All Blacks squad revealed

Hookers-Hore,Mealamu
Props -Teamuliana,Crockett,Woodcock,Ben Franks,Owen Franks
Locks -Retalick,Romano,Ali Williams,Whitelock
Loose forwards-McCaw,Read,Thomson,Vito,Cane
Scrum Halves Smith,Weepu
Fly Halves Carter,Crudon,Barrett
Mid-field-Ellison,Nonu,Conrad Smith,SonnyBoy Williams.Wing/FB- Dagg,Savea,Guildford,Hosea Gear,Ben Smith
Seven New Boys,Controversy no Hika Elliott,or Andy Ellis
Mealamu predictable but with his injury problems ?
Weepu presumably as a third Goal kicker,maybe Smith starting?

Emack
from the way Hansen was speaking Hika Elliot is as good as in the squad.

Yes ,I was going by Planet Rugby annoucement just read the NZ papers,Ellis should be in the squad too.32 isn`t too large for a squad for 3 tests and frankly
NO Blues player deserves a start,Nonu we all know on form is automatic choice.BUT since he opted for a stint in Japan for cash he has`nt stopped,the Coaches natural caution.Is to go with what they know. BUT with players carrying
or recovering from injuries it is a bit risky,.Woodcock,Mealamu,Dan Carter and Captain Tackles all come in that category.fit and on form .ALL would be certain starters,pity the extra Prop isn`t allowed for these series.

I see you have Nonu in twice? I assume you meant SBW for one of those. Be madness if he was not selected!

Quite happy with that squad. Where's SBW emack, cloned into nonu?

Despite doubts over some players (weepu-ali-nonu), they deserve a shot to redeem themselves in this environment and outside of the blues. I actually think nonu has been trying. Ali just hasn't stood out much to be fair. And weepu can't get game time, probably rift with Lam. Apparently weepu is at his game weight, must have scoffed a box of laxitives to get there, but he's always been solid. He'll give it heaps I'm sure.

All the new boys deserve their place and shows progression.I'm excited and not going to buy into the no-doubt controversy that'll surround the weepu-Ellis thing. They're same-same for me, different players/strengths of course, but with smith there, that for me balances out any of that side-show and by the end of it, could be No 1.

How do the various players/positions compare against each other?

The two hookers for NZ have a much greater combined experience over Best and Cronin, though both have sufficient caps under their belt. The greenhorn, Mike Sherry of Munster, will certainly have a baptism of fire, if he gets a call up.
Andrew Hore (62)
Keven Mealamu (92)
vs
Rory Best (59)
Sean Cronin (19)
Mike Sherry *

Either side of them, NZ are streets ahead in the propping stakes. The Franks brothers along with Woodcock and Crockett will give the Irish front row a torrid time. The only experienced Irish tighthead, Mike Ross, is a doubt for the first test, in which case, Kidney only has three newbies to call on - Declan Fitzpatrick of Ulster is likely to get the call up. He deputized for John Afoa in Ulster's Heineken semi-final and acquitted himself well. Loughney and Wilkinson of Connacht, must be gulping hard.
Wyatt Crockett (6)
Ben Franks (15)
Owen Franks (31)
Ben Tameifuna *
Tony Woodcock (83)
vs
Mike Ross (20)
Cian Healy (30)
Declan Fitzpatrick *
Ronan Loughney *
Brett Wilkinson *

NZ don't have Brad Thorn and Ireland don't have Paul O'Connell. Big shoes to be filled by the players stepping in. Williams and O'Callaghan are the two old heads - will either of them start though? A good few Irish fans are hoping that Ryan and Tuohy start a new second-row partnership. And a good few aren't probably. young Retallick could be the find of the series if he gets a chance to shine - he's been in fine form.
Brodie Retallick *
Luke Romano *
Samuel Whitelock (25)
Ali Williams (73)
Vs
Donncha O'Callaghan (85)
Donnacha Ryan (18)
Dan Tuohy (2)
Mike McCarthy (4)

