- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
With the midyear Tests approaching, I’ve run my eye over the form of New Zealand’s best to put together an All Blacks squad to face England.
Props
Tony Woodcock is effervescent, and while not the premiere loosehead in World Rugby remains a first-choice pick for the All Blacks.
Charles Faumuina is developing into a world class tighthead, while Owen Franks is an established All Black tighthead and his brother Ben who can play both sides but specialises at loosehead.
It’s great playing Australian props against the Wallabies when they struggle to fill these roles themselves, although it appears we have relinquished Toby Smith via the Rebels, who should be available immediately.
I’m also a huge fan of Ben Tameifuna, but he just isn’t mobile enough in the second half and needs to lay off the Big Bens.
Hookers
Dane Coles and Kevin Mealamu are the picks, while Liam Coltman has been knocking for some time. My concern is that these guys are all proven dynamic ball carriers and off-the-ball protagonists, but none of them can throw straight.
I’m a big fan of human wrecking ball Motu Matu’u since those huge hits two seasons ago against Mitchell and Gerard from the Rebels in a huge Victory romp for the Canes. Pure devastation.
Can he throw straight?
Locks
Sam Whitelock is the best in the world and Brodie Retallick is a huge presence, while Luke Romano is not far behind depending on his calf injury.
James Broadhurst is one of the form locks in Super Rugby and will be along for the ride due to Romano’s injury. I’m a fan of Patrick Tuipulotu at the Blues, but this is maybe a season too soon.
Flankers
Richie McCaw is our esteemed leader and should remain so until after London.
Sam Cane has been groomed as his replacement for some time now and this is unlikely to change, although I see them sharing the role more – not just to prolong McCaw’s career, but to expose Sam more. He needs it, as Ardie Savea is breathing down his neck.
Kieran Read is simply the best in the World. Liam Messam is also a big improver in this group and has made No. 6 his own despite pressure from Steven Luatua, whom Mark Watson from Radiosports refers to as “Jesus in a blue and white jersey”.
Luatua makes the wider squad in spite of an unimpressive season for the Blues this year. I suspect he may deliver in a black Jersey, but it’s his ability in the lineout that gets him across the line.
Jerome Kaino is back from the land of Sushi and small reliable cars! The best player in the world of 2011 is getting back into his work. Not sure he makes the cut yet but he is worth watching.
Scrum-halves
Aaron Smith has added more running to his game and is a menace around the fringes, though he seems to have caught Will Genia’s habit of box-kicking. He needs to limit them to the target area and decrease their frequently.
This is maybe a little churlish, as the hairdresser from down south has been outstanding this year and easily nabs the #1 spot.
TJ Perenara gets the seconds spot for me in spite of the likelihood the selectors will plump for Tawera Kerr-Barlow.
Andy Ellis should also be in this group. He has been in good form for most of the Super Rugby campaign, but he will be a victim of struggling to translate that form at international level in the past.
Fly-halves
Beauden Barrett, Aaron Cruden and Dan Carter in that order, mostly because Carter has been injured and on sabbatical. Cruden has been injured more recently, so this could be Barrett’s year.
At the very least, it will be interesting being able to assess him after a start at this level. I may be proven wrong, but he has the hallmarks of a world-class pivot.
Centres
Conrad Smith gets the first nod. He’s one of the best to play the game, certainly in the modern era, and his partnership with Ma’a Nonu merits reinstatement.
We won’t talk about Sonny Bill Williams as he’s not here for a year. I’m not convinced about Ben Smith in the middle either.
What about exposing explosive Malakai Fekitoa? He is going from strength to strength for the Highlanders and will gain valuable tools for his future from even being around at this level.
The back three
Here we discover the real depth of New Zealand rugby. We are likely to leave out talented players who may walk into alternative Test sides, but let’s get to a potential bone of contention.
Israel Dagg is out. It’s true he’ll be better in a black jersey and we may miss his big boot, but I’m giving Ben Smith Dagg’s starting jersey.
The Hurricanes wingers get the nod, Julian Savea and Cory Jane at 11 and 14 respectively. Given how the Hurricanes are travelling there will be no further explanation or debate.
Charles Piutau will make the reserves. He has utility value but needs to involve players around him more.
My All Blacks squad
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Dane Coles
3. Charles Faumuina
4. Sam Whitelock
5. Brodie Retallick
6. Liam Messam
7. Richie McCaw ©
8. Kieran Read
9. Aaron Smith
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Julian Savea
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Cory Jane
15. Ben Smith
16. Ben Franks
17. Owen Franks
18. Kevin Mealamu
19. Luke Romano or James Broadhurst
20. Sam Cane
21. TJ Perenara
22. Dan Carter
23. Piutau
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.