- Loy Machee
This is in regards to Mr Henry's rotation policy. It is working and I prefer to see the many talented rugby players get a good go at the AB's. Why mock something that is working well. It would be different if the ABs were losing but they are not. This country continually looks for the negatives when something that is so successful like the All Blacks rotational policy should be supported. The results speak for themselves.
- Penz
Seems to be working ok any thing to win that bloody World Cup and shut the Aussies up may be picking the top team of the last 3 games but they should be happy with what they have achieved at the moment so lets enjoy thanks
- Henry Pene
I feel Graham Henry is doing the right thing, in the professional era of rugby. He is building great depth in the squad which must be a good thing a year out from the World Cup.
- Greg Robertson
Until they rotate no 7 and 10 it is a Claytons rotation policy as the claim to build up back up players has not happened in these positions. To send a world class 7 like Holah to SA and then leave him on the bench is giving the impression that Mc Caw is so crucial to the ABs he cannot be replaced. If Matfield had connected like he did with Kelleher, then Carter would need a replacement for ages. So why not play Luke M. in a game that really means nothing much as the tri nations is over as a competition.
- Terry
I feel that the rotation policy has been successful thus far and until obvious faults can be seen in this policy, everyone should lie back and take it what has been a very successful last season for the All Blacks. In reply to Hayds one eyed piece of writing. Jason Eaton has started numerous tests for the All Blacks, the reason why James Ryan isn't in the frame is because he has played little or no rugby since early in the Super 14, so I would find it hard to justify his place in the squad. Also who would make way for Clarke Dermoody (one of your beloved South Islanders)? Also has everyone forgot about Nick Evans as the back up Five-eighth? Without a doubt he is second in line to Carter, McAlister has had numerous opportunities in the position and doesn't appear to have a full understanding of the role. The last couple of weeks he has played two of his better games this year and second-five.
- Michael Anderson
Being able to produce two top teams at a moments notice is daunting to any oposition. With the amount of tests now being played the rotation policy injects a fresh pair of legs to grind down the oposition. It has been a telling factor that sides just can't keep up with the AB's for the full 80mins. I would love to see our two teams face each other...what a match that would be!
- Craig Tomlinson
While there are many that are old school in their view that the top team should be run out - people need to be realistic. The cramming of more matches into the season and the fact that all games are test matches now means that the only way to blood players is in the test arena. The days of the '89 tour to Wales and Ireland are long gone. Players of today will rarely get to wear the black jersey against non-international teams like Neath, Natal, and Queensland like years gone past. Also, if we want 30 man squads and the next tier to learn, than maybe a return to tours should be considered an option - Australia, it should be noticed by everyone, is doing just that. Other than that, Kiwi's shouldn't complain too much - Other teams are just trying to win a test, let alone build a pool of players.
- Inny
I can count 10 positions in the current All Black team where if the so-called 2nd string player was to play there would be no discernible difference in team performance. We have never been able to say that before about the All Blacks. Rotation is nothing new in world team sport. Check out the huge difference in soccer between the players fielded in an international friendly from those fielded in the World Cup. The same can be said for basketball. And as an aside, my attendance at a rugby game is not affected by whether the "top team" of players is playing (be it the All Blacks on rotation, or next years Super 14 with missing All Blacks) - I go along to support and enjoy my team playing, and like the opportunity to see new players filling in and whether they manage to rise to the higher level.
- John O'Donnell
I am no problems with the rotation policy, as the aim of it is to keep players as fresh as possible. But one can't help but feel the prestige of the All Black jersey is some what lessened due to this rotation policy. Two prime examples of this are Greg Rawlinson and Scott Hamilton. I have watched these two with keen eyes throughout the Super 14 and Test series and I struggle to see how they are up to International standard. Hamilton is fortunate he is on the end of a world class backline at Canterbury and I have yet to see evidence that Greg Rawlinson is up to Super 14 standard, let alone International standard
- Brendon Bell
A few years from now everyone will be using the rotation policy and all the argument against it will be long forgotten. Its success more than proved itself in the last test match where, although we lost four members of the team to injury, the team looked no worse and the ability of the team for this weekend's match is undiminished, not even on the bench. Apart from building tremendous depth in our side, I believe the rotational policy has raised players' ability right across the board. No longer can anyone afford to be complacent when their next-in-line is not some greenhorn but is playing half the games and showing that he too has what it takes. I think our chances of winning the RWC (which will always be a gamble) are better than they ever have been, and it's directly due to the rotation policy. Compare us to the Aussie and SA sides whose coaches are stuck between a rock and a hard place because, although they desperately need the new blood in their sides, they no longer have the time they need to bring inexperienced players up to scratch by the time the world cup rolls around.
