Graham Henry’s test selection to kick off 2011 will be well received by a very public judge and jury. Notwithstanding notable but well-signalled absences from the stables of Canterbury and Auckland, it is a healthy blend of youth and experience that should allay fears of a potential shock loss as witnessed across the Tasman.
Players 1 through 15 possess over 500 caps between them, the benchwarmers over 200.
Leading from the front, captain Richie McCaw and fullback Mils Muliaina will each notch up test number 95, and locking retread Ali Williams returns from the wilderness to resurrect a career marking 61 outings.
Proof that the Fijians aren’t being taken lightly is in the selection of a swift loose-forward trio comprising McCaw, Thomson and Messam. And experience in key positions across the park includes the tried and proven centre-pairing of Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith.
Sitiveni Sivivatu will be thankful to be gifted the opportunity to shake the sluggishness of his average Super Rugby season.
Likewise hooker Andrew Hore will be anxious to begin a new chapter in his 2011 journal that to this point, makes for depressing reading.
Much interest will surround the performance Otago’s Colin Slade, eager to repay selectors’ faith in his preference over Aaron Cruden. Expect the country to cringe every time Slade goes into contact with the monstrous Fijians, hoping he comes out the other side with jaw intact.
It would be remiss not to acknowledge the new kid on the block, Highlanders lock Jarrad Hoeata. A fantastic achievement for the Tauranga-born hardman no better celebrated than in the Southern-most parts of Carisbrook.
It is a fact that this All Black team will convincingly trounce the long-limbed Fijians in Friday’s showdown. Not just because of superior experience, personnel, structure and home-ground advantage.
But because 22 All Blacks don’t take their selection, the opposition and the occasion for granted, which was the wholesale failing in the Wallabies camp in the planning and execution of their failed game-plan against Manu Samoa.
All Blacks: 1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Andrew Hore, 3. Ben Franks, 4. Jarrad Hoeata, 5. Ali Williams, 6. Adam Thomson, 7. Richie McCaw – captain, 8. Liam Messam, 9. Jimmy Cowan, 10. Colin Slade, 11. Sitiveni Sivivatu, 12. Ma’a Nonu, 13. Conrad Smith, 14. Zac Guildford, 15. Mils Muliaina
Reserves: 16. Corey Flynn, 17. John Afoa, 18. Samuel Whitelock, 19. Jerome Kaino, 20. Piri Weepu 21. Daniel Carter 22. Ben SmithFiji: Iliesa Keresoni, Vereniki Goneva, Albert Vulivuli, Ravai Fatiaki, Napolioni Nalaga; Seremaia Bai, Vitori Buatava; Sakiusa Matadigo, Akapusi Qera, Dominiko Waqaniburotu (captain); Sekonaia Kalou, Ifereimi Rawaqa; Deacon Manu, Sunia Koto, Campese Ma’afu
Reserves: Netani Talei, Timoci Nagusa, Metuisela Talebula, Taniela Rawaqa, Nemia Ranuku, Malakai Ravulo, Rupeni Nasiga, Viliame Veikoso, Setefano Samoca.
Rugbyrick
Guest
Great article, I am looking forward to the game tonight, as mentioned here there are a number of players that will relish the opportunity and they WILL front up. Hore, Williams, Slade and Hoeata these will be names that we will hear alot about during the game they will feature, the likes of McCaw and Mils they will step up another level and will be sublime as usual! Bring it on
ABshades
Guest
This AB team is very well balanced and has a bases covered feel to it. There is plenty of attacking threat in all of the key units. (Tighties, Loose, Halves, Centres, Back 3) There are many hard workers throughout the group also so there is potential for lopsided territory, breakdowns and possession rates. I wish the Fijians well, but I would not be surprised if the ABs notched up 70 to a single digit Fiji response. The mighty Samoans deserve more credit than the Wallabies deserve ridicule, but they certainly didn't do Fiji any favours... -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
ABshades
Guest
The Wallabies passion was most certainly lacking. That FACT was demonstrated in their lack of urgency. Kurtley Beale, Scott Higgenbottom and Will Genia brought it when they got on the park. That is why they stood out, sure they may be better than the guys they replaced, but their urgency to win back the game was the biggest difference. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Bring Back Rucking
Guest
sorry your last paragraph is a crock Those players in the Wallaby lineup were playing for the future opportunities, their debut etc etc. there was nothing taken for granted. Your comment shows no understanding of the intentions, dreams or motivations of those chosen to represent their country We were beaten by a better side on the day, thats the fact. Nick Farr-Jones in a lunch address at the Union Club ( last Monday) also confirmed this about Sundays Wallaby team. He and others from the victorious' 91 team gave out the jumpers. He stated he was impressed about how excited and focused were the Wallabies players. It didn't transfer onto the pitch, a pity. We may not have the depth, we may not have the skill but I believe our guys take their responsibilities and the jersey seriously. One Team..........Go the wallabies
Bazza All Black
Guest
Will be a nice warm up for the ABs, I expect the Fijians to come firing (al la Samoa) and the ABs to be ordinary for 60 mins, then put them to the sword... You can guarantee that the ABs will take all their penalties shots...
Dave
Guest
Colin Slade is still a Canterbury player, not Otago (despite playing for the highlanders)