KEY POINTS:
The strongest All Black team available is expected to start against the Wallabies in this weekend's crucial Tri-Nations clash.
NZ Herald rugby writer Wynne Gray has called for Flavell, Leonard and Mauger to start against the Wallabies, while retaining Robinson and Toeava. Do you agree? Here is a selection of Your Views:
Eagle (London)
I think the All Blacks will win on Saturday. I am also sure Henry and co have a cunning plan for the world cup. What I would hope and would like to see as part of that plan is that the top team starts and stays playing together from now on. Its one thing to build depth but that's it - it has to stop this close to a world cup. Great teams usually beat a team of great individuals and sometimes you just have to go with what you have and build team confidence and combinations from there. My team for Saturday and the world cup is: Mills, Howlett (if Sivivatu is injured), Rokocoko, Toeava, Mauger, Carter, Kelleher, So'ialo, MacCaw, Collins, Robinson, Jack, Hayman, Mealamu, Woodcock.
Reserves: Oliver, Tialata, Favell, Masoe, Leonard, Evans, Maclister).
Red (London)
The Bledisloe can at least be considered a proper test match. The Bok B's left a horrible taste in the mouth, be off with ye, syphilitic wench. Begone with your complaints about the ref, as always, the ABs may have looked woeful but they still put 20+ on a team of tackle bags who didn't create one scoring opportunity themselves. A whinging captain and his whinging coach, begone! In the meantime, Henry and co will want to win the Bledisloe but will continue to shadowbox with both selections and moves. Do you really think if it was the RWC final instead, that we would be entrusting the maturity-devoid Toeava with the starting 13 jersey? No, he is merely a contingency if everything turns to custard. Whoever they put out against the Aussies this will do the biz, that's for sure. But if we're selecting teams, there is only one we need to discuss and that is: if the Rugby World Cup final was on Saturday, and all players were fit for selection, who would start?
On that basis, I think Henry would select:
15. MacDonald 14. Rocko 13. Mils 12. Mauger 11. Sivivatu 10. DC 9. Kelleher 8. Soaiolo 7. McCaw 6. Jerry 5. Ali W 4. Jack 3. Hayman 2. Oliver 1. Woodcock.
Rex Hapimana
I usually agree with Wynne Gray's comments and he's a breath of fresh air compared with the biased rubbish we get in Wellington from Jim Kayes and Toby Robson (Dom Post). But if Wynne thinks Mauger should be retained to look after Dan Carter then we're in serious crap. This was the 2005 player of the year and 2006 runner up! Fair enough Mauger's supposed to steady up young centres like McAllister and Toeava (which by the way, he doesn't - but I like the theory), now he's got to babysit Dan Carter? Mauger has to go as he doesn't have it anymore. Remember he failed vs South Africa then was dropped for Aussie. He got a late call due to injury then failed again. No more chances for him. The centre combination of McAlister and Smith was magic against France (47-3) and Wales (45-10) last year and their defence was impenetrable. That is our best 12/13 combination and the sooner we get back to it the better!
Grunta (Christchurch)
Alright lads, lets sort it out. Changes to the starting line up: Mealamu at hooker, Collins at 6, Leonard at half. Evans at fly half (Carter needs a wake up call) McAlister at 2nd, Conrad at centre and Joe and Sivi (if fit) on the wings. The bench? Kelleher & Luaki "the human wrecking machine" if his knees are up for it.
Out of the squad - Piri "I throw slower than ya grandmother" Weepu and Reuben "the world cup albatross around ya neck / suitcase / my only impact is to give away easy penalties like on Saturday again!" Thorne.
Jimmy (London)
I agree with all those who are sick and tired of the negativity of so many NZ fans. The Saffas didn't even look like scoring and the reason we dropped so much ball was because we were always trying to play at a tempo no one else in world rugby can handle. We have only lost 4 matches in 4 years and always by close margins away from home. Apart from the Aussies there are no genuine threats to us at the World Cup and we will put them in their place this weekend. My side to retain the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe: Muliaina, Rocokoko, Howlett, Toeava, McCallister, Carter, Kelleher, Sooalio, McCaw, Collins, Jack, Robinson, Hayman, Mealamu, Woodcock, Reserves: Tialata, Oliver, Flavell, Thorne, Leonard, Mauger, Evans.
