All Blacks named to play Engand

Very predictable side...
Tend to agree with the latest pundits in that this side should be too strong given the England injuries. AB's are missing no one except the sabbatical Conrad Smith.

Tough ask indeed.

http://www.allblacks.com/news/23840/All-Blacks-named-to-face-England

Starting XV:

1. Tony Woodcock (106)
2. Keven Mealamu (109)
3. Owen Franks (52)
4. Brodie Retallick (22)
5. Samuel Whitelock (49)
6. Liam Messam (27)
7. Richie McCaw - captain (122)
8. Kieran Read (59)
9. Aaron Smith (24)
10. Daniel Carter (99)
11. Julian Savea (18)
12. Ma'a Nonu (86)
13. Ben Smith (24)
14. Charles Piutau (9)
15. Israel Dagg (36)

Reserves:
16. Dane Coles (13)
17. Wyatt Crockett (22)
18. Charlie Faumuina (15)
19. Luke Romano (15)
20. Steven Luatua (9)
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (13)
22. Aaron Cruden (27)
23. Ryan Crotty (3)

It is about the team i would of expected.
Surprised too see Mealamu in there though. Surely this must be his last season...Still would rather see him than Hore in the team.

* 13 of the run on team were in the team so soundly beaten 12 months ago.

* No cane, Messam covers Mccaw, Luatua covers Messam.

* Corey Jane dropped.

Jane not so much dropped as needing game time. No rugby all year until a month ago isnt enough for this.

Cane is a surprise I agree. Always thought at a pinch Romano could play 6 hes mobile enough- in the Alberts, Louw mould.

Ben Smith and DC will be better for their last two outings and if they fire...well.

Can't wait... 

The crusaders have run Sam Whitelock a couple of times at 6 when theve been down on loosies.

Well over 800 caps running onto the pitch and 13 of the players looking for revenge!

This could get nasty!

san wrote:Well over 800 caps running onto the pitch and 13 of the players looking for revenge!

This could get nasty!

 

13...? this is largely the same side thats won all the tests this year...hmmm...

Slightly surprised with Hore not playing and Luatua on the bench. Romano could be just cover. Much depends on whether we have a lead or not in the second half.

Crotty is insurance but maybe also development. Really happy to see Piutau in for Jane. If you're on fire you have to start. Hoping Aaron Smith has a stronger game and the ruck protection is better for him. Wasn't impressed with much of his kicking last week. All in all the best squad available so no excuses. The win from a good performance has to be the focus. No revenge needed other than a win. Doesn't need to be a blowout. If England run us close like France then so much the better. If they win two in a row then well done to them. That said I'm behind the team and I'll be wearing my Mind the Gap tshirt.

Taylorman wrote:

1. Tony Woodcock (106)
2. Keven Mealamu (109)
3. Owen Franks (52)
4. Brodie Retallick (22)
5. Samuel Whitelock (49)
6. Liam Messam (27)
7. Richie McCaw - captain (122)
8. Kieran Read (59)
9. Aaron Smith (24)
10. Daniel Carter (99)
11. Julian Savea (18)
12. Ma'a Nonu (86)
13. Ben Smith (24)
14. Charles Piutau (9)
15. Israel Dagg (36)

England clearly have a chance. Based on the data above, two of the front row appear to be over a hundred years old, while there seems to be a nine year old out on the wing. The captain surely is the oldest man still alive. I appreciate New Zealand has a small population base but I'm surprised at the range of ages on show for this Test match.

 the force is strong with Richie rugby fan. He's just a spring chicken by Jedi standards.

Rugby Fan wrote:

Taylorman wrote:

1. Tony Woodcock (106)
2. Keven Mealamu (109)
3. Owen Franks (52)
4. Brodie Retallick (22)
5. Samuel Whitelock (49)
6. Liam Messam (27)
7. Richie McCaw - captain (122)
8. Kieran Read (59)
9. Aaron Smith (24)
10. Daniel Carter (99)
11. Julian Savea (18)
12. Ma'a Nonu (86)
13. Ben Smith (24)
14. Charles Piutau (9)
15. Israel Dagg (36)

England clearly have a chance. Based on the data above, two of the front row appear to be over a hundred years old, while there seems to be a nine year old out on the wing. The captain surely is the oldest man still alive. I appreciate New Zealand has a small population base but I'm surprised at the range of ages on show for this Test match.

true...and its little known that it was actually Mccaw who offloaded to webb ellis- the rest they say, is history...

