KEY POINTS:
Here is an earlier selection of Your Views:
Dukeofrugby (Samoa)
Riches of talent to select from, for Mr. Henry, can also create a big problem. The debate will always go on forever when one of our favorite players is not chosen but, some of the AB selection for their RWC team merits debating/criticism. Mr. Henry said, selection is base on in form players, then how do you evaluate a players form if he hasn't played for sometime and also how do you justified a player like Thorne whose not in form, selection over the likes of Flavell? Sione Lauaki(one dimensional and no defence), A Ellis(not a top 6 halfback), R Thorne(cakewalk for R Elsom/J Muller), Sommerville(over the hill!) and A Mauger(already mention by someone, only concern about what do to with his $) should've never been selected for AB RWC team. The Boks & OZ's are all smiles now that they don't have play against likes of M Tuialii, J Cowan, T Flavell, J Schwagler and S Tuitupou.
Stephen Paterson
I think the Team looks good overall!2 issues; Reuben Thorne over Troy Flavell. I feel Troy was hard done by, Troy plays well at Lock and flank brings ball running options and plays up front and tight when needed. What has Reuben done!!
Ellis over Weepu, Im not sure whether that was a good idea, yes his form was not as good as it was last year, but in saying that, he does have the experiance where Ellis doesn't. Lauaki great choice.
Arron
Messam had to be there, seems like a wasted opportunity to not take this future superstar. He would be way better cover for the loosies than Masoe.
Conditioned
I agree with the change at half back if only to try a different combination. Commentators say Carter should run the show but the reality is that the half back runs the show - think Justin Marshall. Too often Kelliher and Weepu are missing in action behind the collision area and it is left to the forwards to decide what to do. We need a dominant half back that can dictate play and the number eight and Carter are there to execute the play. Until a half back takes the role of always being position and deciding whats on, we will get poor choices being made by those who have to execute.
Duke (Queensland)
Yes, Ellis, no, Kelleher. Yes Flavell, no Thorn.
Lil John & The East Side Boyz
I dont understand how Ellis made the squad and Weepu didn't. I also reckon that Flavell should've made the squad rather than Thorne based on the fact Flavell (flavell returned to the super 14 in 2006 after a couple of years in Japand and yet when he got back it had seemed as if he hadn't softened up, now tell is there anybody else who can do that and still end up captaining a team that makes the playoffs the following year?!) I also would've preferred Gear over Howlett because Gear is more of a threat on attack and has more skill whereas Howlett may only have the defensive advantage over Gear.
Mike
Simply put, who else was Graeme and co going to pick. The reality is the days of someone coming from the NC 2nd division is long gone, if 'm not mistaken that was Christian.In saying that, this is a squad who has plenty of experience, skill & guille and has every chance to win the world cup. We as Kiwis just have to get behind them, forget the goal of the perfect game, it won't happen, what will happen is this team will adapt and adjust and win and if the opportunity is there to show some flair they will.Half of this team were young 4 years ago and got hurt, now they have learnt and the rest have skills experience to burn, get behind and never doubt, this is the time to succeed.This team has grit, fortitude, heart & skill, last night they showed they are ready for the big occasion, its our time.
Greg (Auckland)
Overall the selectors seem to have got it right, not that I'm suggesting I know more than them however with the inclusion of Sione Lauaki who can cover 8 & 6 I would have preferred to see Marty Holah in the squad in place of Chris Masoe. Lauaki in my view also allows us to leave out Rueben Thorne, whom I don't believe should be there and opt for either Flavel, Filipo or Rawlison as more specialist lock cover. Given Robinsons injury history I am a little concerned about the cover at lock. Good to see our defence is still wining us games. Jake White would be proud.Keep the faith & believe in Black.
Lolorover (South Auckland)
My initial squad differs only with Weepu being dropped for Andrew Ellis. But thinking about it, I fully agree that this change is justified on form. I am now even more assured of the ABs chances of winning "our" cup back. I had like the idea of Lauaki over Flavell for the very reasons explained by the selectors. They pointedly reminded us that the loose trio's performances last night was excellent, but one can conclude that that was said to not to cause more stirring. really, we had lack the potents of a destructive ballcarrier for a while and was even more obvious at this year's three major hitouts.