Colm
Watching from the other side of the world the All Blacks have disappointed a bit though the performance on Saturday was a huge step up from the error strewn performance against the Aussies. Carter still seems uncertain and not at his best but Weepu gave him a far better service with flatter and more accurate passing than Kelleher has achieved. As a result he had a small advantage on both space and pace over the SA back row and no 10 who himself was not half bad! Leonard was inspirational when he came on and must be in the starting line up for next week. He complimented McCaw's pace and ball winning prowess and added another dimension to the support play. Still far too many errors though especially in some of the final passes early on in the game. The last passage of play showed how the All Blacks can play and how difficult it is to defend against hem when the ball is being retained in hand and not dropped. Can't wait till Saturday. Should be a great game.
Natalie - keeping the faith (Perth)
Well as far as I can see there was only 1 team trying to play rugby on Saturday, and with a little bit more patience and the building of more pressure the ABs would've smoked the Boks who didn't fire a shot all day. To all the Doom and Gloomers, stay positive and keep the faith!
My team - only changes from last week would be JC, & Sivi if fit & Flavell to the bench. Go the ABs!
Jimmy
Why is the centre or wingers never running off McAlister when he brakes the line? He has done it several times during the last few tests but I don't understand as to why they ain't running support when its their jobs. Even on the weekend when he broke the line it was a set play and still had no support from his centre or any other back. Can they fix that by either playing a centre that runs good support play or training the centre's to do so?
John (Auckland)
I have to admit it was quite frustrating watching this test match and seeing an All Black team making so many mistakes, by halftime I was yawning. It wasn't so much the final scorline that I think some of us are upset about, but more the fact that we expect more from an All Black team to at least (even if just going through the motions)get the basics right and are able to finish off moves. This test against South Africa was not the only game the All Blacks have played in a bumbling sort of way, try just about every test this year. Regardless of the score line, win or lose, I think every Kiwi rugby fan has a right to criticise and analyse performances, after all, who is it that really owns the All Blacks? Mediocrity will not win us the world cup.
Fili Tupua (Sydney)
Talk about winning ugly. Despite the glut of errors - handling or unforced - depends on how you look at it, oddly enough there were still glimpses of magic here and there where you could sense how the All Blacks were trying a few things and perhaps were indeed a bit complacent at the same time. And thus, it was like these "sleepyheads" had set the alarm at approximately 69mins before deciding to rise and stretch out for a minute and go hard out for a 10-minute sprint session resulting to the three tries in the end which was just as well since you would've noticed a few disgruntled fans about to exit their way out only for the raucous applause which had increasingly vibrated under their feet before realising what was [finally] going on out on the paddock. They at least felt they got their money's worth but as for the long periods before that, you could probably compare the sort of effort to watching some Symphony Orchestra, not being overly excited yet not really interested either where the attitude would be anticipating for the event to hurriedly get over and done with.
As for the team selection itself, I really can't see coach Henry naming the "best team" for this weekend's huge clash with the Wannabies and he most probably won't, until the quarterfinals at the World Cup. That's reality.
He may select close to the best for this weekend given the magnitude of what is at stake and you'd like to think that we never take these Transtasman tests for granted, hell no. But for the players' sake you also can't expect miracles if they're picked one game before resting the next [or dropped, in some cases], unless you're McCaw, Hayman or Carter. But going into the final Bledisloe / Tri-Nations clash and despite what you saw in those last ten minutes against the Springboks, we may need to retain most of last week's team just for the sake of carrying the momentum and pick up where they left off. I've been persisting with my preferred running No.8 in Sione Lauaki although taking nothing away from Rodney So'oialo's class and experience, but it's about time Lauaki is given a decent run and that So'oialo also is given a rest and to take a chill pill. Perhaps a mixture of unpredictability and powerful surges might just be what the doctor has ordered whereas it would definitely be the last thing the Aussies would want to see on their Main Menu. And if that ain't enough, imagine what they would get for Desserts, a massive and fearsome impact from the bench in the shape of Ma'a Nonu. A hungry Neemia Tialata should start this one where his much-needed aggression to steamroll his opponent from the word go would only set a perfect platform for Tony Woodcock to take over matters as a shock weapon come second half. Call me old fashioned but we do need a bit more flair, strike power and X-Factors for this very battle no matter how you see it and I'm pretty sure if given the opportunity they've been waiting long enough for, both Lauaki and Nonu would guarantee the selectors will not regret their final fling - or part thereof - by including these brilliant players just before the "Main Event". Or do they need to be reminded how a certain force in world rugby almost did not make the trip back in 1995, only to become the greatest try scorer in World Cup history ... his name? Jonah Lomu.
