Romano wins surprise start for All Blacks
By Daniel Gilhooly, 16 Aug 2012 Daniel Gilhooly is a Roar Guru
- Tagged:
- All Blacks, Luke Romano, Rugby Union, wallabies
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Luke Romano has bounced back from injury to earn an unexpected start at lock for the All Blacks in Saturday’s match in Sydney.
The man touted as the long-term replacement for pack enforcer Brad Thorn is the only real surprise in the starting 15 named on Thursday to face Australia in the opening match of the inaugural Rugby Championship.
There are five changes from the side who routed Ireland 60-0 in their last Test two months ago.
Youngster Brodie Retallick is surprisingly on the reserve bench behind 26-year-old Romano, who made his Test debut at Hamilton.
The qualified builder was a comparatively late starter in first class rugby but has gone from strength to strength.
Involvement in the first two Wallabies Tests this month seemed unlikely when he hobbled out of the Super Rugby semi-final loss to the Chiefs with a shoulder injury but his recovery has been rapid.
Romano will partner lock Sam Whitelock in a forward pack featuring five Cantabrians.
In-form Liam Messam has won the contentious blindside flank berth ahead of Victor Vito, who is on the reserve bench, and Adam Thomson.
Two changes from the starting pack that routed Ireland sees Keven Mealamu oust fellow veteran Andrew Hore at hooker while Kieran Read returns from injury at No.8, pushing captain Richie McCaw to his favoured openside flank role in place of youngster Sam Cane.
In the backs, Dan Carter and Cory Jane have overcome injury and replace Aaron Cruden and Zac Guildford respectively.
As expected, Ma’a Nonu is inserted for his first Test of the year in place of injured outside centre Conrad Smith, with standby squad member Sonny Bill Williams retaining his spot at No.12 in the other half of a fearsome midfield.
Hosea Gear has retained the left wing spot ahead of youngster Julian Savea in a tight selection call.
Just eight of the starting XV – which boasts 624 combined caps – started the previous Test against Australia, last October’s 20-6 win in the World Cup semi-final at Auckland.
A squad of 24 were to fly to Sydney on Thursday, with Thomson and prop Charlie Faumuina travelling as standby options.
© AAP 2013All Blacks team: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Ma’a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Hosea Gear, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Ben Smith, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu, Victor Vito, Brodie Retallick, Ben Franks, Andrew Hore.
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- Explore:
- All Blacks, Luke Romano, Rugby Union, wallabies
August 16th 2012 @ 7:52am
moaman said | August 16th 2012 @ 7:52am | Report comment
Couple of small surprises.
I tried to work out what the backline would be and finally gave up.Wing,blindside and to a lesser extent halfback had me puzzling.How would the selectors do it?The bench is interesting.Wasn’t expecting Retallick,Hore nor Smith to be there.
Roarers! I need HELP! My younger brother contacted me last night from Italy.Asked me to find out start-time (8.05pm???) and,more vitally,what Italian (sky?) channel would be showing the match. It plainly needs someone with better Net skills than me to find out.I kept seeing one called RAI but am totally befuddled today,full up and dripping with sinus infection—-to much information I know! Any help would be gratefully appreciated!
August 16th 2012 @ 8:01am
moaman said | August 16th 2012 @ 8:01am | Report comment
*Too much info ;-(
August 16th 2012 @ 8:43am
Tissot Time said | August 16th 2012 @ 8:43am | Report comment
Moa dont know Italian Sky channel but when I travel I stream live on Vipbox.tv. It will be midday local time
August 16th 2012 @ 9:11am
Jerry said | August 16th 2012 @ 9:11am | Report comment
Wait, you’re surprised by Aaron Smith at 9 and Hore being on the bench?
Well, I’m baffled that anyone would be surprised at Hore’s inclusion – Mealamu and Hore are out on their own at this point.
And Smith was a revelation in the June tests. He may have struggled a bit in the final rounds of the Super 15 but he showed some great form at test level and deserves the chance to match it with tougher opponents.
I’m also not surprised at Romano starting. He offers a lot of the same thing Brad Thorn did.
August 16th 2012 @ 12:18pm
moaman said | August 16th 2012 @ 12:18pm | Report comment
Tissot Time -Thanks -will pass that on.Much appreciated.
Jerry–My bad for not being clear.My “The bench is interesting.Wasn’t expecting Retallick,Hore nor Smith to be there. ” meant that I didnt expect Hore to be subbing,thought he would start.Smith was Ben Smith when I expected Ellison.Also thought Retallick would start,obviously.
WQ-also great adviceNot sure I could handle a hot woman atm but it would be nice t ofind out one way or the other!
Peterlala–see above.
Riccardo-Yep,thanks.
August 16th 2012 @ 9:20am
peterlala said | August 16th 2012 @ 9:20am | Report comment
Moaman, on Aaron Smith, I imagine the All Blacks dream of having a big-passing halfback, rather than a fourth loose forward…or fifth if you include the hooker.
