Does anyone else think the All Blacks are suddenly starting to look good again? It’s wonderful to see great running rugby. I will admit, I had my doubts over “The Three Wise Men” this year. But the Northern Tour has been outstanding.
The New Boys
We have bred new blood in Zac Gilford and Ben Smith out wide. These two players look like the future. Mike Delany and Tamati Ellison also have done their part.
Rising Stars
One player springs to mind: Corey Jane. He is outstanding and he gets better every time he wears the black jersey. His skill set is everything the new modern day winger needs. Gone are the days of just quick and big. Now you have to be sound under the high ball and counter attack is critical.
Kieran Read is fast climbing the popularity ladder. His work around the field is outstanding. He shows true class but I wonder is number 8 his best position? I would like to see him play at 6, but competition is already hostile in this position.
Returning to form
Dan Carter, is there anyone else? He is leaps and bounds ahead of any first five. Dan takes the ball to the line, distributes well and his kicking game? Well, enough said about that, because everyone already knows what he can do with that left foot of his.
Player ratings
15. Mills Muliana – 7.5
Mils had a very quiet year. He struggled, actually, and he did say he was suffering from player burnout.
14. Cory Jane – 8.5
Great first season in the Black Jersey, showed he is all class on this Northern Tour.
13. Conrad Smith – 9
Injury plagued him in the Tri-Nations. Distributes well, hardly misses a tackle, and is the defence leader from 13.
12. Ma’a Nonu – 7
A solid year but I just don’t think he passes the ball enough. His running is devastating, but he is too predictable now.
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu – 9
Outstanding season in the black jersey. The most dangerous wing in the game, with counter attack skills second to none. Great speed and creates opportunities everywhere.
10. Dan Carter – 9
Rushed back into the side after a pretty long lay off due to a injury. Shows class every time he plays. Head and shoulders above any first five in world rugby at the moment.
9. Jimmy Cowan – 7
Tough season behind a pack that normally dominates. He’s still got the goods and is a very competitive character.
8. Kieran Read – 8
The big mover in the All Blacks this year, he is now the best number 8 in the squad. A great line-out option, he runs hard and is a work horse around the park.
7. Richie McCaw – 10
2009 IRB Player of the Year. What a difference this man makes to the All Black team. His work at the breakdown is second to none. Physical and a good leader.
6. Adam Thompson – 7
Shows he has what it takes to become a great All Black flanker. Still a lot to learn but he will get there.
5. Issac Ross – 7
Played well in the Tri-Nations. He should be on the Northern Tour, but was told to bulk up.
4. Brad Thorn – 9.5
Outstanding season for this beast. He played fantastic all year round and deserves a good break.
3. Neemia Tialata 6.5
I had my doubts over this guy. He showed some real inner-strength to come back into the side after being dropped.
2. Andrew Hore – 8.5
Another solid year for Andy Hore. He performs week in week out and gets it done.
1. Tony Woodcock – 7
Good year for the prop. He does his work and gets the job done.
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