With Canterbury being dominant in the Rebel Sport Super 14, and the Hurricanes and Chiefs being equally consistent, the All Blacks will have impetus and resources to put a humiliating World Cup behind them.
With the first Test one month away, the All Blacks have a challenging season ahead of them, with 14 Test matches including a home series against England, a single visit by Brian O’Driscoll’s men, a record four Test matches against the Wallabies – and a Grand Slam tour to end the year.
The critical difference to 2008 versus the ill-fated preceding disaster year that was iced by a the earliest World Cup exit of a New Zealand team is that the starting XV has not been cocooned for months without proving themselves in the Rebel Sport Super 14. So considering that we have had three months to look at the crème of New Zealand players – who would make an ideal starting team?
Let’s look at the backs:
15 - Fullback
Leon Macdonald
The Canterbury custodian has been in solid touch throughout the season, being safe, possessing a good kicking boot and bringing calm to a three quarter line. Mils Muliaina could alternate this position and brings the versatility of playing wing or centre if he is played as a bench player.
14 - Wing
Anthony Tuitavake
While he has played centre, he is not a specialist but his pace and scoring ability have earned him the right to receive a regular national berth. Deceptively strong, he can rotate into the midfield defensively to provide steel to the line.
13 – Outside Centre
Casey Laulau/Conrad Smith
Both men have been in equally good form, and after three consecutive World Cups the selectors must stop experimentation and appoint a specialist to the vexed position. Laulau offers more on attack and his confidence has been sublime, but Smith adds more as a distributing centre and is a bit more industrious. Both players are consistent and not error prone.
12 – Inside Centre
Ma’a Nonu
The late season revelation, it is no coincidence that the Hurricanes have become so more threatening with New Zealand’s most potent line breaker in the midfield. While his discipline can be found wanting, he offers so much on attack that he is compelling. Stephen Brett could be considered but he does not offer the brutality of Nonu – but would bring a supportive kicking game to his fly half.
11 – Wing
Sitiveni Sivivatu
With Fetu Vanikolo being ineligible for New Zealand the incumbent will get the nod, despite patches of inconsistency. At his best he is sublime and is the most innovative winger in NZ rugby. He must be more accurate with his link and passing play
10 – Flyhalf
The position of contention. Dan Carter, the incumbent, has been injured and has been so far noncommittal about his playing future. Nick Evans, the early season bolter, is now leaving New Zealand. Should these two players, despite being 1 and 2 in the pecking order, get the nod despite not being here beyond this season? Or should they stay as they are the two best first five’s in New Zealand rugby. I personally believe that Stephen Donald who will be in New Zealand next season should begin his development at international level and be selected.
9 – Scrumhalf
Piri Weepu
While at times seeming unperturbed – at his best he bring dimensions that no other halfback in New Zealand rugby can match. He brings a competent kicking game but above all the x-factor and experience that the World Cup proved New Zealand requires in this position.
These men will officially not operate under Graham Henry as Wayne Smith is officially the backs coach of the National team. But while the All Blacks team does not have a glaring weakness as such, problems over the last four years have originated in the back division.
Primarily midfield channel defence, outside centre selection, and when to play percentage rugby and when to run back at a team in their own half. These tactical decisions are influenced by your halves axis, and at times, their decision making has been poor
Quite simply, Henry needs to review all of the All Blacks losses over the last four years, and note the consistent patterns that originate from their sometimes average backline play. This originated in 2004 when a flat backline attack was implemented, and was paramount in their two losses in 2007 where makeshift number 13’s were exposed defensively. If this is addressed, the Blacks will come back as a world power.
'If it isn't broke don’t fix it' should be the mantra, with the New Zealand forward play the principal strength of their rugby prowess over the last few years. As forwards coach, Graham Henry must keep the same patterns that have been exhibited in the last few years.
'Jerome Kaino may not be as complete as Collins but he is more menacing with ball in hand and should be given game time considering rumours that big Jerry may be heading overseas' While Mike Kron and Steve Hanson have roles with the All Black forwards, Graham Henry’s central expertise is in the pack and only the most pessimistic supporter would state that this area has been the key reason for the All Blacks rule over the rugby world before the end of 2007.
It is basic rugby adage that without the quality ball an engine-room supplies, a team cannot dominate. And that was one of the key aspects focused on by the current regime when taking over the reins in 2003. Back to basics, Henry called it, and with impressive showings by all Rebel Sport Super 14 New Zealand packs, they should again be strong in the 2008 hybrid. Let’s look at the big men:
8 – Rodney So’oialo (No.8): After a quiet start, the incumbent has had an excellent recent season. His strongest development has been his confidence on the field, both with his troops and with the officials – and is embryonic towards possible national captaincy. Rodney has a tireless workrate and is immovable on defence.