In the loose, the incomparable McCaw looms large over the back row artists, and O'Brien will have his work cut out against the maestro. Unfortunately, Kaino and Ferris are not available, so the blindsiders stepping up will be looking to make names for themselves. Kevin McLaughlin has only two caps to his name. Is there a possibility of O'Brien taking over his original 6 shirt, and either O'Mahony or Henry taking the open side? Heaslip will remember his red-card the last time out, and be looking to out-perform Read - presumably either he or Best will lead the pack in O'Connell's absence.
Sam Cane *
Richie McCaw (103)
Kieran Read (36)
Adam Thomson (24)
Victor Vito (13)
vs
Sean O'Brien (19)
Kevin McLaughlin (2)
Jamie Heaslip (48)
Peter O'Mahony (4)
Chris Henry (1)

The inclusion of Weepu over Ellis has raised quite a few Kiwi eyebrows, and with newbie, Smith on the bench, there'll be a lot of expectation on his shoulders - assuming he starts. Reddan and Murray might hope to gain some parity here over the pie-eater.
Aaron Smith *
Piri Weepu (56)
vs
Eoin Reddan (42)
Conor Murray (6)
Paul Marshall *

Will Carter start, or will Cruden get the nod, and maybe Carter at 12? Hopefully, Kidney doesn't decide to change his mind, and puts Sexton into the ten shirt, alongside Reddan. This will be a great match-up. Carter, the acknowledged king, and Sexton, still having to really prove himself in a green shirt, despite his provincial successes in blue.

Daniel Carter (85)
Aaron Cruden (9)
Beauden Barrett *
vs
Jonny Sexton (29)
Ronan O'Gara (121)

More grizzled heads in the centers - on both sides. Ireland captain, O'Driscoll, will lead his team out for the last time on tour in NZ. Alongside him, more than likely, will be Darcy. Will they face their old nemeses - Smith and Nonu? Or will newbie, Elllison get a look in, and Williams move to the wing? Should be a good battle whatever the make-up.
Tamati Ellison (1)
Ma'a Nonu (66)
Conrad Smith (55)
Sonny Bill Williams (14)
vs
Brian O'Driscoll (117)
Gordon Darcy (68)
Darren Cave (2)
Fergus McFadden (11)

The back three partnerships could also prove to be one of the key battlegrounds of the series. Ireland have a strong edge on test experience over their NZ opponents, but Israel Dagg showed what he can do the last time NZ thrashed Ireland in 2010. Guildford will want to make his mark - for lots of reasons - personal and team. Rob Kearney has been in superb form for both Leinster and Ireland this season. Hopefully lots of tries from both sides - and some of the new faces - Savea and Zebo get a chance to show their paces.
Israel Dagg (12)
Hosea Gear (8)
Zac Guildford (8)
Ben Smith (2)
Julian Savea *
Vs
Keith Earls (31)
Andrew Trimble (46)
Rob Kearney (38)
Simon Zebo *

Nice to see Cane get a call up

Edited to include SBW,Ellis is performing Weepu isn`t and Ellis has never really been given a chance.To be fair to Blues players Super Rugby when your side isn`t functioning hard to impress.Ali Williams isn`t really the Ali of pre injury form.Piri Weepu always seems unfit and overweight,but is good for at least 60 minutes.Maybe Carter and he will start,He doing the kicking to ease DC `s groin problem.Then Smith/Crudon ,Nonu usually performs in a Black shirt Mealamu
unlikely for at least first test.Sam Cane is a young hopeful and playing for the right side currently.Matt Todd has been covering Captain Tackles at the Crusaders brilliantly 7 is no longer an AB problem area.

Fairly predictable. Overall I dont see ireland getting anywhere near us. Dont see the point in comparing test numbers. Cruden at a few is worth miles more than 50 + of Ogaras.

Given it's such a one-sided contest, are New Zealanders likely to bother going to the games?

Forget about Carter at 12 Pot Hale. SBW and Nonu are the firepower in that area. Carter is there for flyhalf and flyhalf alone.

The only weakness for the ABs is the wingers. That inexperience will not be a problem if the AB pack can gain ascendancy and get front foot ball. Given the packs that seems likely and that extra time and space can be exploited by the young NZ wingers. Ireland has to summon up a monumental forward effort if they want to be competitive.

