AllBlacks squad versus OZ

Props:Faumina,Woodcock,[Owen Franks]
Hookers:Mealamu [Hore]
Locks:Whitelock,Retalick[Romano]
Flanks:McCaw,Messam[Vito]
Number 8:Read
SH:Aron Smith[Weepu]
Ist 5/8 Carter[Crudon]
2nd5/8 Nonu[B.Smith]
Centre:Conrad Smith
Wing: Gear,Corey Jane
FullBack:Dagg
Not the strongest side starting a rookie prop over arguably the worlds best tight head?Retalick over Romano
Vito?over Thomson or Cane?rest of the side as expected no Ben Franks they may rue the day over that taking
the OZ Pack a bit lightly methinks.

Alan you've got to let go about Ben Franks who hasn't done anything to hold a spot and besides, he wants to nail a tighthead position and at the moment he is perceived to be a utility rather than a specialist. He's working on what he needs to end of. Faimuina is a promising prop and he won't hae much trouble against Australia hence he is starting over Owen Franks

Thomson, again they're going with the future - Vito can cover all three backrow spots too which is a bonus.

There's nothing in this selection that worries me whatsoever

I agree Mintie, what however always worries me about these games against Australia is that they are played in isolation to the rest of the rugby calendar, the ABs can look a little rusty and the Ockers are good at picking up on this, remember Hong kong...

A matter of opinion Ben Franks is at least a test class prop,the replacement is S15 at best.Vito do me a favour rather have Cane or Matt Todd or either of the Whitelocks than him.

Yeah I'd say theres already been doubts raised about Franks with Faumuina very slowly but surely working his way into the side over the last 12 months. Do admit they are putting faith in an all Blues front row but Mealamu will be chomping in his 100th test and O Franks is in the reserves anyway.

Nothing wrong with this and wont be a primary reason if the AB's lose thats for sure...that front row is still stronger than the Oz one.

Should be another win especially with Mealamus occasion, Steve Hansens Dad's passing- there'll be a lot of emotion out there thats for sure.

Matt Todd is not good enough, period. Sam Cane is good enough but you can only carry one backrow replacement. The Whitelocks? Luke is far too young and untried, George is an honest toiler but nothing more than a provincial player. Vito is the best option for cover....and he's a class player.

Don't you think if the selectors rated Todd as highly as you clearly do, they'd have played him by now?

Oh and Ben Franks, I would bet he'll come back stronger next year with the Hurricanes. It's good to have depth at prop, that's for sure

Depends does`nt it Matt Todd IS good enough but not a Chief,Cane is flavour of the month.Todd is nearer to McCaw than Cane an all rounder not a fetcher Whitelock [George] is solid .

It's not about being a Chief (and historically you'd have more chance of making the AB's from the Crusaders), they see something in Sam Cane. He's had to split his time this season with Latimer but clearly the selectors think he is a better long term option....and then Ardie Savea comes along.

Historically you have more chance of a COUPLE of Caps with the Crusaders .Todd maybe with McCaw not playing will have a chance to stake his claim.He plays like McCaw and so well when he was injured people were hyping him up .Suddenly now he`s rubbish? don`t think so its like buses isn`t it for so long there were no genuine replacements for RM or DC now there are several not as yet as good but....How many players who were solid rather than great have a few caps.LuaLua,Ellis,Slade,Brett,Hamilton,Ellis,Guildford,Sam Whitelock,Waldron,SBW,.For every star they have 3 solid players that has always been there way.Efficent part of a TEAM which is why they are THE most consistent none test side in the World.

Err that would be that English club Leinster

Anyway I've noticed your theory about the Chiefs recently but can't understand why you think that. Vito is a Hurricane of course. And comparing their performances at the same level (Super and ITM cup) Vito has been more outstanding and more consistent than Cane or Todd.

And Thompson well he has just never done it for the ABs.

Interesting comments,Thomson has had few starts and when he did mainly as a 7 which he isn`t.Vito has had a lot of chances more beacause of his age Cane and Todd arn`rt regular starters but at least are 7`s and very young.Not cursed by the utility fad.Incidentally Chris Masoe who was a Jerry Collins replacement briefly has just been voted one of the top players in Europe.