Steve (Auckland)
I think the AB selectors have done a great job! Pity Graham Henry is getting all upirt and treating the ABs like his old school pupils from his teaching days! Chill out Graham! so the boys went out on the Ran Tan, so what!PS Greg Somerville is soft! Put him against Schwalger and it will be a repeat of what Tialata did to him last season! Somerville cant clean out he stand one of off the ruck with his hand in the air! Your a tight forward Greg get in there and do some damage!Chris Jack is the same....no edge, compared to people like Robinson etc.
Frazer ( Sunnyvale)
I am glad Lauaki and Ellis have been included. Lauaki for his size, skills and most importantly impact. Ellis because of his quickness, skills and class. I rank Cowan as the next best halfback (4th). His early Super 14 form could have got him into the squad but Leonard's form and the class of Ellis mean that they join Kelleher in the squad. It would seem that the post world cup future will contain a Leonard verses Ellis contest similar to the Kelleher - Marshall rivalry. I think if Lauaki has replaced Flavell then we shouldn't have Masoe but either Braid or Holah as our back up 7. Lauaki covers 6 and 8. Thorne covers lock and 6. Collins is a 6 that can play 8 better than Masoe can. So'oialo is an 8. Masoe is there to cover 6, 7 and 8 we are told. Flavell covered lock and 6. Therefore if Flavell (Lock / 6) leaves the squad and is replaced by Lauaki (6 / 8) then Masoe is really only covering 7 as 6 and 8 are covered by two players already. Masoe is not NZ's second best 7. Braid or Holah would be. So in my opinion Braid or Holah should be there instead of Masoe as specialist 7 cover if anything happens to McCaw.
Andy Pandy
The selection of Andrew Ellis comes as no surprise to me. He has proven himself in the S14 and Junior ABs, while Piri Weepu pays the price for having concetrated on playing first five eighth for the Canes. He lost his zip required for quick ball.Luauaki, well he just brings the AB's that X-factor. He can bust a game open, particuarly with a tiring Wallaby or Bok defence. I trust Henry's selections, he has proven himself from the time I started following him in 1996 at Auckland (i.e. that is the time we got DSTV in Zambia) Go All Blacks, and by the way, the Boks seem to celebrate that they done well in both defeats to the Wallabies and ABs. They also forget that their best team was beaten on home turf by the AB's and there onloy hope at the World Cup would be to play defensive against a rampaging All Blacks. By keeping the Wallabies and Boks tryless in 160 minutes, the AB's showed they also have the defence right.
Chris (Ponsonby)
I think Peri Wepu should have got in, instead of Ellis because Wepu has experience at this level and has been chosen for a long period of time. He understands the other major teams and knows what it is like to face them. Why miss him out now just because of a supposed lack of form? I also think Daniel Braid should have got in instead of Masoe because Braid can cover flanker position, and be a backup to McCaw, who is always vulnerable and targetted .
Johnathan & Norah (Brisbane)
Firstly what a great - congratz to the boys who did extremely well.We agree with the team squad selected for the world cup in France. The team are always chosen in advanced gives them more chances to keep up the training and putting their best feet forward. We will be supporting the team till the end. All the best for the World Cup the ball is in your hands.Go the All Blacks! will be cheering via tele!
John Emery
The selection of both Lauaki and Ellis comes as no surprise. Both, played very well throughout the s14 series. I think Carter may benefit at the World Cup with the inclusion of Ellis. However I believe Leonard will start the tests with Ellis warming the bench. Lauaki coming off the bench will be devastating. However it all comes down to the opposition's defensive strategies. The French, Irish, South Africans and Australians know what they need to do to send us home early. If they get it right on the day, it won't matter who the ABs field. Go the Abs!