I can see why you question the plan…but if it comes off, we may see old-style Brumbies play from the All Blacks (which will definitely keep them “ahead of the game”).
I may be wrong, but it seems logical, and it would be amazing.
August 16th 2012 @ 10:02am
Riccardo said | August 16th 2012 @ 10:02am | Report comment
He may be referring to Ben Smith being there ahead of Tamati Ellison.
August 16th 2012 @ 10:14am
WQ said | August 16th 2012 @ 10:14am | Report comment
Hey moaman,
Not sure I can help you with the Italian TV issue, however to fix that sinus drama do the following: take two panadol with a half a bottle of rum and then sweat it out over a hot woman.
August 16th 2012 @ 8:08pm
Harryonthecoast said | August 16th 2012 @ 8:08pm | Report comment
Not during the game I hope!!!
August 16th 2012 @ 8:08am
Cantab said | August 16th 2012 @ 8:08am | Report comment
Really happy with that team, Romano is the only surprise but saying that he is probably the right choice (or there abouts) which highlights our lock options aren’t as strong as they once were. Still a much stronger team than Australia will field..
August 16th 2012 @ 9:19am
Markus said | August 16th 2012 @ 9:19am | Report comment
Brad Thorn aside, I’d say that lock is the one area that the All Blacks have never really had the quality they manage in nearly all other positions.
Ali Williams and Chris Jack were good rounded players, but after them the spots have been filled by wanderers like Boric and Eaton, who were no more impressive than any of the 2nd string Wallabies locks.
August 16th 2012 @ 8:09pm
Harryonthecoast said | August 16th 2012 @ 8:09pm | Report comment
Well would you rather have Romano than Simmonds?!!
August 16th 2012 @ 8:23am
Jeff said | August 16th 2012 @ 8:23am | Report comment
It will be interesting to see if there is much reaction to this team selection from AB fans.
NZ have a far greated depth of players to pick from than us yet their selections always seem far less contentious.
From the sometimes almost hysterical comments there are whenever a Wallaby team is selected you would think we had huge depth and that there were about 3 players in contention for each position.
As a Wallaby fan looking from afar it would appear to me that the only slightly contentious selections would be Romanos ahead of Retallick,Messam ahead of Vito and Gear ahead of Savea.
Having said that I see that both Vito and Retallick are on the bench so will probably be subbed on in the second half.
August 16th 2012 @ 8:10pm
Harryonthecoast said | August 16th 2012 @ 8:10pm | Report comment
Don’t underestimate Romano!
August 16th 2012 @ 8:29am
Riccardo said | August 16th 2012 @ 8:29am | Report comment
Our depth at lock may be questionable but the 3 incumbents are quality and should foot it with Wallbies certainly and maybe even the Boks, which would be vital given the importance of the set-piece to Meyer’s likely gameplan.
This appears to be a well balanced side with Conrad’s absence the only issue. Hope the midfield have their defence organised.
That said, if Nonu and Williams can combine better than they have in the past they should make inroads into the Wallabies midfield. It’s certainly a powerful pairing. KPM would be thrilled.
Pleased to see Messam get another opportunity on the blindside. Hope he can continue to deliver at this level.
August 16th 2012 @ 8:44am
Ben S said | August 16th 2012 @ 8:44am | Report comment
I would have started Romano ahead of Retallick. Good side IMO. Can’t see the Wallabies getting that close tbh.
August 16th 2012 @ 8:50am
PeterK said | August 16th 2012 @ 8:50am | Report comment
This team is light years ahead of the Wallabies. It will thrash them.
The only weakness is ageing Hookers starting and on the bench.
August 17th 2012 @ 1:29am
Wal the Hooker said | August 17th 2012 @ 1:29am | Report comment
Not sure about the WBs getting thrashed PK! I’m not that overconfident the WBs is one side that always give the ABs trouble…
August 16th 2012 @ 8:51am
Team taniwha said | August 16th 2012 @ 8:51am | Report comment
A fairly predictable team, basically rewarding third test team. Picked Romano for his greater physicality, and Messam’s form in that test plus Chiefs he had inside running – hope he can deliver. I think Savea is still to young for aerial bombardment that would duly come at this level, his time will come.
Only contentious spot IMO was not including Ellison on the bench, instead of Ben Smith. I would have preferred that as a fall back option if the SBW-None axis not working out.
August 16th 2012 @ 10:18am
JBees said | August 16th 2012 @ 10:18am | Report comment
I agree in regards to Ellison’s exclusion from the bench, but maybe the selectors are looking at DC moving to 12 and bringing on Cruden as another option should things not workout with SBW & Nonu – just a thought
August 16th 2012 @ 8:56am
Brissy Blissy said | August 16th 2012 @ 8:56am | Report comment
Messam there on form, hope he can go the next step to test rugby in his fav position.