Was DC playing that day or was he injured?

I'm loath to say this on here given the embarrassment of last year. But I think we are going to do well this weekend.

ps. That's code for downtrail and a bum spank. Feel free to give me ar5eholes if we lose, or even now if you want, no problem. This is just the vibe I have about this game.

DC missed one of the tackles that lead to one of the tries...McCaw missed the same carrier in the one movement.

I have that awful churning feeling in my stomach reading this. 1% excitement 99% dread. Enough beer in the house to either numb or celebrate though!

No genuine cover at 7. And DC starting? I think NZ management have a case of sentimentality clouding their better judgement? Maybe this is last chance saloon for Mr Carter.

I pray for DC, I hope the legend has not become mediocre. Maybe just maybe he had a ho hum couple of games. Actually looking back on the French game. Cruden hardly set the game alight. Maybe Barrett is the dark horse to push on. We were doing ok (but not on the scoreboard) until DC went off. But then there were a heap of other subs before that last push by France.

No mention of Carter making his 100th cap? Will he lead the team out? Will he lead the Haka or will he just put on a master class of Dan Carterness and tear England apart?

Only a few years ago there was no AB with 100 caps. Now they have 4 in their team with Ma'a Nono possibly joining that club soon. Is this the end of a golden generation for NZ?

Well GG. It's certainly a changing of the guard.
Although the top performers consistently seem to be the younger players: Ben smith, Aaron smith, Charles Piutau, Julean Savea,
Whitelock, Romano, Cane, retaillick, Cruden, Barrett. So I'd say, not really the end of a golden generation. Maybe the birth of the platinum generation.

Well GE. What about Carters 100th cap? Any fanfare expected?

Depends on your definition of a golden generation. With all due respect I hope it's not like yours GG.  

That All Blacks team is pretty scary. So much experience and class.

Biggest clashes in my opinion.

Franks vs Marler

Read vs Vunipola (though Morgan might get the nod)

Carter vs Farrell Jr - Round 2

Nonu vs 36

Who is is 36 thanks?

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Depends on your definition of a golden generation. With all due respect I hope it's not like yours GG.  

Please expand? Too much is made of Irelands golden generation. Our best players Healy, Bowe, Zebo, Sexton and SOB are all in their twenties. Any team bar a couple maybe would struggle to replace guys like BOD and POC.

Ireland have a stronger squad now than ever. During the golden generation Ireland only had one decent OH for years in ROG. We now have Sexton, Jackson and Madigan. Keatley and JJ Hanrahan would also both be better than any of ROGs back ups for years.

Front row right now is probably stronger than it has ever been in Ireland's history and wing there are also lots of options.

ebop wrote:Who is is 36 thanks?

Billy Twelvetrees

Thanks to Geordan Murphys irish accent to his Leicester team mate.

Ah, thanks GG. I like it, typical British humour:)

ebop wrote:Who is is 36 thanks?

Twelve Threes = 36

Twelvetrees = A big fella

No 7&1/2 wrote:Thanks to Geordan Murphys irish accent to his Leicester team mate.

That doesnt really make sense cause some Irish drop the h when pronouncing three but dont add one when saying tree so presumably he pronounces Twelvetrees the same as everyone else no?

Now I keep saying tirty six like I'm Irish

ebop wrote:Ah, thanks GG. I like it, typical British humour:)

Its a good one alright. Did you know his dad is a tree surgeon?

I guess we're at a critical stage now, 48hrs is still enough time for the AB to get norovirus.

GG much like you said. I agree that Ireland is more than a golden generation with a good crop of young players coming through. People tend to fixate on POC or BOD much like people have with McCaw or Carter. I think we've unearthed genuine talent so I don't want the same myth that NZ has reached the end of its golden generation. Plenty to be excited out for the future.

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:GG much like you said. I agree that Ireland is more than a golden generation with a good crop of young players coming through. People tend to fixate on POC or BOD much like people have with McCaw or Carter. I think we've unearthed genuine talent so I don't want the same myth that NZ has reached the end of its golden generation. Plenty to be excited out for the future.

yeah.