My team: 15. Mils Muliaina 14. Doug Howlett 13. Isaia Toeava 12. Luke McAlister 11. Josevata Rokocoko 10. Daniel Carter 9. Byron Kelleher 8. Sione Lauaki 7. Richie McCaw (c) 6. Jerry Collins 5. Keith Robinson 4. Chris Jack 3. Carl Hayman 2. Keven Mealamu 1. Neemia Tialata
Reserves: 16. Andrew Hore 17. Tony Woodcock 18. Troy Flavell 19. Chris Masoe 20. Brendon Leonard 21. Ma'a Nonu 22. Nick Evans.
All Blacks by 30.
Johnny G (Adelaide)
15. Mils 14. Rokocoko 13. Toeava 12. McAlister 11. Sivivati 10. Carter 9. Kellerher 8. Soialo 7. McCaw 6. Collins 5. Flavell 4. Jack 3. Hayman 2. Mealamu 1. Woodcock. In my opinion this team should decimate all between now and the rugby world cup final presentation! (Sorry for any names that I spelt wrong.)
Gael Beale (Maudsland, Gold Coast, Queensland)
Please put your best team forward for this weekend's game against Australia, otherwise I can't bear the thought of all the Kiwi/AB bashing by the Aussies. Our Boys must make the Aussies eat their words, because they have already written our ABs off. Kia Kaha Kiwis/New Zealand.
H (Sydney)
1. Tialata 2. Mealamu 3. Hayman 4. Jack 5. Robinson 6. Colins 7. Mcaw 8. Rodney 9. Weepu 10. Carter 11. Sivivatu 12. Mcalister 13. Mills 14. Gear 15. Evans
Reserves: Woodcock, Hore, Flavell, Leonard, Luaki, Mauger, Toeava.
Ries - a Dutch AB supporter (Dublin, Ireland)
The boys are a bit rusty, but on track to win the RWC finally again! My team for Saturday is as follows: Muliaina, Sivivatu, Rokocoko,
Toeava, Mauger, Carter, Kelleher, So'ialo, MacCaw, Collins, Robinson, Jack, Hayman, Mealamu, Woodcock. It is a pity Tana is not there anymore. Bring him back!
Roi (London)
I think it's obvious we need to finish the Tri-Nations with a bang and field our best team. From what I've seen Toeava is out of his depth at the moment. Conrad Smith must start against Australia. He has the brain to give our wings some space to move and not run them into the corner. Brendon Leonard should be thrown into the fire against Gregan, he seems to have the goods and would benefit from the experience.
All fingers crossed for Ali Williams return, he is now the best lock in NZ and we are floundering without him. The time for experimenting must stop now. I'm still confident of World Cup victory, but you are not going to gauge anything by playing the top team against the easy-beats in our pool.
John
Wynn, I agree with you and every other kiwi that wants to see the best team on the field. In the forwards, yes locking pair of Flavell and Robinson, Mealamu at Hooker, tuff decision for halfback. But try this on for size, McAlister and Rico Gear as the centre combination, both players have good skill and speed, and Rico has played centre for his province with great success. He reminds me of another All Black great that started his career on the wing before moving to centre, Tana Umunga.