- Carl Reynolds
Hayds, what are you even talking about, Rico used to play for Auckland, and he wasn't picked until he played in Canterbury. Also Eaton is in the AB's so don't know what you are talking about there! James Ryan was injured and will be going to europe at the expense of Rawlison. Think you need to take those glasses in for a new prescription, as that south island fog is not doing your eyes any good. As for Howlett, granted I too believe that he has dropped a little bit of gas, but his positional play and all round consistency , not to mention how he must be helping the likes of Sivi and Rico come on at this level, would all be factors.
- Nige
8 from 8 Lets face it if other countries had the depth they would do it
However NZ wont be happy till we lose, its the tall poppy syndrome. I can't believe that some people are so unpatriotic willing us to lose. GH is doing a great job for those who want the ABs to lose there is no place in this country for you.
- Warren Kerebs
I think Henry is spot on. We have stolen a march on Australia at least. News corp I believe are disengenuous over their claims. Their main aim is to stop the All Blacks resting before the World Cup. Not the real concern for the Tri Nations competition. As yet they cannot prove any real loss or damage to the Super 14 as a spectacle. The Tri Nations will be better for the loss of some top players as it unearths even more talent. The next rung of players will be more motivated and should not be underestimated to provide an outstanding spectacle.
- Steve Coxhead
I totally disagree that Henry has cheapend the Jersey with his rotation policy. You just need to look at the fresh legs that ran on last saturday that helped dismantle SA after a host of injuries to the AB's. In the past that would have made the AB's go into their shell somewhat, but this team does not batter an eyelid as they know everyone know what job they have to do.
- Nige
Absolutely he is on the right track - we should stop talking about it and giving other countries insights into our ideas. We will win the World Cup in 2007 and 2011.
- Noel Wilson
The last 2 successful World Cup campaigns featured teams with a great forward pack, loads of experience, and outstanding and inspirational captains. Richie McCaw has put in some of the most brilliant displays of rugby I have ever seen. The rotation policy is working, and is beneficial to the All Blacks, to strengthen our depth and experience for a long campaign like the World Cup. This years TNC is testimonial to the fact that it is working. The bulk of our players have been playing together for years, and are in prime condition to win this World Cup. It is the support players, and bench players that needed to be nursed into shape. Our forward pack is tremendous, it has several backup players for almost every position, and this rotation policy has allowed to test it out. I commend Henry for this, bring home the Cup please! We cannot bear anymore shame, keep the rotation policy going until the Europe tour.
-Jerome Pervez
Henry and Co should just carry on carrying on! Apart from next year's WC and the current winning role they are on, this concept has another major benefit. Creating depth and exposing players to test level and training with the best rubs off when these players return to their S14 and ANZ cup teams. They are in a position to demonstrate new found skills and assist their club, provincial and S14 team mates who may otherwise never be exposed to this. This factor can only raise the standards across the board and may even help expose new players capable of performing at test level.
- Peter
Smartest move ever made. After living in the USA for 40 years and seeing Players in the NFL having longer and more productive careers, from extra rest alone especially those teams who are fortunate to have DEPTH in their squad. I congratulate the Graham Henry approach to this method. Brilliant!
- Alan
I think the way Graham Henry is building for next year's massive World Cup has been a great success. He knows as good as any one that if he fails he will feel the chop just like John Mitchell after his stunnig record and just like Reuben who I'm happy to see back. Ice Toeava has been the only disapointment on this tour but I've seen him play and he looks like he could be amazing with time. This rotation policy I believe has lowered the value and manu of the All Black jersey but I think the players fighting for spots to get into the team for the end of year tour (mock World cup) are going to be a great success as they all push themselves much more than they usually would. Well done Graham Henry keep up the good work
- Shea (Tauranga)
I think the rotation policy is excellent for New Zealand, because we have the depth to do it. My only concern is at first five, as Carter is virtually playing every match. He is the world's best, but we need to give his back-up more playing time. I would give McAllister a lot more time at first five, as I consider he is the second best in the country in the position, and an excellent goal kicker. If we give him 50% of the games now, he would be ready for the world cup in case of injury to Carter. The rotation policy will be judged on world cup results. Win the world cup and Henry will be a hero. Lose it and Henry, like Mitchell before him, will be sacked as a failure.