Gee (Melbourne)
Yes. All but one. Chris Masoe. Why he is still there I'll never know. I agree with Richard Loe. Marty Holah should be our second choice Specialist to Ritchie. Marty's not flash but his D is sound and can create turnover ball just as good as Ritchie. As Richard mentioned, if Ritchie goes down injured, Chris wouldn't be the ideal coverage. Sure, he maybe able to cover three positions, but the No.7 role, I feel, should have two specialists. Just look at George Smith and Phil Waugh. Excellent combination! I would prefer to see Liam Messam or Daniel Braid get picked before Chris Masoe. Oh well it's not too late for the selectors to re-think the team list. After all, anything can happen in six weeks even if it is only training sessions for now. Go All Blacks.
The Balls
I am impressed! I would have taken Troy Flavell or Ross Filipo over Reuben Thorne, Ma'a Nonu or Richard Kahui over Conrad Smith, and Rico Gear over Doug Howlett, however the rest of the choices are basically undisputable.I am not sure why John Schwalger could not be named - surely a 4th prop has to be that vacancy. He has played very well right since game 1 for The Hurricanes. Even if Greg Somerville is fit, he has no right to obtain that final spot over Schwalger.Sorry to hear about Piri Weepu but quite rightfully so. Unfortunately, he just didn't fire since the return from the layoff and he was given plenty of fair opportunities. Both Sione Lauaki and Andy Ellis may be surprises, but pleasant ones that I agree with and salute the coaches/selectors for their eyes of recognition - they deserved the selection and will add that extra muscle as runners from the fringe and those 'standing start/nothing-on' scenarios.I hope Ma'a Nonu will be a included as the 1st replacement should a back go down. I believe NZ have ignored the lesson to be learned from the last 2 cups by developing a busting battle-ram No 13 to embellish attacking and exciting backline potency.
Simon Weakley
On the whole it would appear that the best we have to offer for the world cup has been selected. Based on Tri-nations there is still plenty of room for improvement but now there is a stable platform and the players are no longer on "rotation" some consistency can be expected from playing as a set unit. Only week spot is still at line out and unfortunately our first selection at hooker still cant seem to get it right. Its something that's plagued us for sometime and unless this is sorted ASAP the World cup will expose this woeful weakness to our detriment. Go get 'em boys!
John Bassili
Yes I agree with the squad for the world cup but I would have preferred Daniel Braid as a cover for Richie McCaw instead of Chris Masoe. Now that Lauaki is in the squad he covers 6 and 8 we need a specialist 7 as cover.
Ryan
Reuben, what does he actually do on the field?
Richie Leeds (UK)
Such a pity promising young players like Ryan and Eaton miss out with injury. I am concerned about the ABs at number 6 - have been since last world cup. Masoe is not a ball handler or a natural rugby thinker. Likewise for Reuben Thorne, who has never been greater than an adequate super14 player. Both are big areas of weakness for the ABs. If Collins loses form (highly possible) then we are in real trouble. Relieved Flavell not going - he was a liability and not needed at this level. Good luck to McAlister and Conrad Smith, key players in midfield - Mauger is a weak link at 2nd 5 but hope they all fire for the Cup.
Zak (Napier)
Fair enough selection with 2 exceptions for me. Wouldn't have McAllister there, has not enough defence,for the two critical possies he is covering and Rockococo has become far too predictable, he can't catch a bloody ball and the head down run at em and hope like hell they don't stop me attitude hadly needs a college education to work out what he will do, that's if he does catch the pill. Very over rated, yea I know he scores tries, at the end of a chain set up for him. Realistically he is a passenger and good rwings we are not short of. Still he is there so good luck to him.