7 – Richie McCaw (flanker): Still the stand-out openside – being dominant in the tackle and instrumental in possession turnover. Doubts exist over two points; is he the man to lead the All Blacks? The post World Cup report was deeply critical of the New Zealand leadership model and this must come to bear on the captain. Furthermore, without McCaw, who else is there? Liam Meesom of the Chiefs is an excellent flanker, and has come up through the New Zealand system. Is 2008 his time?
6 – Jerry Collins (flanker): Despite recent injuries, he is still the menace and has solid tactical nous to his game. However, Jerome Kaino of the Blues has had a standout season and is breathing down the hit man's neck. He may not be as complete as Collins but he is more menacing with ball in hand and should be given game time considering rumours that big Jerry may be heading overseas.
5 – Ali Williams (lock): The senior New Zealand lock has had a barnstorming season under the wise tutelage of Robbie Deans. Strong in the air and a menace with ball in hand, his experience is required and he links brilliantly in open play.
4 – Brad Thorn (lock): Has recently re-signed with the NZRU and is a more complete union player than he was a few years ago. Has an infinite workrate and his work at the breakdown is all but unnoticed. Must be given further consideration due to his combination with Williams at the Crusaders, the third most effective lineout in the Super 14.
3 – Tony Woodcock (prop): Despite critics, curiously from the weak scrummaging nation of Australia, he has been the one constant in a disappointing Auckland team. The only aspect of their play that has not suffered has been their scrum, and Woodcock is the reason for this – wheeling opposition scrums at will and being strong in defence. He has not missed a single tackle in the 2008 Super 14.
2 – Andrew Hore (hooker): Must be the automatic selection of the New Zealand pack, being head and shoulders the dominant rake in the Super 14. Consistent as a lineout thrower and a marvellous sight with ball in hand, he is an old-school hooker who scores tries and has been steady with his scrummaging.
1 – Greg Somerville (prop): The Canterbury veteran has come back from injury strong, anchoring the Crusaders scrum and being the immovable pillar in their ruck defence. Not a ball runner like some props, he knows how to pass and is a solid defensive man, often playing wide to act as “the final brick”.
This constitutes a pack that will not be conquered by any team, and has the necessary blend of experience, power and X-factor. If Henry stands by this engine room, then the All Black unit should hum well in an arduous season.
With the first Test one month away, the All Blacks have a challenging season ahead of them, with 14 Test matches including a home series against England, a single visit by Brian O’Driscoll’s men, a record four Test matches against the Wallabies – and a Grand Slam tour to end the year.
The critical difference to 2008 versus the ill-fated preceding disaster year that was iced by a the earliest World Cup exit of a New Zealand team is that the starting XV has not been cocooned for months without proving themselves in the Rebel Sport Super 14. So considering that we have had three months to look at the crème of New Zealand players – who would make an ideal starting team?
Let’s look at the backs:
15 - Fullback
Leon Macdonald
The Canterbury custodian has been in solid touch throughout the season, being safe, possessing a good kicking boot and bringing calm to a three quarter line. Mils Muliaina could alternate this position and brings the versatility of playing wing or centre if he is played as a bench player.
14 - Wing
Anthony Tuitavake
While he has played centre, he is not a specialist but his pace and scoring ability have earned him the right to receive a regular national berth. Deceptively strong, he can rotate into the midfield defensively to provide steel to the line.
13 – Outside Centre
Casey Laulau/Conrad Smith
Both men have been in equally good form, and after three consecutive World Cups the selectors must stop experimentation and appoint a specialist to the vexed position. Laulau offers more on attack and his confidence has been sublime, but Smith adds more as a distributing centre and is a bit more industrious. Both players are consistent and not error prone.
12 – Inside Centre
Ma’a Nonu
The late season revelation, it is no coincidence that the Hurricanes have become so more threatening with New Zealand’s most potent line breaker in the midfield. While his discipline can be found wanting, he offers so much on attack that he is compelling. Stephen Brett could be considered but he does not offer the brutality of Nonu – but would bring a supportive kicking game to his fly half.
11 – Wing
Sitiveni Sivivatu
With Fetu Vanikolo being ineligible for New Zealand the incumbent will get the nod, despite patches of inconsistency. At his best he is sublime and is the most innovative winger in NZ rugby. He must be more accurate with his link and passing play
10 – Flyhalf
The position of contention. Dan Carter, the incumbent, has been injured and has been so far noncommittal about his playing future. Nick Evans, the early season bolter, is now leaving New Zealand. Should these two players, despite being 1 and 2 in the pecking order, get the nod despite not being here beyond this season? Or should they stay as they are the two best first five’s in New Zealand rugby. I personally believe that Stephen Donald who will be in New Zealand next season should begin his development at international level and be selected.