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:GG much like you said. I agree that Ireland is more than a golden generation with a good crop of young players coming through. People tend to fixate on POC or BOD much like people have with McCaw or Carter. I think we've unearthed genuine talent so I don't want the same myth that NZ has reached the end of its golden generation. Plenty to be excited out for the future.

No chance, NZ had a ropy run without Carter and Mccaw a few seasons ago, and by god we're all going to cling to the idea that they are the golden generation and by 2015 we're all in with a shot!!!

Ireland have always produced class players but they did have a spate in the last decade when the team was blessed with having class players in near every position.

I think the BOD factor however will be rather apparent once he leaves.. rock in defence, scores/creates tries from nothing. Until he's replaced like for like Ireland won't pull any rabbits out the hat... but they have the potential to not win solely on that mind.

Anyhow

This NZ team has evolved pretty well. The Carter/McCaw era is on its home stretch but the team which is replacing them is pretty special in itself.

GunsGerms wrote:Well GE. What about Carters 100th cap? Any fanfare expected?

I think its a poor choice. He hasnt been in good form and is again struggling for fitness after injury. Despite what the stock line was, this is a sentimental selection.

I would've started Cruden and brought Barrett onto the bench. DC as waterboy and give him
His 100th cap against Ireland.

GloriousEmpire wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:Well GE. What about Carters 100th cap? Any fanfare expected?

I think its a poor choice. He hasnt been in good form and is again struggling for fitness after injury. Despite what the stock line was, this is a sentimental selection.

I would've started Cruden and brought Barrett onto the bench. DC as waterboy and give him
His 100th cap against Ireland.

Whats with all this rational thought GE... changed your cereal?

I think if Cane hadn't had that game in Eden Park we'd be worried. Seeing Luatua come on and the prospect of Kaino returning gives a lot more confidence than the days of Vito as back row cover. You go through cycles of areas to concentrate on and now hooker, props centres are the main areas for concern but considering how we felt about Carter's replacement or this year's wing dilemma the rate how quickly those holes were plugged is comforting. You can never cover every possibility ( like three 10 injuries) but you can try.

What is NZs area of greatest depth? Wing?

GunsGerms wrote:Well GE. What about Carters 100th cap? Any fanfare expected?

A hundred points to mark the occasion???

Loads of tries and a great game to capture the nature of the match.

Nz 55-45 England

Cant ask for more than that.

GunsGerms wrote:What is NZs area of greatest depth?

Lake Hauroko - 462 m deep
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Hauroko

GunsGerms wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:Thanks to Geordan Murphys irish accent to his Leicester team mate.

That doesnt really make sense cause some Irish drop the h when pronouncing three but dont add one when saying tree so presumably he pronounces Twelvetrees the same as everyone else no?

Yes he would, but being Irish the rest of the Leicester players picked up on the idea that they pronounce three as tree (generalisation or whatever) and the nickname stuck.

I can lay my hands on some Ebola Virus, if anyone is interested.
Can't access the Plague. Sorry.

doctor_grey wrote:I can lay my hands on some Ebola Virus, if anyone is interested.
Can't access the Plague.  Sorry.

If an entire team, post selection being announced are unavailable to play due to an illness can a team of reserves, an All Black B-Team be flown out to play England...???

maestegmafia wrote:

doctor_grey wrote:I can lay my hands on some Ebola Virus, if anyone is interested.
Can't access the Plague.  Sorry.

If an entire team, post selection being announced are unavailable to play due to an illness can a team of reserves, an All Black B-Team be flown out to play England...???

What are you plotting???

sirtidychris wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:What is NZs area of greatest depth?

Lake Hauroko - 462 m deep
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Hauroko

Thanks. Thats exactly what I was looking for.  

Casartelli wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

doctor_grey wrote:I can lay my hands on some Ebola Virus, if anyone is interested.
Can't access the Plague.  Sorry.

If an entire team, post selection being announced are unavailable to play due to an illness can a team of reserves, an All Black B-Team be flown out to play England...???

What are you plotting???

I am wondering how an All Black second string flown in last minute would do...!

Why do NZ do different versions of the Haka and what is the significance of doing it in a different way?