The Great Aukster wrote:Given it's such a one-sided contest, are New Zealanders likely to bother going to the games?

last week on reunion they mentioned where to buy tickets and IIRC they said there was about 4,000 to the hamilton and chch games. I've got a ticket to Eden Park this saturday and a friend in the catering side there is confident of a sell out

Having read the various comments by the NZ Selectors expect the folowing team.Owen Franks,Hore[Elliott]Woodcock[Ben Franks]
Thomson[Vito]Ali Williams,Whitelock[Retalick]McCaw,
Read
Weepu[Smith]
Carter[Crudon]
Hosea Gear[Guildford] Conrad Smith SBW[Nonu] Ben Smith
Dagg
Those in Parentheses are the bench,expect all the squad to get some game time
but Conservative approach for first test.No New Boys starting Weepu considered now as number one Scrum half.Possible back up flyhalf/kicker.
Be VERY surprised if i`m far out,Dagg possible Right Wing with Smith at15,or Guildford and Gear as specialist wings one playing out of position.Utilty fixation still abounds Thomson/Vito having to cover 6,7,8,Weepu 9 or10.BenSmith/Dagg FB/W,SBW or Nonu also options there,Barrett as 10/12,even Carter 10/12.

looks pretty good. only differences that i could imagine to that are Savea in the team (starting with Gear on the bench) and maybe Aaron Smith to start?

Yep agree. Smith should start. Weepu isnt an 80 minute player yet and hansen i believe will want to try out the longer passing game of smith to capitalise on the forward gains. Rest i agree alan. Bench is the way to blood the newbies.

Smith had been ultra consistent sxv snd has shown he will step up fine. Hansen would be gutless to not start him. Non selection of Ellis reflects more confidence in smith than in weepu i believe who is primarily there as 3rd kicker. Ali is still a joke for me. Cant believe someone so out of form can still be picked.

Taylorman wrote:Yep agree. Smith should start. Weepu isnt an 80 minute player yet and hansen i believe will want to try out the longer passing game of smith to capitalise on the forward gains. Rest i agree alan. Bench is the way to blood the newbies.

Smith had been ultra consistent sxv snd has shown he will step up fine. Hansen would be gutless to not start him. Non selection of Ellis reflects more confidence in smith than in weepu i believe who is primarily there as 3rd kicker. Ali is still a joke for me. Cant believe someone so out of form can still be picked.

Weepu has played in 54 tests and has played 80 minutes twice. There is absolutely nothing to learned or gained by this "experiment" by starting Weepu.

How many of those was Cowan the starting Half back,Hansen has publicly stated.Weepu is the number one Scrum Half he WILL start nothing more certain.
NO matter whether he should it`s not experiment it is loyalty to an established player.Whatever people think Weepu is one of the reasons the Webb Ellis trophy
is in NZ.I would always say pick on form NOT Reputation BUT Club/Super form has never been a reliable guide to how players react in BLACK
On form last year most of the Hurricanes would`nt have started for example all performed to some extent.

Maybe Weepu will start but that would be gutless is all I'm saying.

If he's smart he'll start both Smith and Savea. Sure theres room for hesitation but thats all it will be. Theres no way Weepu figures in the AB's over the next 4 years with 3 talented 9's and at least 3 or 4 more 10's banging down the door. Temporary measure only.

WHAT do you have to do to win an All Black cap.?Be THE best player in the Country in your position?.If you can`t go on Super XV form what else can you base it on.Andy Ellis currently is that he outplayed Smith when they met,logic sadly differs.To throw in a promising Scrum Half against a fiery Irish back row is courting danger.Hansen and Co. don`t want a loss to a country who has never beaten them hence safety first.Tamati Ellison and Nonu apparently have been warned that there Japan adventures has`nt helped there starting chances.
Weepu was set targets to meet to be considered,he has met them hence his inclusion.All Black rugby has never been about planning for a RWC 4 years away.That thinking in 2006 ensured come 2007 the Coaches were`nt sure of there best team and it showed.How could Aron Mauger not even make the bench in2007.?Half the posters here have doubts about the new Coaching team
lose a series to Ireland and the Media will be baying for blood.One test at a time win this Series,the Bledisloe,4Ns,AI`s lose the 2 out of 14 average.The ABs have lost over the last few years,another2009 or worse.new Coaches come 2013 contract or no contract.Smith will start BEN Smith.