Nate
15. Mills 14. Gear - Doug doesn't look as threatening on attack 13. Nonu - needs a go and is more confident than Toeva 12. Luke 11. Joe 10. Carter - needs to perfect his kicking game 9. Weepu 8. Solialo 7. Mccaw 6. Collins 5. Robinson 4. Jack 3. Hayman 2. Oliver - Keven too hesitant in lineout throwing 1. Woodcock
Also I prefer Flavell at 6 rather than lock to replace Thorne, has to start running it up hard and not kick the ball and realise its not up to him to kick the ball cause that's not his job. Leonard is a good player, shows he could probably outweight Kelleher and Weepu but he has to make that slow transition and maybe keep him on the bench to slowly make his way too starting line where he will be the best.
Chris Mckay
Wynne, you are dreaming if you think Flavell and Mauger should return, and leaving Toeava at centre is a massive mistake. Firstly Flavell doesn't deserve a return, Jack and Robinson are our best combination at the moment and once Williams returns you'll see Jack drop out as the best All Black locking combination is Robinson and Williams by far. Flavell doesn't offer the height and presence around the pitch like Robinson and Jack, at best Flavell is on the bench covering lock/blindside, in Melbourne he was terrible, which leads me to Mauger. In Melbourne he was woeful, for an experienced All Black like him he made three terrible errors in a 10-minute spell when Hayman was in the bin which cost us the match. His body language on the field looked terrible. McAlister adds speed, hits the line, has a great boot, can place kick if needed, and with his energy deserves to be there a lot more than Mauger. Remember, Mauger gave the Boks a try in SA.
Robinson will be retained because he is a machine. Wayne, its time to move Mils to centre and put Evans at full back, Toeava has the yips and will have his turn next year, not in world cup year. Mils is the best centre in the country. I would have thought this coaching staff would have learned from 99 and 03 and be playing a centre all the time leading into a world cup. Evans once again proved himself wherever you play him, he's class. Time for Leonard to get a run on start, esp against Aussie as Aussie seem to know how to rattle the coke can Byron, his days are over. His game is all about him he's too much an individual on the field.
No doubt Wynne you'll differ.
Paul (Sydney)
The real difficulty the All Blacks are having is in the forwards. They lack the power punchers. I say, bring back Lauaki - he is such a potent player - able to crush the dreams of anyone who stands in his way. He is also in form - playing strongly for the Junior ABs. He is naturally an 8, but perhaps stick him in at 4 or 5. The ABs have a spare place in the lock position. I would love to see Lauaki and Soialo and Collins smashing the opposition into submission. That should give the AB dog its bite again.
Laurie
I don't want to see the ABs best team on the paddock because I accept that all the squad players are, generally speaking, the ABs best players. The rotation system wasn't only to establish and increase a depth of available players, but in my opinion, an opportunity to improve the quality of not just 15 players, but a total of 30-40 players. Rotating these players, afforded the opportunity for Henry & Co to identify and play a variety of players who would eventually develop some game time, combinations and knowledge amongst each other, so that as replacements are required through injury etc during a match, then such changes would be seamless and the players would have confidence with each other to continue the game without, any major concerns. Let's not forget, the bulk of the players involved this year, have been together and played in mixed teams for the past two years. Twice, we have seen what happens when a player is thrust into the team as a replacement, only to be found wanting by the opposition. I hope we don't see this happen again at 2007 RWC because I believe the rotation system will prove its value.
Sydney
I agree with all of the above selections except Flavell. He has proven in South Africa that he is not up to AB standard. He can bully at Super 14 level. Leonard will help the sniping at the ruck and must start. The ABs went too much from side to side on Saturday. I know they were trying to tire out the Bok forwards but the holes were through the same channel - pick and go to get in behind and negate the rush defence with quick ball. The backs struggled with the rush defence. Why were the blindside wingers not used more for inside passes to confuse the rushers and why were more grubbers not used in behind them? I noted how much better the backs look with Mils there, but is he the man for 13 and Evans to Fullback? Evans is so talented.