- Denis Coogan
The criticism that Graham Henry and his assistant coaches are receiving is unnecessary and uneducated. He is managing to achieve depth in the All Black side without sacrificing too much performance-wise - and even were he to do so, this policy is still the best one for long-term development and for keeping talented players in New Zealand. While we expect the All Blacks to win every game, as passionate supporters should, we are also very quick to jump on the bandwagon if some well-known individuals make comments - either good or bad. Looking at this season, one would have to agree that the AB's are the best in the world by quite some distance and as the depth in the side continues to develop, they will continue to rule the world rugby tree. And while we are beginning to have depth in almost every position, work still needs to be done, as evidenced by the performance at scrum time against the Springboks on the weekend. While we achieved parity most of the time, we did not dominate as much as we could have, demonstrating that our second-tier props still have some work and conditioning to do so as to be competitive for starting spots on the 'A' team. So continue the good work Henry, Hanson and Smith.
- Isaac
I would like to know how many chances the rest of the countries players get as opposed to the AUCKLAND boys. Doug Howlett and Joe Rokocoko are classic examples of a double standard. Joe has turned it on in the last two games. Doug hasn't played to the AB level in the last year and a half at either Super level or test match. He breaks no tackles, makes no turn overs and has no imposing presence and now he is starting at fullback...why? He has no defence front on. What does Rico Gear have to do? Play for Auckland? And why is it that Clarke Dermody who had an awesome Super 14 season isn't called in to the ABs? Troy Flavell is in the frame after playing for Auckland, but Jason Eaton and James Ryan aren't. I don't get it. Auckland have been average at Super level for quiet a while. They have more ABs than any other team, yet they play like crud. But time and again they are picked. I suppose it means that potential is worth more than consistancy at least that's true if you are an Aucklander because everybody else clearly has to earn their fern!
- Hayds
I think the ABs are on the right track and the only team who are well prepared for next year's World Cup. The rotational policy invented by Henry and his men is a success. We have a great depth in every position with so many gifted players with exceptional skills. No doubt this special ABs team will bring a very satisfactory outcome to the people of NZ. If the ABs keep on winning, then Ellis Cup is not far, just like what England did in the previous WC. Rotating players made things much easier for the selectors. Injuries to players won't be a big issue for next year if Henry keeps on rotating players.
Go the ABs
- Louis J Lene (Samoa)
I think it took a lot of courage for the AB brains trust to introduce the rotation policy. Gone are the long tours away where you could take players away and get them into the team culture. I do not for one minute think it's cheapening the AB jersey, we just live in a different era. Jonah Lomu was picked purely on future value and he will go down as one of the greatest AB's to play the game. If we look back at history we have many players who have been picked on potential, our current captain being one of them. People seem to have a short memory of Richie McCaw coming from nowhere to playing with the AB's on tour.
It's sad that winning isn't enough for us any more. The world cup has sadly turned tests into warm ups and the great team we currently have in place now will not be classed as a great team until they win a one off tournament. How crazy is this logic. I believe Graham and his team are doing the job he was hired for, win the world cup! He will only ever be judged by this which is very sad. So to all of you who don't like what's going on then tough. You are not the ones with it all hanging on the line and you will not be judged if we don't win the World Cup!!!
- Jase
The much debated player rotation policy employed by Graeme Henry showed its true worth on Sunday as the All Blacks steamrolled the beleaguered Springboks. Let's face it, this was effectively NZ 'A' with the addition of the three 'stars', Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Mills Muliana. None of the other players starting the game could claim to be the best in his position, say world cup final starter. However, despite this obvious feature the All Blacks were able to storm to victory over albeit a very average Springboks side. The value of the rotation system has become clear. Players that are outside the starting fifteen are given game time which they would otherwise not have. This enables them to grow as players as they implement the skills they have learnt under the 'three wise men'. Luke McAlister and Chris Masoe are evidence of this while Reuben Thorne had possibly his best game in a black jersey as he took the ball to the line with newfound aggression. Thorne, like McAlister and Masoe have taken their games to new levels which would not have been achievable if they didn't start tests this winter. This is where the true worth of the rotation policy shines through. the All Blacks have developed the depth to an extent where if a top player were to be injured in a crucial world cup game, his replacement would be 'ready' and 'able' to slot in and do the job. Every player barring the irreplacable McCaw, Carter and Muliana that is...
- Scott
Graham Henry is the All Black coach and a very good one to judge by his results, so lets just let him get on with the good job he is doing. I support his rotational policy and the benefits it will show for future All Black rugby, not just the World Cup.
- Wayne
