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Well, the first All Blacks squad of the year has been named, and poor old Graham Henry’s copping it from all quarters … but I’m sure he’s well used to that.
Now, he’s not going to please everyone, but you’ve gotta love the introduction of the new caps, especially Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, and Victor Vito - who are all under 23 years old, and will hopefully be hitting their straps come twelve months time at the Rugby World Cup.
Dagg: A genuine game-breaker.
So, out of the 26, who makes you starting XV for the first test against Ireland on June 12th in New Plymouth? Here’s what my team would be:
15. Dagg
14. Jane
13. Smith
12. Stanley
11. Guildford
10. Carter
9. Weepu
8. Read
7. McCaw
6. Kaino
5. Donnelly
4. Thorn
3. Owen Franks
2. Mealamu
1. Woodcock
16. de Malmanche
17. Tialata
18. Boric
19. Thomson
20. Weepu
21. Cruden
22. Rokocoko
Unfortunately, Vito doesn’t cover seven which means Thomson has to be on the bench … and on form, that’s fair enough I think and I don’t think Mils will quite be up to speed.
There are some guys who can count themselves unlucky on not making the 26: Jason Rutledge, Sam Whitelock (who could be in if Donnelly’s not fit), Albie Mathewson, Kahn Fotuali’I, Colin Slade, Rudi Wulf, Hosea Gear and Rene Ranger.
But you can’t pick them all, and I think the Three Wise Men have chosen a great mix of looking to the future, but also rewarding those who’ve done the job in the black jersey before to protect our unbeaten record against Ireland and 50+ year unbeaten streak against Wales.
And Tasman has an All Black! Well done Ben Franks and go the Mighty Makos in this year’s ITM Cup!
Back in business.
John Day