Peter V
The coaches have said it, so listen. Don't show what you've got because the opposition will work out how to beat it. Note the ABs are not offloading in tackles but throwing wide and wild passes which aren't sticking. They want opposition to think they have moved from the pass in tackle technique and will be running different lines. Keeping Jerry out of a game where all he could have done was wreck his dodgy shoulder was wise. There will be over a month and much better opposition than Aussies and Boars (or should that be bores) to have No.1 line up build combinations and expect a few serious injuries in that rough and tumble. Opposition let think can play offside wise trick too. Robinson and Williams as locks if okay, then Jack then Flavell, then that SA Aucklander whose name I can't even remember. Front rows and loosies take care of themselves with Mealumu. Leonard to start with Kellaher impact. Smith first five with Carter as fullback. Imagine that. McAllister second five as Mauger half a pace too slow now. Mils centre with Tueava impact. With Carter fullback go Joe and Gear with Sivivatu on the bench for some fresh legs because the others will be worn out for running the oppositions ragged.
Matt
Conrad Smith needs to start. He is the best centre in the country and needs some game time. He is solid on defence and is by far the best at making the right decision and setting up the wingers. Toeava is not quite up to the level yet and Muliaina should be the back up centre. Because of this we will need Evans as the back up fullback. Robinson is the hard-nosed abrasive forward that we need to add steel to our pack which is not really all that intimidating to oppositions in terms of mongrel and guts. Andrew Hore has been under-utilised by this coaching panel for to long. He showed his value off the bench breaking tackles and gaining meters (something that an out of form Mealamu was struggling to do). Although he did miss his one lineout throw, I am prepared to let that slide as Mealamu threw about 4 not straight. Leonard provides a point of difference from Weepu and Kelleher so he needs to be in the squad as does Flavell who is a ball-playing and athletic lock who also ups the mongrel factor in the forwards. Howlett is looking better again as he is looking for work and I would like to see McAlister focus on his running which was so effective against South Africa and leave the distribution to Smith.
Mark kiwimark
Ha ha. I was just reading some of the Aussie newspapers and was a bit surprised to see some statements about the All Blacks game with the B-side South Africa. Was it not this so-called B-side that nearly kicked some Aussie ass and was the Aussies winning margin against the B-side less than the All Blacks winning margin (go figure)? Granted that the All Blacks had a few to many handling errors (and to be honest not one of the best rugby games I have seen), otherwise it would have been a cricket score. I would say to the Aussies and Mr Wally Jones to engage brain before opening mouth. Looking forward to the game this Saturday and to the All Blacks playing to their best and keeping the ball in hand. If this happens then there is only one way for the Aussies to go and that's the plane back to Sydney. NZ 36 Aussies 19.
Darren O (Sydney)
My team to play the Wannabees this Saturday.
15. Muliaina 14. Howlett 13. Toeava (because Smith only got 3 mins) 12. Mauger (only because of his experience) 11. Rococoko 10. Carter 9. Kelleher 8. Soialo 7. McCaw 6. Collins 5. Robinson 4. Jack 3. Hayman 2. Oliver (better scrummager and lineout thrower) 1. Woodcock.
Res: Tialata, Flavell, Mealamu, Masoe, Leonard, Evans, McAllister.
However, if we play like we did the other night, we'll get done.
David
15. Evans 14. Howlett 13. Muliaina 12. McAlister 11. Rokocoko 10. Carter 9. Leonard 8. Masoe 7. McCaw 6. Collins 5. Robinson 4. Jack 3. Hayman 2. Mealamu 1. Woodcock.
Res: Smith, Mauger, Kelleher, Masoe, Flavell, Tialata, Oliver. I second the question about what happened to Jono Gibbes. He's the best line out jumper of all our lock/blindside options. Better than some of our locks! Also Holah or braid should be back up to McCaw Masoe has not impressed in any of the three loose forward positions. Better to mover Collins or even McCaw (Why not? Big enough and with good ball skills) to 8 in case of injury.
Dave (Melbourne)
Need to change the laws of rugby first. No one knows what is going on during the game, Super 14 comp second rate to the NRL. You would get better entertainment watching South Sydney vs Canberra. No more zero degree night games in the South Island. Being an Aussie it's so good to hear you kiwis & media rubbish your All Blacks. You lot seem to not appreciate the fantastic players you have. Play average and the whole world seems to have stop for the kiwis ,great kiwi psyche? Don't forget us Aussies won two world cups, so its gonna be tuff on Saturday. So watch out, anything can happen, it's easy to say you are the best, but don't forget what Bernie and George have achieved for the Wallabies, e.g. another four years NZ.