Fili (Sydney)
Great to see Sione Lauaki in the squad. A pity that Troy Flavell, who I would prefer over Reuben Thorne and despite his not-too-convincing performances of late, still deserved to be on that plane. His only hope is that Thorne breaks a leg in the ANZC. The reconditioning group were always going to be chosen, Henry wasn't about to fool anyone. The last spot would probably go to the fourth prop and Greg Somerville is the obvious candidate. A surprise omission was Piri Weepu but you'd think that his recent mishap at a late night drinking binge has cost him his place, which went to Andy Ellis. Interestingly, the others he was with bar one player (Conrad Smith), were not selected for the RWC, including Flavell. Smith has not had much game time of late and that is one high risk to take to the cauldron of the World Cup. Ma'a Nonu was ignored completely but we will never know how he would've fared if given more opportunities. Otherwise, a very strong and exciting squad but there always has to be that one particular "nuisance" that does not belong there [Thorne] and I won't be too happy for him if we end up winning. I just can't see what the coaches see ... he's totally useless.
Hoppa (Titirangi)
I totally agree with the team.All we have to do now is to support them.I am one hundred per cent that the boys will bring the cup home.
Rob Herriott
Totally understand the selections of Lauaki and Ellis, but I cannot fathom the thinking when it comes to not selecting Rico Gear, a player who unlike Joe, consistantly fronts and scores tries.
Go the allblacks
Yeah I agree with the allblack selections.Cause I aren't the coach or selector. If I was qualified to have a better opinion then yeah I'd have one. but they're the men for the job (coach and selectors) and the players are what they need to achieve their ultimate goal.100 per cent behind them.
Blackheart(Sydney)
This is a well balanced side. The inclusion of Lauaki & Ellis is justified.There is only one weakness in the squad. Chris Masoe has not done enough to show he should be selected. He is not quick enough for open side flanker, he is not skillful enough for No.8 and in terms of blind side I'd rank him only fifth in the country.With Lauaki in as No 8 and Thorne there as back up at blind side his main role is to cover No.7 in the event that McCaw is injured. Can anyone seriously suggest that in a tight semi-final or final they would prefer to see Masoe coming on to replace an injured McCaw rather than Holah; Braid or Messam? I rest my case.
Johnny (Auckland)
My only concern with the squad named is the exception of Troy Flavell. I'm a big fan of his and cant understand leaving him out. In saying that Lauaki is a very good replacement. Also what has happened to the Wellington players? With the exception of Rodney So'oialo, they all seem to be struggling for form. Jerry Collins is getting that form back but Chris Masoe and Piri Weepu cant seem to get back to where they were in 2006. Also give Nic Evens a run at full back!! He is a player full of class , who has played there a lot for Otago, and is being wasted by sitting on the bench for 70mins. I look foward to him coming to Auckland for 2008.
Jono (Rotorua)
After seeing three of our best being overlooked aka Piri, Troy & Rico you have to wonder if Henry's been smoking too much pot! So we beat the Aussies. big deal. We've done that to them every year of the world cup yet come world cup time..wallah they kick our butts yet again when it counts. So forget it people the AB'S will be bringing home the saucer..not the cup. drown your sorrows and watch our neighbours win anutha title!
Al in Oz
I agree with all who criticised the selections of Thorne & Ellis.I also have reservations about the selection of Masoe.Flavell,Weepu,Holah would've been my selections,Gear instead of Howlett & why 3 hookers? When they could've taken an extra back like Nonu.I know he has problems, but he would be the ideal impact player along with Lauaki when coming off the bench. But in saying all of the above, the team has been selected & they will bring the Web Ellis Trophy home,for as we all know,when on tour, the black machine clicks into overdrive.Go the ABs.
Kiwiruz (Hawaii)
Sad for Maoris to have 3 great AB's dropped from the World Cup Squad.Wepu, Flavell and Gear. Only Hayman left to lead the Haka and represent a proud lineage of rugby players in the worlds most successful pro team at the worlds greatest rugby stage. Sad indeed especially as they all deserve to be there.
Dean
Weepu's exclusion is unjustified and unnecessary. I think this is one of Henry's very few mistakes in his tenure as coach. My concern is that it would have shaken the morale of the team - listen to Jerry Collins comments. I think it has taken a bit of the wind out of the sails of some of the players, esp because Weepu seemed to be such a popular member of the team.
