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Ahead of Saturday’s official announcement of the All Blacks team for the defending of the Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cups, a tentative squad has been assembled by the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB.
With the All Blacks coming off three Tests where their performance was heavily criticized by the media in New Zealand and abroad, the 2008 cup holders have looked out of form and out of touch with their coach’s expectations.
A home defeat in favor of France and a low winning margin over Italy has left the All Black’s followers wringing their hands while delighted Wallaby and Springbok supporters are feverishly talking up their respective 2009 teams as they sense an All Black team in crisis.
But have we been here before?
Last year, a last minute Springbok victory in Dunedin and a resounding away defeat by the Wallabies, caused a young and inexperienced All Blacks team to be chastised by supporters and opponents alike.
Yet that team managed a remarkable turnaround and dealt crushing blows on both opposing teams to retain the Tri-Nation and the Bledsloie trophies and then served up a Grand Slam end of year tour to the delight of their fans.
The return of So’oialo, talisman Richie McCaw, Conrad Smith and Sivivatu inject much needed experience back into the squad. Jason Eaton and Andrew Hore promise no nonsense in the forward pack, while a rumored return of Lauaki and Hosea Gear, on the back of highly rated Junior All Black performance, adds firepower based on form.
Standout Super 14 players, Colin Slade and Aled de Malmanche, add spice to the mix, while Issac Ross has been the find of the year thus far.
If this is indeed the squad announced on Saturday, then perhaps the 2009 All Blacks are going to be a whole lot more challenging than their opponents are hoping. We will know soon as we await the Tri-Nations opener between the Wallabies and the All Blacks in Auckland, New Zealand on July 18.
Predicted 2009 All Blacks squad:
BACKS:
Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane / Hosea Gear, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Lelia Masaga, Isaia Toeava, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Luke McAlister, Stephen Donald, Colin Slade, Piri Weepu, Brendon Leonard, Jimmy Cowan
FORWARDS:
Rodney So’oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Tanerau Latimer, Kieran Read / Sione Lauaki, Jerome Kaino, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Bryn Evans, Jason Eaton, John Afoa, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Aled de Malmanche.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.