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Here we are, less than a week away from our first All Blacks Test of the year for 2014, ready, willing and hoping for a repeat of the success savoured in 2013.
Hopefully we’ll get a sign of more success to come next year in England.
Speaking of England, they happen to be our first opponents of the year this Saturday at Eden Park and we have named a very strong squad to meet the challenge head on.
Andrew Mehrtens suggested in a recent article that the silence around those picked and lack of debate regarding the selections suggests the strongest squad has been chosen and we are all one big happy family, ready to take down the might of England.
Regardless, I thought it would be a worthy task to list the team I think All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and company will name this week.
I believe the front row is straight forward with Tony Woodcock, Dane Coles and Owen Franks to start. The locks are also easy, with Sam Whitelock and Brodie Rettallick – not too much debate there I would imagine.
Richie MaCaw will captain from open side, and with Kieran Read pulling out Jerome Kaino will be at eight and Liam Messam at blindside – which saves a debate in itself.
Halfback will be Aaron Smith, but who will the first five be? Again, I think Aaron Cruden will start being the incumbent but Beaden Barrett has been the form first five this year and let’s not forget Colin Slades’ solid season to date. Personally I would choose Barrett, but I think Cruden will be the choice.
Centres will see the old firm of Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith reunited for a second Test match and Julian Savea has the left wing sewn up if proven fit.
I believe Israel Dagg will be picked at fullback due to his kicking game, which is invaluable at Test level, and this will see Ben Smith shunted to the right wing.
The bench is where things get a little more perplexing. You need your front row, so I believe Ben Franks, Keven Mealamu and Charlie Faumuina will be picked. Woodcock does have a niggle so if he is made unavailable then I think Ben Franks will start and Wyatt Crockett will make the bench.
This leaves us with five spots left. Considering the forward strength of the English, does one consider six forwards and two backs, or do they stick with the five and three split?
I personally would opt for the more traditional five and three split.
Along with my front row, I would look at Dominic Bird to cover lock, although perhaps Patrick Tuipulotu brings that physicality that may be necessary for the last 25 to 30 minutes. No, I think they will pick Bird on the bench with Victor Vito as loose forward cover with both himself and Liam Messam able to cover openside if required.
Tawera Kerr-Barlow will be the reserve halfback over TJ Perenara in my view, and if Barrett is not starting he will be on the bench given his proven impact from there last season and his ability to also cover the back three.
However, if Barrett does start, who goes to the bench? Aaron Cruden or Colin Slade? Slade is certainly more versatile in being able to cover more positions if required, or, he certainly has more experience than Aaron does outside of first five.
If this proves to be the case that Barrett starts, then I think Cruden will be on the bench. But a case could be made to see him out of the squad altogether.
This leaves the final back reserve. Many would like to see Malakai Fekitoa have a gallop, and I am certainly one of those. He is quick enough to operate on the wing outside his preferred centre position but what happens at second five? As much as I would like to see Fekitoa get a run I think the final bench spot will go to Ryan Crotty, based purely on his ability to cover both inside and outside centre if required.
The curve ball is whether Julian Savea will be fit. If not, I can see Malakai start on the left wing in his place. Time shall reveal all.
So here is what I think Steve Hansen will announce for this weekend.
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Dane Coles
3. Owen Franks
4. Sam Whitelock
5. Brodie Retallick
6. Liam Messam
7. Richie MaCaw (c)
8. Jerome Kaino
9. Aaron Smith
10. Aaron Cruden
11. Julian Savea (Fekitoa if Savea is unfit)
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Ben Smith
15. Israel Dagg
Reserves
16. Ben Franks
17. Kevin Mealamu
18. Charlie Faumuina
19. Dominic Bird
20. Victor Vito
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
22. Beauden Barrett
23. Ryan Crotty
Who do you think the All Black coaches will pick Roarers?
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