If there is one big question mark hanging over the All Blacks World Cup squad, it is whether or not the injured players can recover in time to hold of the desperate advances of those players thrown a lifeline.
With Toeava, Gear, Kahui, Dagg and Woodcock initially named in the squad being unavailable through injury, it has opened the door for last ditch attempts by the likes of Sivivatu, Smith, Jane and Crockett.
Sivivatu was a prime example of future decisions that will be faced by Henry and co.
Last night he was outstanding; he took his opportunity to show the All Black coaches that he could lift his intensity and prove he was still one of the top wingers in New Zealand. His experience is already a huge bonus on his side.
That kind of performance will have guys like Cory Jane and Israel Dagg sweating over there untimely injuries.
With Ben Smith and Colin Slade both getting game time already and both being able to cover multiple positions including fullback, Dagg and Jane will have their work cut out to recover from injury and force their way back to the top of the pecking order. Toeava is in the same boat.
If there is one silver lining from all of this, it is that the All Blacks certainly do have a wealth of depth to choose from, although this does not make the coaches job any easier.
Do they risk giving game time to players returning from injury, hoping they will recover top form in time for the crunch games of 2011? Or do they reward players on form, who are fit and raring to go?
These are questions I’m sure the coaches have been mulling over for weeks now.
If i were an injured All Black, I would be doing everything in my powers to get back onto the paddock before someone else makes their statement to hard to ignore.
In my opinion, I think Cory Jane will become the first to rue an untimely injury, he has let Sivivatu get the first shot at redemption and there is no guarantee Jane will be given the same chance, Sivivatu may have just earned a starting jumper for the first Tri-Nations Test next week, and with Guilddford and possibly Gear in the mix next week, Jane’s chances of redemption may have slipped him by.
My pecking order for the All Blacks outside backs:
– Muliaina
– Sivivatu
– Gear
– Toeava
– Ben Smith
– Zac Guildford
– Israel Dagg
– Cory Jane.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
That's the misconception here, that it is a long campaign. It actually isn't. There are four games before the World cup begins. We should have our top side chosen and playing together before then. Four games with half our backline still yet to play a game let alone in the right combinations. Im sorry to say that anyone who thinks there is till plenty of time to tinker is wrong. We will suffer another episode of last world cup if we do not allow our players to build that sixth sense together. Australia will play their best side for the rest of the tri nations. We most probably wont see our's on the paddock till the world cup. Mostly due to injury and carrying players like Kahui and Dagg when we really should draw the line now.
Naki
Guest
What Media was that Zhenry? Funny how you throw out mis leading blanket statements constantly. Name the media sources who reported it ad you say it was! Both 3 news and One news stated he asked to go back and play also. But of course that doesn't fit your fabricated posts.
zhenry
Guest
Actually that is how it was put in NZ media.
zhenry
Guest
Journalist are we?
Bayboy
Guest
He was not sent back to the NPC zhenry he asked if he could play in the Otago match and the ABs staff gave him their blessing. Why don't you actually tell the truth for a change?
zhenry
Guest
I think your top 3 are probably right but Toeava will be in there somewhere or off the bench, he can give a backline such a dynamic thrust, he can set things a-light. Apart from Guildford the others are more fullbacks although interchangable. I suspect Dagg and Jane will come before the others, at least Dagg. It will depend on who finds form. Suspect B Smith will be for the future, but its a tough selection. B Smith played OK on weekend but for short time and has been sent back to NPC, tough.
sixo_clock
Roar Guru
SBW at 13 with his off loading and tackle breaking is wasted at 12 IMO, he is a linebreaker/promoter first and foremost. At 12 he hasn't time to build momentum and gets too much attention from the loosies to be at his best. But I take your point as he has only worn the 12 for the 'Saders (so far).
Carl
Guest
He was only picking outside backs, therefore no Sonny Bill.
sixo_clock
Roar Guru
'Tis a long campaign and if you are an in form AB you will get a run somewhere down the track. All that is required at this level are combinations that work whether scrumbase-5/8th, centres or back three, when that is addressed the team looks the goods. What no SBW in your backline? Are you guilty of club loyalty overriding national concerns? Hmmmmm?
Nick_KIA
Guest
It's just good coaching IMO They could have just not picked the injured guys. This was sivi etc have extra motivation and you saw the result. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.