special to the world cup just wait and see.
kiwi (Canada)
Not far wrong with that team but with Lauaki in, why is Masoe still aboard? Are we to believe he's better at 7 than Holah? Gimmee a break! Look for Leonard to supplant Kelleher as No. 1.Rico Gear unlucky. Thought with Evans in, they may have left out McDonald and taken four wingers.
Ruggah Fullah
Commiserations to Flavell and Weepu congrats to Ellis and Lauaki , has Ellis done anything this year , considering the EX BOP half-back has kept him out of games during the S14. Have to ask though why Thorne and Masoe are going , one could actually be forgiven sometimes if Thorne is on the field , his impact is zilch , Masoe is a good player , but he ai'nt no out and out openside loosie to give Ritchie a rest if needed , would loved to have seen Marty Holah and Flavell there. Graeme would need to do a hell of lot of directional practise throwing with Anton Oliver , his throwing was shocking , it brought back memories of the game when Tatai Kefu scored in the last minute when the aussies beat us , again because of shocking throwing by Oliver , that was a few years back it seems he aint learnt nothing since.
Is Graeme getting to the same stage now as when he left Wales , lets hope not.One thing is scary and that is if Aussie make the semis , they are our hoodoo team. Still I suppose to get some relief , the netballing ferns won well last nite , coming back from being well down , the Warriors also seem to be hitting a purple patch , lets hope the rotationers havent stuffed up again.
Pog32 (Brisbane)
Having been a very staunt All Black supporter since the day I was able to carry a rugby ball and to have been present at our 1st world cup victory at Eden Park in 1987 I now start to wonder if Graham Henry has go it right. Yes I am an Auckland Blues supporter and yes I am an ex Aucklander. But having lived across the ditch for near 20 years, I really now have to wonder about 2 things he has done with this current All Black squad. 1. His rotational policy was again tested against Australia. I thought a while back he said he would cease with the rotational policy once the international test series started this year and he would put the best 15 on the field. Well you won the game but your dominance in the backline was lacking. Ignore the weather conditions, if you want to have a wonderful backline then why doesn't the ball get out to them. Just a thought Graham. 2. No Troy Flavell? Blunder 2. Playing the best football he has for a long time and you bring in a player who has yet to play a test in 2 years, Lauaki. You think Flavell is ill discipined then think again, Luaki is mistake ridden. But that is why you get paid the big bucks. Just remember that when you live in Australia the legacy of only one world cup victory hurts a lot more when you live in that country that has won more than you. Good luck Graham!
Mike (Spain)
Reuben Thorne!? Oh no this guy is holding back dynamic players, he is not a blindeside/lock, as this year has shown that he cant compete in the lineout, his tackling is suspect, his driving aggressive play is non existent, he never breaks the advantage line, he is in the tight but not doing anything, his handling is poor, he is like a 10 year old samsonite suitcase in the lost luggage dept at Heathrow...yet he makes the ABs..that sums up AB management, wasting talents and wasting our chances of victory..one last thing, Rico walk away with pride man and full your boots in Europe you are the unluckiest man in NZ. AB's to choke in the semis.
Next