NZ team announced

First topic message reminder :

Starts for Dagg, Kahui, Toeaeva and SBW. Nonu slots in at 13 outside DC and Cowan. Forwards include Vito at 8 and Thorn/Williams 2nd row with Boric on bench



All Blacks:
1. Tony Woodcock (76)
2. Andrew Hore (55)
3. Owen Franks (24)
4. Brad Thorn (52)
5. Ali Williams (66)
6. Jerome Kaino (41)
7. Richie McCaw - captain (98)
8. Victor Vito (8)
9. Jimmy Cowan (47)
10. Daniel Carter (83)
11. Isaia Toeava (32)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (7)
13. Ma'a Nonu (60)
14. Richard Kahui (12)
15. Israel Dagg (7)

Reserves:

16. Corey Flynn (14)
17. Ben Franks (11)
18. Anthony Boric (20)
19. Sam Whitelock (18)
20. Piri Weepu (49)
21. Colin Slade (5)
22. Cory Jane (26)

Looks a strong team with an obvious statement of expansion about to be made. Dont think Dagg has wrested the 15 jumper away from Mils yet, but food for thought

Yes, I have been very disappointed at how poor the ITV "build-up" has been; it seems very biased and out of date – they were using the AIs and 2010 tri nations to describe how teams are doing?!

I'm also not a fan of all the commercials but I suppose that’s were the money comes from but one thing I am glad about is that Stuart Barnes will not be heard whining through the TV for every match (got to take your high points from where you can).

TheGreyGhost wrote:
I couldn't even start watching the Dayglo show. The way he was staring into the camera and fidgeting made it look like he was on crack.

TheGreyGhost wrote:

In terms of the fear of the "less legitimate", recent history has shown us that we have as much to worry about with cheap shots from guys like Quade Cooper as we might have from Finau or Taniela Moa.

Oh, gee, do you think Richie needs a hug GG?

Just saying...let's not go into the tournament with a bunch of neanderthal prejudices.