Great to have Read fit, think hes due for a big one
Not sure about Smith on the bench also, but better judges than me rate him so lets see, if hes needed, that is.
Ramano can be a better ball runner (I think) so maybe the ABs going for all out attack.
Hope so
August 16th 2012 @ 9:10am
Uncle Argyle said | August 16th 2012 @ 9:10am | Report comment
Alone this team will beat any team on the planet today.
Mark them up against the Waratah laden Wallabies and it is going to be a very very ugly night in Sydney for my beloved Wallabies. Not saying Australia will not turn up and give 100%. I just can’t see my Wallabies getting any advantage in the tight 5. However my prime cocnern is the back-row.
Messam, Read and McCaw with school Pocock, Higginbotham and Dennis. Pocock alone IMHO is now a better open side than McCaw however as a backrow v backrow its truley David v Goliath stuff and I think we may be out of rocks.
I can’t see Australia unsettling New Zealands 1st phase ball, and New Zealand will be more than effective at the break down. With front foor ball I can’t see Australia causing too much trouble in defence either. This will be a black night in Australian Rugby.
August 16th 2012 @ 9:26am
Demon Dez said | August 16th 2012 @ 9:26am | Report comment
Pocock is a great fetcher. But in terms of ball-carrying, tackling and link play – McCaw is daylights ahead. IMHO McCaw is still the best all-round open sider in world rugby.
August 16th 2012 @ 8:16pm
Harryonthecoast said | August 16th 2012 @ 8:16pm | Report comment
Would like Roarers to watch McCaw closely in Sats game and just watch how much ground he covers. Pocock is not in the same street.
August 17th 2012 @ 3:56am
guinness14 said | August 17th 2012 @ 3:56am | Report comment
I agree with you on that one. I Like Pocock, but no where near the work rate of Richie, who can cover the paddock quicker than DP. Same position, who both have a different style. Cheers.
August 16th 2012 @ 10:13am
Hurl said | August 16th 2012 @ 10:13am | Report comment
Sure, the All Black scrum isn’t going to be troubled but their lineout isn’t as assured. I can see the Wallabys targeting and maybe unsettling the AB lineout, so 1st phase ball isn’t totally guaranteed.
As for Pocock, he’s yet to develop his game to the same degree as McCaw. Pococks probably a better turnover player but thats the major part of his game and can be negated as the All Blacks did in the WC semi. The Wallaby’s (and Boks) have been trying to negate McCaw for 10 years and still haven’t managed it
When the world start calling Pocock a cheat you’ll know he’s becomming an influencial player
August 16th 2012 @ 1:31pm
Uncle Argyle said | August 16th 2012 @ 1:31pm | Report comment
Yeh,
Mate Nathan Sharpe is a fine line-out forward along with Higginbotham. Dennis is yet to really stamp himself as an international forward an any aspect of the game. Timani would struggle against a number of NPC teams let alone the All Blacks however the telling point, the crux if you will is both the ability of TPN and Moore to get their throw in’s accurate 100%.
New Zealand know this and will pressure those guys as well as Timani.
I would be looking for short lineouts if i were Australia when on the attack and steak & veg 2 ball in defence. But I reckon at some stage of the game the Wal’s will try a 6 ball 5 yards out from our own line, duff it and the All Blacks score.
August 16th 2012 @ 9:31am
peterlala said | August 16th 2012 @ 9:31am | Report comment
Uncle, I still think McCaw wins out because he plays more constructively. Pocock is a better fetcher. It will be fascinating to compare the two back rows on Saturday. Because of their strength, that should be the focus for the Wallabies, rather than targetting William/Nonu as the defencive weakness.
In saying that, McCaw, Read and the in-form Messam aren’t weak, either.
August 16th 2012 @ 1:40pm
Uncle Argyle said | August 16th 2012 @ 1:40pm | Report comment
Yeh fair enough Pete,
Mate I think we (Australia) would have a fair better chance if Higginbotham played 6. It is by far an away his best position. Ive said it a thousand times he runs well in space with outside backs. A very good link forward. However his body height with ball in hand can e average. I am expeting a tight game and I think he will get held up a few times by the All Blacks. This is an art form well displayed by the New Zealand Super 15 teams this year.
Pocock will get heavily marked by NZ, knowing he is at his best when he is second man in, New Zealand will hold him back, down whatever it takes, and so they should to make his journey to the next breakdown turbulent. Australia has no other genuine pilferer in the run on side. In my team I would have backed up Pocock with Schatz at 8 who has a tremendous work rate and could support Pocock.
Dennis and Higginbotham will be found wanting as they have no combination with Pocock as a back row unit. I do expect to see one off pieces og birlliance by Wallaby backrowers but not an 80 minute performance.