When the All Blacks World Cup squad is announced on Sunday, there will be six big omissions.
Ben Franks
Steve Hansen and Co. clearly do not see Ben Franks as a starter, believing he is better coming off the pine, providing impact for the All Blacks.
If his brother Owen was to get injured and not recover, the coaches will not want to throw Nepo Laulala to the wolves just yet, his time will come. So for this World Cup the All Blacks will be sweating on Charlie Faumuina to come through his ITM Cup game on Saturday without hassle. He is a starter if Owen doesn’t recover from an injury.
Israel Dagg
I will never forget Dagg splitting the Wallabies backline in the 2011 semi-final, throwing that miracle pass for Ma’a Nonu to score and bury Robbie Deans’ troops. But he is out of form.
Injury during the Super Rugby season did not help, but as loyal as Hansen is to his players, he won’t risk taking Dagg.
Cory Jane
Jane has succumbed to injury too many times in the past few years, and other, younger talent cannot be ignored.
Jeremy Thrush
The All Blacks may take just three locks, with Jerome Kaino as a back-up second-rower. With the coaches surely wanting an extra spot in the backs to cover for Colin Slade, Lima Sopoaga, Charles Piutau and Nehe Milner-Skudder, there’s no room for Thrush.
Liam Messam
A brilliant player over the past three years, Messam has been out of sorts in 2015 and Victor Vito has clearly overtaken him in the blindside pecking order. Vito is also a better option at the back of the scrum and as a lineout jumper.
Was it a coincidence that the All Blacks Sevens squad for Rio was named last week? Messam, who made his name in sevens, was one of two current All Blacks to be named.
Which brings me to the last man set to miss the plane…
Sonny Bill Williams
This year he hasn’t played played like the SBW we have come to know. He played well against Argentina in Christchurch but went missing in other games, especially Apia and Sydney.
Is New Zealand naming in the Rio squad an indication Messam and Williams have been overlooked for the Rugby World Cup? I believe so.
What do you think Roarers?
Frisky
Guest
Saves is looking "rotund" this year. Is it fat or muscle? It seems to me that he has lost pace as well. Taking only 4 back-3 means that they will all play in a lot of games. Hope that they are fresh for the finals. Can SBW handle the wing as a fill-in?
Grahame
Guest
The team is selected. Israel Dagg, Cory Jane and Jeremy Thrush miss out. But you got it wrong with Ben Franks, Liam Messam and Sonny Bill Williams. 50% pass rate John. Not too good!
Nick C
Guest
Oops looks like they have gooed with only one specialist fb
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yep agree with Dagg. His issue is purely form and something they can work on.
steveo
Guest
Not bothered i think its you not living up to your namesake as you having a big old cry there, calm down buddy, if they dont take TKB then I think they will only take 2 halfbacks, its either Smith, Perenara, TKB or they just take two and have slade cover, also yes Naholo can play left wing but hasnt played much rugby there this year as Osbourne was always there and Naholo on the right also if you took Naholo (who I rate highly) instead of Piutau then you have to wait unitl the third week of the competition for him to be fit, thats when they said they expected him to be back to full fitness, also if Savea went down, under your logic you would have Naholo starting on the more unfamiliar left wing who has only played one test, then im presuming NMS on the right wing who has only played 2 tests, both great players but in a world cup you two starting wingers you would be okay that they played 3 tests between them leading into the tournament?? so okay thats fine if you arent too worried about lack of experience but then you go on to suggest Ellis is a chance cause he is a vet, and by the way he only played this year cause the top three guys were all out!!! Hansen just needed someone to fill the void for that one game against Samoa so saying he played for NZ this year while true it was done in extreme circumstances, much like when they bought Tom Taylor in a year or so ago to fill the void for one game so buddy get off your high horse and try to think before you comment cause you look like a clown
Vhavnal
Roar Rookie
Dagg and SBW will make it ..mark my words..NZ will NOT goo with only ONE specialist fullback or one Specialist 12..
Not Bothered
Guest
A 2015 AB has "no chance" considering his only comp is Webber, a 1 test vet and TKB who has only recently returned after 8 months. Thats ridiculous. Piutau is 100% certain considering his comp may be Dagg, Naholo and NMS. Thats ridiculous. Barrett is 100% certain considering his comp is Sapoaga and or Slade. That is ridiculous. Mealamu shouldnt be there. Thats ridiculous. You are being ridiculous. I am being sensible suggesting that it isnt certain. Lesson over and I hope you understand what 'sensible' and 'ridiculous' means now.
