The All Blacks squad has been announced to play Wales in New Zealand over three Tests.
They still retain the blend of older experienced players and now the addition of several new ones. The sad truth is that there are many players on the other side of the wire who could have so easily been selected.
Everybody has an opinion as to who should be there, and many discussions occur between the armchair selectors enjoying a cold beer.
Some players, old and new, are a shoe-in while some players who have yet to prove themselves over more than one or two seasons in the cauldron of Super Rugby, and generally become the controversial selections.
To play at this level when one is so young speaks highly of the ability of that individual. However, there is a difference between the playing at national level and levels below it.
Many young players who have the ability to develop and play at this national level still need to obtain the knowledge over more than one or two seasons, especially from the ‘school of hard knocks’ at the Super Rugby level, to justify their selection.
A national team cannot afford to carry a developing player who has yet to learn all aspects of positional play that is expected of him, unless that national team is obviously superior and playing a much weaker opposition.
In the eyes of the selectors this may be the reason for that selection – to “bloody” him at that level. Selectors review video footage of games but when undue focus is placed on players by commentators who talk them up, more often than not they are the bolter of the selected group.
Is the commentator therefore the fourth selector?
There is always the argument that by introducing a young new player early to the national team, allows that player to develop and have longevity.
It can however also have the opposite effect especially if that player does not mentally mature to the environment he is in.
The naming of past or present individuals that fit within this plus or minus group would not be conducive here but suffice to say it has been observed and commented on by many.
Handling pressure? Some will, some won’t. Some do, some don’t. Therefore, is the selection of a very young player to the national team beneficial or not?
Wal
Roar Guru
I should have qualified my comment by casual SH viewers. Any knowledgeable viewer could see his many talents. There was, however a section of the media and naysayers who were very quick to dismiss him as a kicker and not much else.
Shaun
Guest
Well it is true though isn't it...
taylorman
Roar Guru
Don't think he was underrated at all. He was heavily responsible for some key wins, the World Cup final his finest and in the England wins against NZ he featured strongly. His mature, very physical, highly skilled presence left a real mark as far as I'm concerned. His combination of defence, goalkicking in tandem with his pack in the big SH matches made him the best overseas 10 ever, Ella, Barry John included I'd say.
Wal
Roar Guru
JW is highly underrated in the southern hemisphere, had the misfortune of meeting Dan Carter only once outside of the career-defining 2005 Lions tour, and it was in 2009 when he was probably past his best. Or Brad Thorn who debuted for the Broncos in 1994 @ 19 (State of Origin in 1995) and still played for Leister last year aged 40!!
Wal
Roar Guru
The second part of your comment is pretty offensive. Yes Pacific Islanders do develop at a younger age, but to say NZ is suffering is so far from incorrect it is not funny. An unprecedented Win/Loss ratio over the last 8 years and an increasing winning %age since the 1960's is more than enough evidence that NZ Rugby has greatly benefited from the increased inclusion of Polynesian immigrants and their descendants. As for limited later development, what a load of rubbish. There are just as many examples of "White" early developers who fizzled as there are Polynesian plays who came into their prime in the mid to late 20's Just of the top of my head James O'Connor George North are but 2 who had immense early talent as yet not fully realised Conversly Jerome Kaino Tana Umaga Or more recently Charlie Ngati and Lima Sopoaga. Have all continued to develop thei game well into their 20's As for the IRB player of the year award winners Recent winners are 2009 Aaron Cruden ( New Zealand 2010 Julian Savea ( New Zealand 2011 George Ford ( England 2012 Jan Serfontein ( South Africa 2013 Sam Davies ( Wales 2014 Handré Pollard ( South Africa Under 21 Winners include Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino,
Michael Warren
Roar Guru
Good points. I feel that they were nurtured in the early days. Lomu was immature but had size and talent and Batty had a point to prove with his size. Kirwan overcame depression. Was this from being too young and the spotlight of a nation being on them too early?
CUW
Guest
@ Spencer : not all have such a team . i dont think NZ or OZ have such a team. i think ireland use their under 20 and england their saxons.
Bakkies
Guest
The advantage of play 7 is that it requires a lot less gym work. McCaw eased up on it to reduce injuries, Smith wasn't the best trainer (his beep test results were pretty average too), Hooper has a natural build. Pocock went the other way but the Australian Story doc explained a lot about his reasoning for it.
Bakkies
Guest
Futzy has quiet an insight to wing play as well
taylorman
Roar Guru
Oh, makes sense, used to wonder where he went... ?
CUW
Guest
Nathan Harris Patrick Tuipolatu Dominicc Bird Steve Luatua debuted in early 20s in recent past.
Bakkies
Guest
You have to get dispensation to play Super Rugby at 17, that's how Pocock was able to play for the Force so young.
Bakkies
Guest
Opensides are usually the exception. Not many mid 20s 7s have broken in to the ABs and Wallabies.
Bakkies
Guest
'I think Ali said that because North played in the NH that meant he was no good. When the Welsh commentators asked how he came to this conclusion Ali stated that he doesnt actually watch NH club rugby but just knew somehow and that SH players probably wouldnt have lunch with North.' Which is nonsense as Williams has done studio commentary for Sky during their Top 14 coverage. He is actually pretty good at it.
Bakkies
Guest
TPN and Giteau were capped before playing Super Rugby. I think McCaw and Francois Steyn were as well.
Bakkies
Guest
The ARU hasn't had an A team for some time. O'Connor became tied as he played 7s for Australia. North was eligible for England and Wales. Like Cuthbert he was born in England.
BeastieBoy
Guest
It has always been so for all teams that there are many players in form that are not selected. The coach and selectors always have their reasons.. Too Young.. Too Old... the person they have picked will grow into the position ... we gave that person ONE game and he failed .. the person we picked is the captain and the team needs his leadership... etc etc. Players should be picked on current form and given a chance to fit in. ESPECIALLY representative teams. However today Rep Teams they are treated like Club sides. A very special Elite club. Particularly in Australia, where they have to be part of a private school program to get on a pathway. If your not on that pathway.. Forget it.
Nabley
Roar Rookie
There were also two Wellington five eights, many years apart. One played at least one test in Auckland in the 60s, the other against the Pumas in the early 80s.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Jonny Wilkinson was only 18 when he debuted for England in 1998. To think he only retired recently!
Phantom
Roar Rookie
Williams spent a lot of time on the wing.