Jerome (Melbourne)
1. Woodcock 2. Oliver 3. Hayman 4. Jack 5. Robinson 6. Collins 7. McCaw 8. So'ialo 9. Leonard 10. Evans 11. Rokocoko 12. McAllister 13. Toeava 14.Sivivatu if fit, or Howlett. 15. Mulliana .
Robinson's showing against the Boks was excellent, he seems to be the best in the air, and Jack was also good, his work rate was exceptional, especially early on. Bring back Collins! And retain Leonard. He was exceptional, brilliant passer, makes quick decisions, and backs himself to get over the advantage line when ball play looks slow. Weepu would never have scored that try, cause he can't run and keep up with Roko! Howlett is not as good as Sivivatu, but has exceptional work effort. Very solid defensively. Keep Toeava, the kid is a dynamo in attack, as is McAllister, and if their passes stuck, my god we would have a blood bath on our hands. As Henson said: "the approach was brilliant, but the execution was not". Passes did not stick, but if even 50 per cent of them did, then you would have been looking at a 30+ score in Melbourne, and 50+ in Christchurch. Need consistent line-ups to produce consistent performances.
Andy (London)
The whinging continues. Was bored on Sunday afternoon so watched the game again. Actually wasn't that bad when my emotions were taken out of it. Probably 3 tries bombed (would 54-6 stop the complaints?), but very hard for the ABs to gain momentum as Dickinson loves the limelight too much and the Boks were offside all night. I can't recall Paulse being onside in defence once. This cut down the attacking options out wide, but they were offside around the ruck channels so forced the ABs to get stalled in midfield. McAllister deserves the start again, but not sure about Toeava. He runs sideways a lot before going forward and the Boks could just drift across. GH has repeatedly said the ABs were going to peak in Sept/Oct and they are slowly building to that. You can argue they only have 1 more match, but these "in-house" matches would be interesting to watch. People clamoured for the AB trials to return in the 90s and here there will be several. They will try and just do enough to beat the Aussies again and then polish the backline moves behind closed doors for the big one. The Bledisloe & Tri-Nations cups would be nice, but who would be upset in 3 months if we get a gold one in their place?
Number 8 (Melbourne)
Toeava can't hold on to passes. One of the basics of rugby. He can throw bullet passes at his wingers - that is when he decides to feed them the ball. He may be a player for the future, but that future is not next weekend or the 2007 RWC. McAlister should be an automatic pick at inside centre. Mauger runs hot and cold, and commits cardinals indiscretions such as kicking the ball into the bread baskets of on-coming opponents and giving away intercept passes. He also misses tackles far too often. I don't know why the selectors persist with Rueben Thorne. He was barely sighted last Saturday. And what about the dropped ball count to date in tests this season? It is almost 100, which is an absolute disgrace. Forget about the fancy moves, get back to basics, like taking passes and giving proper passes. Jason Leonard is the best scrum half in NZ. It should be a no brainer that he should be in the run on side. Collins is a must, but Flavell is like Mauger, he runs hot and cold with a lot of the latter for both the Blues and the All Blacks this year. Robinson and Jack are the best locking combination at the moment. As for Somerville, well only time will tell.
James
Certainly these past few tests have been so-so, with the number off-handling errors and penalties conceded always going into double numbers within the first half. Could that be of the players being selected, or due to general rustiness caused by the cotton-wooling that the selectors have enforced? My question, with all these injuries, would be why haven't the selectors even looked at the Maori All Blacks? Where has Kristan Ormsby been with all the locks going down injured? The Maori side is full of first class players but the All Blacks have only been stealing players from the juniors.
Sean
My only changes would see Sivivatu, Leonard & Collins in. I'm still not sold on Toeava. I reckon Conrad Smith is our best centre. The forward pack will steel up this weekend and the Black machine will be relentless at home. A good win by 13+.
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