Can't agree with all of that emack.
But I can see A Smith, firing the ball out wide to C Smith who cuts back in before taking it back outside to B Smith to score in the corner.

My take:
http://www.v2journal.com/new-zealands-summer-tour.html

3 debuts? http://www.espnscrum.com/ireland-tour-2012/rugby/story/165304.html

Morgannwg wrote:3 debuts? http://www.espnscrum.com/ireland-tour-2012/rugby/story/165304.html

Doh, my work keyboard has a little "back" button under the space bar. I brushed it and lost a paragraph of post

There are 7 uncapped players in the squad, including 2 of the 4 locks, and I was expecting Savea to start. But I'm not too upset about Weepu and Ali Williams on the bench. A pity the article didn't say which of SBW/Nonu or Thompson/Vito were likely to start, they're the really interesting calls.

Exactly as wed hoped. Start A. Smith and Savea. Retileks a bonus.
Hope hansen confirms it in a couple of hours.
Great to finally see a real half at the line after years of dabbling since marshall and co.
Someone to match the genias and hougaards of tbe game.

Right wing? Guilford or ben smith?

Taylorman wrote:Exactly as wed hoped. Start A. Smith and Savea. Retileks a bonus.
Hope hansen confirms it in a couple of hours.
Great to finally see a real half at the line after years of dabbling since marshall and co.
Someone to match the genias and hougaards of tbe game.

Right wing? Guilford or ben smith?

Guildford normally plays left - that's why I suggested Dagg might shift, with B. Smith fullback.

Yeah theyre all lefties thats the problem. Even daggs earlier tests were on the left. Just thought guilfords the type that can play both since he pops up all over the pkace anyway.
If I picked it id have savea left and gear right. Thats a big as well as fast backline that might be too much for ireland out wide...especially if smiths passing gives that extra yard or two start going wide. Not really fussed who the wings are provided savea starts. As you say vito and co are the more significant positions.

Team announced:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/7055163/Young-Chief-set-to-make-debut-for-All-Blacks

All Blacks: Israel Dagg, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (c), Victor Vito, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Hika Elliot, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith.

Completely happy with that side.
Excellent blend of experience, youth and form.

Its a short time to get the A Smith, Carter, Williams combo going and that could be a problem initially.

I might have pumped for Ellison instead of Smith on the bench as I think hes got more promise with Smith being the more steady form wise.

Stunning backline when considering the bench although Weepu and Ali form wise have HUGE improvements to make, both failing all year at sxv level.

Wise to rest Nonu and whats interesting is the back talent thats still available outside these guys in Perenara, Kerr-Barlow, Ellis, Barrett, Nonu, Ellison. Gear etc

Also happy for the 4 loosies named to caretake those positions all year. perhaps the Sam Canes of the earlier squad can come in at AI's or against Argentina depending on how they go.

Overall, Ireland will find this team a handful and if they can pull off what Scotland managed that would be something.

When thinking about it...for Guilford to start, out of position in the very first test after his fall from grace- Cracker Jacks in Raro- says something for his turnaround and the selectors faith in him.

He better not do a Ryder and stuff it up again...with no right wings other than Corey Jane waiting in the wings (hospital one) he could make the position his own for a while...

Looking at that backline, I can't help but feel that Ireland are in for a drubbing here.

funnyExiledScot wrote:Looking at that backline, I can't help but feel that Ireland are in for a drubbing here.

Ireland will be look at attack around the 6/9 area and keeping tight. Kick for the lineout most and keeping the ball to hand. The high ball will go to Savea and keep turn around. I think all blacks will shading the scrum and Ireland might also like to go to mid field and look to exposing new combinator at defensive line with the in pass to full back joining. Will Hanson continue will traditional drift defensive? or looking for rush up? I think all blacks missing the "mongrel" they say in new zealand, I don't think will be any drubbing.

anotherworldofpain wrote: The high ball will go to Savea and keep turn around.

I believe thats the primary tactic. Guilford said as much himself after studying Ireland on You tube. Ireland will (and should) test both wingers under the high ball. With Jane gone, Dagg's efforts will be required more to look after both wings, neither who is strong under the high ball.