Not Bothered
Guest
Um, Naholo wil play left wing! duhhh. Am I going to fast "chief"? And considering Ellis is a vet and has played for NZ this year. But its ridiculous? You are ridiculous. Imo its between Ellis and TKB and I would pick TKB but I have no idea if he is up to it yet or if the ABs management think he is. I dont know and you certainly DONT either. I didnt say Piutau wouldnt be there. I didnt say Ellis would. I said Naholo might be because according to ABs management HE MIGHT. I said Piutau might miss out if Naholo is in because Piutau isnt first choice on any wing or fullback. Pull your head in. You can agree with everything Super Rugby said if you like, go ahead but to say everything is 100% certain and me suggesting it isnt...but Im ridiculous? Whatever Steve, you are wrong, I am definately not unless Jane is picjed because he is the ONLY one Ive said wont be or will be. You may be Steve but your last name aint Hansen buddy.
GDayMate
Roar Rookie
I believe Savea, NMS, Piutau and Smith have each done enough to secure their spot. If this means Dagg misses out then unfortunately that's the way it has to be.
steveo
Guest
Not bothered, okay then chief, if Savea gets injured, who is your left wing cover if not Piutau Also you rating Ellis is 50/50 is ridiculous, he has absolutely no chance, I agree with everything super human has said, very sensible but your comments are just flat out wrong, all this will be seen on sunday though
steveo
Guest
mate are you serious, Dagg is an awful tackler, Johnny May last year when he was half a metre from the sideline, Israel Falou when he got stepped without a hand on him two years back and a host of others I could get into but cant be bothered, this infactuation with Dagg is getting a bit silly
Brisneyland Local
Guest
John, Great article. Would love to have the depth that the Kiwi's have to leave out players of that quality. They, as it pains me to exist, have so much depth and talent, it is hard not to be jealous!
canaadiankiwi
Guest
Thrush's injury is one to two weeks only as determined by scans. He is unlikely to be selected but it will not be because of injury.
Not Bothered
Guest
Naholo is a chance. He is returning from injury early and may be considered according to Hansen. Piutau wont play centre for NZ with B.Smith in the team. The reason I question Piutau is because NMS and Barrett play FB and because they may want Naholo. Mealamu has played well this year in black and deserves his spot. Barrett isnt 100%. He is arguably the weakest starting 10 out of all of the candidates. Ellis has a very good chance of being picked. About 50% by my estimation.
canaadiankiwi
Guest
Your taking this my use of the world "bolter" as an insult- it is not meant to be. I simply meant that, like Noholo and Milner-Skudder, Piutau is not a unanimous selection by all fans and media experts (neither Christian Cullen or Jeff Wilson believe he should be selected) and some people will be surprised by his selection if he is chosen. Ben Smith and Julian Savea have plane tickets booked.
Sylvester
Guest
Ben Smith already proved in the Wallabies test that a big defensive stop can be a game changer. Plus, the tackle against last year against England. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7IrN4zUtvA
Super-Human
Guest
SBW is also a big game player. The dude lifts when it comes to winning things. He knows what he wants, isn't money, it is glory.
Super-Human
Guest
There is no question that Ellis won't be picked. 0% chance in that. Too bad Pulu is out. Naholo is already out, he is not going. Carter and Barrett are 100%. It is between the other two. Vito, Messam, could be both, could be one. Thrush and Romano are not necessary, thrush has hardly been used, doubt he will go. If Tuipuloto wasn't injured he would be the number 3 easily. Charlie will go if he is fit, but I am not sure if he will, his first game will be this week. The squad will be announced this weekend too. I am not sure if they should take Mealamu, the other two offer more, if would be loyalty and experience. He has had his day. And why do people even question Piutau, he is the utility, whether he starts or is on the bench, he has impact, never has a bad game, and can play both wings, centre and FB.
atlas
Guest
Barrett. He's playing for Taranaki v Otago on Saturday evening Apart from Charlie Faumauina, unsure how many current ABs playing ITM Cup this weekend. Last chance for BB to prove fitness? His ongoing hip injury and its impact on his game, if he has a poor one we may see more of him in amber and black rather than just Black
moa
Guest
BBA: I can't Thrush making it......the more I think about it,the more I think 3 specialist locks might do. Retallick,Whitelock & Romano-with backup in the pool rounds from Kaino or Vito. The 'Big 3' then to play the knockout games....could be a gamble if one goes down before a big game.But with the squad so restricted selectors must find some 'wriggle room' from somewhere. Whilst i don't necessarily see the logic in your 'punch" argument regarding Crotty (surely he has as much 'punch' as Conrad?) I do lean towards your conclusion that Williams will be travelling.