Happy enough
Piri out due to form and Elis in, come on just say it was cause of his off field behaviour. Byron has played the same if not worse then Piri, but he gets the nod. Not that it matters Leonard keeps playing like he is and he will be starting and finishing every game. As for all the people that don't like Thorne, he does more work on the field then any other player. May not offer the flashy stuff like standing in the backline all day, or kicking the ball, like a certain Blues lock seems to think he can, but if the ruck needs clearing or a tackle needs to be made, he'll definitely pop up. The game still needs a platform to function. The runners couldn't take the glory if we lose the ball at every break down.
Miss K (Manukau)
I agree with the majority of the selections but am sorry that Marty Holah has been left out. In my view he should be included as a back up to Richie McCaw and would be in the squad in place of Chris Masoe.
Ra [Tok]
Anton and Rueben picked for leadership qualities at the expense of better performing players is my only concern. Troy and Derren Whitcombe have a higher skill level to offer! If Robinson fails who will give us the mongrel we require? Why not get rid of Enoka and co and give that role to Anton & Rueben!Great to see Sione in the team, one word Sione dont blow it! Weepu, its his own fault but I would have left Byron behind as well and taken Jimmy Cowan instead!Ellis got the nod because he's from Canterbury where he failed in the Super14! I also agree with Jake White defence wins games! Those people talking up Richie and Rueben and tackle count stats, check how many missed tackles and dropped balls might be interesting!
Susieq (Brisbane)
Good team but Troy Flavell would provide much more impact than Reuben Thorne. (he must have dome something on someone).
Joe Seph
Awesome additions to an already mighty team. What a privilege it will be to watch the Rugby World Cup in France and also now with the extra confidence I have after watching a convincing Tri-Nations and the Bledisloe Cup battle to win. As with any tournament though it can all come down to one moment in the one game which will ultimately determine a teams fate. This is also something the All Blacks can have even more confidence in as the depth achieved through the rotation system, adopted in the face of much media and public scrutiny, by Graham Henry. Go the mighty Abs.
The genius Aukilani
Ma'a Nonu should be there as an impact player, has to be given a chance to prove that he deserves a position rather then just condemning him to reserves. Troy Flavell does deserve to be given the boot. Reuben Thorne has a bunch of quiet games and is still selected. He should go too, he isn't decent lineout backup. Favourite of selectors, maybe? Rico Gear should be tried at 13 against the easier teams, he was explosive at 13 for tasman. However the selection of Lauaki is good, provides a different game style from So'oialo. - Posistions of worry for GH are 4, 5, 13 and 15. Conrad Smith had quiet S14, he is capable but is currently not in AB form. a selection on reputation and partly due to a weakness in this position. Corey Jane would've been a better selection, had better form and has bucketloads of potential, can play 13 and 15. Piri Weepu needed to go cos he has a similar playing style to Byron. Also a punishment for going clubbing, he had a lacklustre S14 and he doesn't play that intelligent, i.e. he runs into big 120kg forwards and thinks he can outmuscle them. Brendan Leonard and Ellis are the next Byron and Justin!
Tuaman
Why is Byron Kelleher still in? Piri out? Graeme Henry and Co have lost the plot for sure. They persisted with Chris Masoe, yet they bring in Sione Lauaki, so why not bring in Marty Holah too, a specialist Open side is what we need Masoe is not even close to Holah in that position. Byron has made mistake after mistake and lets the heat of battle get to him, he is slow in his decision to pass or kick and Piri is almost the opposite he passes long and fast and is cool at the worst of times. Ellis? who? Give us a break from nowhere he comes into contention even jumps ahead of Jimmy Cowan. Conrad Smith (Mr. 7 minutes game time or whatever) clearly a better player than Toeava but lacking much game time and Toeava is still only a super 14 player. They should have given Rico Gear a chance to prove himself at centre where his pure speed and step combined with his 7's skills is a classic centre necessity in today's game, he is strong on defence and is a match winner. Rugby is getting more and more boring and Rueben Thorne's inclusion is proof of that. Goodbye World cup, Go the Froggies!
Next