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The All Blacks have trimmed their squad to 30 and while on the whole it looks balanced, there are a few surprises. The first thing most people will notice is the choices made for halfback.
Two have been chosen, one selected on experience and one as the up and comer. The choice of the experienced one is the contentious issue here.
Piri Weepu, despite an awful season and being unable to secure a starting spot in the Blues, the worst New Zealand Super Rugby side, gets the nod in the world champion side. Andy Ellis can consider himself very unlucky, losing out his spot to an out of form Weepu.
Weepu should not have made the 30 and the selectors should have told him to go away and drop 10 kgs. He is a walking liability at the moment and the worst halfback from the five NZ sides.
Mealamu, who is injured at the moment is another who can consider himself lucky. He wont even be available for the first test yet has made the 30. Hika Elliot will come in as an emergency for him in the first week.
Why not use the series to give Hika experience and let Mealamu spend the time recovering fully from his injury? He is injured and out of match practice.
Aside from that I like the look of the squad. The five outside backs between them have 28 games experience so the next generation is certainly looked after there. Here’s hoping the new kids get a decent run in the Irish test series.
What did you think?
All Blacks squad of 30 for the upcoming International Test season
Hookers
Andrew Hore Taranaki (62)
Keven Mealamu Auckland (92)
Props
Wyatt Crockett Canterbury (6)
Ben Franks Tasman (15)
Owen Franks Canterbury (31)
Ben Tameifuna Hawke’s Bay *
Tony Woodcock North Harbour (83)
Locks
Brodie Retallick Bay of Plenty *
Luke Romano Canterbury *
Samuel Whitelock Canterbury (25)
Ali Williams Auckland (73)
Loose forwards
Sam Cane Bay of Plenty *
Richie McCaw (C) Canterbury (103)
Kieran Read Canterbury (36)
Adam Thomson Otago (24)
Victor Vito Wellington (13)
Halfbacks
Aaron Smith Manawatu *
Piri Weepu Auckland (56)
First five-eighths
Daniel Carter Canterbury (85)
Aaron Cruden Manawatu (9)
Beauden Barrett Taranaki *
Midfielders
Tamati Ellison Otago (1)
Ma’a Nonu Wellington (66)
Conrad Smith Wellington (55)
Sonny Bill Williams Canterbury (14)
Outside backs
Israel Dagg Hawke’s Bay (12)
Hosea Gear Wellington (8)
Zac Guildford Hawke’s Bay (8)
Ben Smith Otago (2)
Julian Savea Wellington *
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