All Blacks announce first squad of 2019

To be honest why isnt MAA nonu picked he's much more better than any player especially sonnybill Sonny played crap all year MAA nonu is better player by far so I'm telling u if allblacks loose this world cup u Kno why ??????1

If anything, those that think Ma'a, has missed the bus, well, shall we just wait until September, as IMO barring injury, the pocket rocket will be there, in one way or another. He's getting better every time he steps out. Go for it Ma'a. Like being there, in the mix, since the RWC back in 2003, says something, & at that tournament, in the round robin, he made more line breaks than any other back there. It was only Mitchell & Deans favouritism for their provincial players that kept him out of the final series.

Farrell maybe but Sexton's defense is solid and he has three wins v Read and at least 1 against Ardie I think? Frizzell is good alright.

And that's just the viciousness of this never-ending cycle....to find form, they need to play. To maintain form, they need to play. To improve their selection chances, they need to play. They can't worry about an injury if they have to achieve, any of those requirements.

Love to c Ardie, Frizell n Read combo. Farrell n Sexton will have kittens with this trio ....just don’t get caught with possession, because the tackles are going to hurt n any setup passes will come at a cost.

@Faith that's not necessarly true. When Ireland beat the ABs in November 2018 and in Chicago a few years previously both days were dry sunny days. Not a drop of rain at all. Likewise Ireland's series win v Australia was in by and large dry conditions. However, Ireland's loss to Wales this year and the loss to England were both played in fairly wet conditions.

Opponents still fear Nonu I'm sure. Put him out there at say 75%of what he was a few years ago, and it's going to be hard for any midfield defender not to be just about as conscious of him as whoever their direct opponent is

I think Ioane and Savea are going to be a real handful in the back row; more those two than Read and Cane that will be difference makers just now

Wallabies, not All Black's fan here, but I look à t this squaf as likely to dominate the World cup. England and Ireland don't have the skills to trouble this group. Just so many great players here

Yes I watch super rugby and I agree Frizzell has been really good. I was just making the point he hasn't featured for the ABs in a while. He also doesn't have that much international experience but to be fair when he did play in the rugby championship last year he was very good too. @Geoffrey, I am on topic. I replied to a comment saying the ABs have no weaknesses. I don't think the back row is as strong as it could be. @Roddy, not trying to be overly critical of Read, he is a great player but I think its fair to say 2018 wasn't his finest year.

Spot on OB. Being selected in the 41 is a choice reward, and reinforces the confidence. But it isn't necessarily an automatic selection (unlike what the Wallabies will feel entitled too) Injuries will happen. Form will slip. This list is setting the standard for those missing out to push up to and drive their way into a spot. Utility and versatility are the two important factors that will help a players cause. Though, having the very best player the best at his position is guaranteed to give you the strongest possible team.

Mate, as instinctive as a player of Sam Canes ability a neck injury is serious. No amount of time can be put on coming back from that. Dan Coles was out for over a year with a concussion, and with management setting the standard on looking after their players, I can't see Cane packing down at all. The same can be said for Liam Squire. Knee and hip injury (I think). Tough ask. Luckily Luke Whitelock is a solid journeyman and would thrive at covering the backrow. Not to mention his workrate in defence. The man is a solid wall setting the tone for the Highlanders.

He may have a great ability to attract defenders and get an offload away, however he is a liability for brainsnaps. Eg, 2nd Lions test. Plus he lacks a kicking game. Would you want this bloke starting on the world stage with the knowledge he might revert back to NRL antics and throw in a shoulder?

HHB, have you watched super rugby this year, I think Frizell has been outstanding, Fifita looks ok too.

I think the most important issue, is this list is merely telling those who are chosen, that they're in the selector's plans but to stay there, they have to find form, maintain that form and try not to get injured. To those players who are showing form now but have missed selection, they will be told to maintain their form because, they're but an injury away, from selection. Either way, it is a good feeling to know that you're in, the selectors sights.

September????

Would need to start raining now then :-)

Unless it rains.

Ireland's game plan is suited to Europe's wintry muddy fields. Different ballgame on Japan's fast hard tracks ...

Then to be honest, they'll need to find the belief, to get them beyond the QF's.......if they don't, then I suggest that the pressure, will be too heavy a burden.