New Zealand Squad named

Props:Woodcock,Owen Franks,[Ben Franks]
Hooker:Hore [Mealamu]
Locks:Whitelock,Retalick[Romano]
Loose Forwards:McCaw,Read,Messam,[Thomson]
Scrum Half:A.Smith[Weepu]
Fly Half:Carter[Cruden]
Mid field: Nonu,C.Smith[Ellison]
Wings:Gear,Cory Jane
Full Back:Dagg
Arguably THE strongest possible All Blacks side,Romano but for the stitching would be starting,Thomson the most experienced loose Forward. Playing as insurance in case Read has to switch to Lock,Gear preferred presumeably on grounds of experience and safety under high ball.
Ben Franks should have started every 4Ns match from Bench,Ellison is the odd one Ben Smith would have been the safe option positive thoughts.

AWOP's reserve combinator didn't eventuate. Not one for his told you so thread.

If you were looking for improvement, we haven't started with authority in any of the 4N matches this year. Australia were blacked out in the second game but it was far from convincing for much of that first half.

Argentina were allowed to score first again last weekend but I think it's important that SA isn't allowed to get their tails up early in this game. NZ need to strike early and cast doubt into SA's grand plan. Their discipline needs to be much improved from Dunedin and their accuracy and protection of the ball. Looking forward to the opening exchanges in particular as no doubt both sides will be wanting to impose their own style.