9 – Scrumhalf
Piri Weepu
While at times seeming unperturbed – at his best he bring dimensions that no other halfback in New Zealand rugby can match. He brings a competent kicking game but above all the x-factor and experience that the World Cup proved New Zealand requires in this position.
These men will officially not operate under Graham Henry as Wayne Smith is officially the backs coach of the National team. But while the All Blacks team does not have a glaring weakness as such, problems over the last four years have originated in the back division.
Primarily midfield channel defence, outside centre selection, and when to play percentage rugby and when to run back at a team in their own half. These tactical decisions are influenced by your halves axis, and at times, their decision making has been poor
Quite simply, Henry needs to review all of the All Blacks losses over the last four years, and note the consistent patterns that originate from their sometimes average backline play. This originated in 2004 when a flat backline attack was implemented, and was paramount in their two losses in 2007 where makeshift number 13’s were exposed defensively. If this is addressed, the Blacks will come back as a world power.
'If it isn't broke don’t fix it' should be the mantra, with the New Zealand forward play the principal strength of their rugby prowess over the last few years. As forwards coach, Graham Henry must keep the same patterns that have been exhibited in the last few years.
'Jerome Kaino may not be as complete as Collins but he is more menacing with ball in hand and should be given game time considering rumours that big Jerry may be heading overseas' While Mike Kron and Steve Hanson have roles with the All Black forwards, Graham Henry’s central expertise is in the pack and only the most pessimistic supporter would state that this area has been the key reason for the All Blacks rule over the rugby world before the end of 2007.
It is basic rugby adage that without the quality ball an engine-room supplies, a team cannot dominate. And that was one of the key aspects focused on by the current regime when taking over the reins in 2003. Back to basics, Henry called it, and with impressive showings by all Rebel Sport Super 14 New Zealand packs, they should again be strong in the 2008 hybrid. Let’s look at the big men:
8 – Rodney So’oialo (No.8): After a quiet start, the incumbent has had an excellent recent season. His strongest development has been his confidence on the field, both with his troops and with the officials – and is embryonic towards possible national captaincy. Rodney has a tireless workrate and is immovable on defence.
7 – Richie McCaw (flanker): Still the stand-out openside – being dominant in the tackle and instrumental in possession turnover. Doubts exist over two points; is he the man to lead the All Blacks? The post World Cup report was deeply critical of the New Zealand leadership model and this must come to bear on the captain. Furthermore, without McCaw, who else is there? Liam Meesom of the Chiefs is an excellent flanker, and has come up through the New Zealand system. Is 2008 his time?
6 – Jerry Collins (flanker): Despite recent injuries, he is still the menace and has solid tactical nous to his game. However, Jerome Kaino of the Blues has had a standout season and is breathing down the hit man's neck. He may not be as complete as Collins but he is more menacing with ball in hand and should be given game time considering rumours that big Jerry may be heading overseas.
5 – Ali Williams (lock): The senior New Zealand lock has had a barnstorming season under the wise tutelage of Robbie Deans. Strong in the air and a menace with ball in hand, his experience is required and he links brilliantly in open play.
4 – Brad Thorn (lock): Has recently re-signed with the NZRU and is a more complete union player than he was a few years ago. Has an infinite workrate and his work at the breakdown is all but unnoticed. Must be given further consideration due to his combination with Williams at the Crusaders, the third most effective lineout in the Super 14.
3 – Tony Woodcock (prop): Despite critics, curiously from the weak scrummaging nation of Australia, he has been the one constant in a disappointing Auckland team. The only aspect of their play that has not suffered has been their scrum, and Woodcock is the reason for this – wheeling opposition scrums at will and being strong in defence. He has not missed a single tackle in the 2008 Super 14.
2 – Andrew Hore (hooker): Must be the automatic selection of the New Zealand pack, being head and shoulders the dominant rake in the Super 14. Consistent as a lineout thrower and a marvellous sight with ball in hand, he is an old-school hooker who scores tries and has been steady with his scrummaging.
1 – Greg Somerville (prop): The Canterbury veteran has come back from injury strong, anchoring the Crusaders scrum and being the immovable pillar in their ruck defence. Not a ball runner like some props, he knows how to pass and is a solid defensive man, often playing wide to act as “the final brick”.
This constitutes a pack that will not be conquered by any team, and has the necessary blend of experience, power and X-factor. If Henry stands by this engine room, then the All Black unit should hum well in an arduous season.