Even then, they'll have to contest them as they'll be run back with interest if not.

that's a pretty good team. i'm slightly concerned about the wingers, but they have the potential to be lethal so there is room for optimism around their selection too

dallym wrote:that's a pretty good team. i'm slightly concerned about the wingers, but they have the potential to be lethal so there is room for optimism around their selection too

Defensively yes...they'll be tested. The value of Jane missing is the archilles heel here if there is one.

But on attack on a good track and go forward ball the extra width provided by a quicker and longer ball by Smith should mean more time and room for those two. BOD will need to be at his best defensively and have his side scrambling quickly I'd think. Couple of months ago I didnt think we could field a side this good. McCaw and Carter especially have rested and restarted well and many are are in top form at sxv.

Morning folks: Coupla thoughts,

I get the feeling that Hansen has given Ali Williams the ultimatum, and by the time the third test comes around, he will be gone.

I noticed that during Carters road to recovery, he has spent more time at the back (for the Crusaders) on defense, if Hansen has this in mind when selecting Savea, then he has Dagg,Guilford and Carter at the back on "D", now where have I seen that before?

Worldofpain, the loosies do look a little bit too gentlemanly, with Vito there I suspect he will play more of a no 7 role, leaving McCaw to scrap with the abrasive Irish loosies.

Applaud the starting of A.Smith, and again AWOP this does have a hint of opportunity for the Irish. but if this guy does nothing but distribute for the first half hour, then SBW and C.Smith wont believe the ball they're getting. (thats presuming Ireland let us have any ball).

Although the sky is blue in Auckland at the moment, we had a couple of huge dumps of rain overnight, forecast for the next few days is for more of the same.

aucklandlaurie wrote: (thats presuming Ireland let us have any ball).

If you let us have any ball Kidney will just have ROG or Sexton boot it right back to ya!

The team is VERY interesting,a mix of of youth and experience the areas that need fixing up front.2,4,6 have been addressed more or less Retalick is young but looks to have the core skills.Hopefully the Grunt role of Thorn,Hoerta may get a chance there too.Romano to understudy Whitelock,Hika Elliott as replacement for Hore/Mealamu.Vito they hope will develop defensively along Kaino lines,Thomson continues as bench cover for 6 and 8 plus 7 at a push.
Sensibly Hansen and co. treating it one test at a time.I don`t know a lot about Smith at 9 apart from his reputed quick service.IF he is in the Loveridge /Bachop class he`s a gem!!! does he run too? to keep Loosies Honest.Very strong Bench,some notable faces missing especially Nonu.Must be the first time that AB`s have fielded two specialist Wings sice Sivivatu and the Rock.No place for Gear perhaps he will be looking to Japan after all.like Andy Ellis.
SBW starts maybe that if he establishes himself as a starting AB maybe he will stay in NZ.Unlikely but who knows maybe there is something stronger than money or am i just a cynic.Weather maybe a big leveller ABs tend to play ball in habnd in wet weather.

Emack
You may remember an AB prop about twenty years ago called John Ashworth,Brodie Retalick is his nephew.

Yes ,was`nt he here with Graham Mouries side about 1976?

That would have been about the time when he cleaned J P R Williams clock.

I agree with other posters. i think it's a pretty good side. It reflects where we are at the moment, a mix of youth and experince, conservativism and experimentation.

There is a solid core of experienced All Blacks in there. The forward pack is pretty much as it could be. With kaino injured, I expect they'll try both Vito and Thompson over the next few week. Vito potentially offers more physicality in the mold of Collins and Kaino. It makes it easy to keep the structure. Brodie Ratellick got the nod at lock. We don't have a lot of experienced choice here due to retirement, injury and loss of form. He is definately a player foir the future (although I can't wait for the child monster athlete Asofa-Solomona to hit the senior ranks in a few years).

