Road to World Cup 2015

Slade

Diasappointed we wont see Corbs though, must jave worries about his fitness

 

Ok gonna pick the AB squad - not as such my personal preference as players like SBW I would not pick but he's a definite but areas up to debate I'm picking who I'd pick. Let's see how close I get:

Props
Tony Woodcock
Owen Franks
Ben Franks
Wyatt Crockett
Nepo Laulala

Hookers
Dane Coles
Keven Mealamu
Hika Elliot

Locks
Sam Whitelock
Brodie Retallick
Luke Romano

Loosies
Richie McCaw
Sam Cane
Jerome Kaino
Kieran Read
Liam Messam
Victor Vito

Halfbacks
Aaron Smith
TJ Perenara
TKB

First Fives
Dan Carter
Beuadan Barrett
Colin Slade

Centres
Ma'a Nonu
Conrad Smith
SBW
Malakai Fekitoa

Outside Backs
Ben Smith
Julian Savea
Nehe Milner-Skudder
Charles Piutau

The debate areas: Codie Taylor or Elliot, Taylor could well go and is our future, I'd rather Elliot so he's there but recognise that could swing.

Charlie or Laulala: Laulala has really impressed me, Charlie still not fit, seems clear to me but still could swing.

3 locks or 4: I'm still undecided on this but Vito needs to go and can cover lock if really need be so not a massive issue. If 4 locks go, the debate becomes Vito vs Messam. I'd choose the former personally. 4th lock will be Thrush if that option is taken.

Piutau vs Dagg: Dagg must not go imo but I recognise that he's still very possible. I'll be gutted if Piutau misses out for him or even worse NMS. Maybe they'll do the 2 HB thing and make room but I think the 3 lock thing is more likely/ safer than the 2 HB thing happening. They could make room for him in other areas such as prop too. Piutau is far superior than Dagg atm. If he's gonna be there I'd rather it wasn't at the expense of Piutau/ NMS but all in all would rather him not go.

Definitely not going: Todd, Crotty, Ellis, Naholo, Osbourne, Jane, Broadhurst etc.

 

Ffs Hansen don't fuck this up. Yeah Jane just got injured at the wrong time unfortunately, Dagg on the other hand - out of form. If he's in it better be for a prop or whatever, not Piutau or NMS.

 

Where did you see this? I read an article saying Dagg would travel to Welly if the phone call is good? I really shouldn't be surprised though, Hansen holding on to the out of form previous stars.

 

He's been shit all year, had he kept his solid form from a few years back I'd agree but you can't just play shit all year and expect to waltz on in. That's my justification for not wanting him. I'm sorry but an awesome performance against a breathless Otago doesn't change my opinion. If he's picked he's being picked over a player that's been far superior.......unless they make room for him elsewhere (which I'd be slightly happier with). Knowing Hansen though....I won't be shocked, more gutted.

 

And a piece of shit the week after against the Saffas. It's Piutau for me, much better cover for wing as well and if we needed he can play centre too. Dagg is no longer dependable in tight games.

 

Not sure on the accuracy of this (another forum) but mixed feelings but generally happy, not sure where this leaves Piutau, glad Dagg is not in if this is true. No denying Naholo's ability but fuck it's a risk with his injury. If Naholo never got injured he was a definite for me. Also Laulala is hard done by imo. Once again who knows how accurate this is. NMS there thank god So yeah maybe they've made room for Piutau as well? if so I couldn't be happier.

 

Looking pretty true:

https://twitter.com/pineyzb/status/637806681624199170<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

TKB has arrived in Welly. They're taking 3 HB's which is sensible. Also Messam seen flying in too and apparently only 3 locks (as I suspected) so Vito is also in.

Looks like my squad was pretty correct - having the 3 locks so we could have Vito, Dagg being out etc. Would have never called the Naholo thing though. I personally wouldn't take the risk but he's an awesome player.

 

The confirmed squad based on players landing is: (you heard it here first).

Props: Tony Woodcock, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina
Hooker: Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu, Codie Taylor
Locks: Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Brodie Retallick.
Loose forwards: Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane, Liam Messam, Victor Vito.
Halfbacks: Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Tawera Kerr Barlow.
First five-eighth: Dan Carter, Colin Slade, Beauden Barrett.
Midfield backs: Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Sonny Bill Williams.
Outside backs: Julian Savea, Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Nehe Milner-Skudder.

 

Yeah a given for a home nation - scheduling etc. All days that suit the fans.

I haven't looked at the scheduling too indepth but read an article that said most games are 7 days apart with some/ all teams having one a lil closer (4 days for example). So that fatigue levels shouldn't really be an issue. Not sure who else has all 7 days-ish apart or if it's just England.