The backs look interesting. It's good to see smith at halfback. Although, several players an feel unlucky at not making the squad and Ellis would have been a conservative choice, given his form and combination with Read and Carter in the Crusaders. Stoked Savea is there and it will be good to see Guildford there (although I'm not convinced he will be able to hold down a wing spot for any length of time). You have to feel sorry for the likes of Gear. lastly great to see SBW in the starting lineup and Nonu still in the reserves. Both are great players. Looking forward to seeing how much SBw has improved and Nonu not playing in a disfunctional Blues outfit.

I like the team very much, well done Hansen and co. I have faith. As AWoP mentioned, bit light on mongrel with Kaino/thorn gone, but that's life. Hansen said on radio sport that weepu/Ali are just there to close out games 'if needed', that's what I wanted to hear. Think nonu is a different kettle of fish, reckon he's still class and has actually been playing ok in a miserable blues outfit, it's just that SBW has been doing very well. Either nonu/SBW, not much lost with either, I reckon anyway.

Ps. BCL, Solomona, who's that then?

Yeah Nonu's been given time to do nothing at all I would say...something he hasnt done since pre world cup.

Needs to sit back, soak up the thought of losing his place to SBW and get fired up all over again for the 4N.

Frankly I'd be happy with any of the 3 new 9's starting. I'm not convinced which is the best, even though its clear Smiths pass is superior. On the running front Perenara and Kerr Barlow might pip Smith but not by a lot.

Perenara adds huge energy and enthusiasm to the role and KB is a get in their face type, cutting off anything loose and always looking for gaps.

This battle in the years to come will be interesting.

But great position for hansen to be in. Pity not all 3 will have great AB careers as we'll eventually settle on one or two of the 3.

SBW could finally show what hes worth at the top given his learnings this year and its great to have many of the same rocks across the side- Hore, Franks, Read, McCaw, Carter, Smith and Dagg...can't ask for more really.

blackcan

Wow what a coincidence, I was in the car last night listening to radio sport, and theguys from sky that do the telecasts of first xv rugby on the rugby channel were saying that this young guy Solomona is the most astounding rugby talent they have seen around New Zealand, and he's sixteen years old! is that true?

Yes. It's a big call. Interesting that thats what they think as well. I think he's only turned 16 recently. He's a little over 2m tall and about 110 kg. Thing is he runs and handles like a back. He stands out already in a pretty good 1st XV (Wellington Colleg). Most potential I've seen. Obviously a long way to go and I've probably just jinxed him.

Nonu rested is a wise move. Get the guy fired up and rested and unleash him in the 4N.

Guildford gets the nod which is why Ben Smith is in the team. If Guildford has a shocker or Savea then Ben Smith with his fullback skills can steady the ship. But it does seem like a positive statement and a warning to Ireland that NZ has its own plan in mind. Let's hope for good weather. Just as well the game isn't in Chch this week!

My only reservation apart from the last chance saloon selections of Weepu and Williams is Vito at 6. He's been playing at 8 so I like the suggestion above of McCaw mixing up his role with Vito as I don't think 6 is Vito's best position.

All in all a positive team and one that has a lot of potential to do some damage if the pack are able to get ascendancy.

we could move read back to 6 where he came from. not perfect but...

aucklandlaurie wrote: blackcan

Wow what a coincidence, I was in the car last night listening to radio sport, and theguys from sky that do the telecasts of first xv rugby on the rugby channel were saying that this young guy Solomona is the most astounding rugby talent they have seen around New Zealand, and he's sixteen years old! is that true?

Not to take away from the point because I obviously don't see this fellow and sth I learn about NZ already from my spending time there was people know about the rugby a lot! But also one thing is somtime the younger player can stand out a bit more in the age group just because a bit big at the age and maturing better makes the more coordinate. Then appears to fade when they hitting the adult world because all others are getting the same. But if he is good like you say then can you find out does he get some ancestor from Europe and does he like eat pasta?

Kaino injured or not is the past,Thomsomn but for injuries at crucial times would have been the established 6.The fixation in NZ Rugby of LOOSIES covering 6,7,8 instead of specialists.has ruined many playeres careers.Since Jerry Collins ,Luaki,Masoe, Read [now 8],Thomson should have been there at 6,Kaino[gone for cash]Messam just messed around generally.Look at the wings,converted Centres and full backs rather than specialists.Utility OK but so often its FUTILITY,ruined more than its saved.

Agreement with emack!