The first 3 tests have passed for the year and what have we learned? The first and most obvious learning is at this stage the All Blacks look in good shape - much of this can be attributed to the smashing Australia received at Eden Park. Leading up to that test, there was a lot of anxiety throughout NZ about how the All Blacks might fare, that the Australians were on the rise and Dingo Deans would outfox his compatriots Henry and co. Not surprisingly, this sort of talk is reminiscent of the last 3 years with Deans in charge of the Wallabies - the first year when Australia defeated the All Blacks in Sydney there were hysterical calls from NZ journalists that Henry go. Then in 2009 we heard that Deans side was on the up - no wins, 2010 again no wins until of course a dead rubber was played, Toeava rushed into the side too early missed a tackle on Beale and then O'Connor scored. That led to the familiar tune 2 weeks ago from not only NZ Journalists but more so Australian rugby players such as Kurtley ' We can tear any team apart' Beale, former Wallabies and even Deans himself.
The 2nd big learning is that the ABs will be hard to beat on Eden Park. If any team thinks they're going to easily roll the All Blacks on home soil and at Eden Park they will have to overcome a ferocity that sent the Wallabies back to Australia with their tails between their legs. Of course that doesn't mean the ABs can't be beaten - they need to keep their feet on the ground and go about their business game to game and build consistency.
The 3rd big learning is that there are some players in the squad who for want of better words. - could be better and the 2 main culprits are Mils and Thorn. Thorn is under no real threat as he will be managed but Mils I think needs to be wary of Dagg and maybe Toeava. I'd also suggest that going into the test season, Kahui and SBW were probably seen as the midfield as Nonu and Smith simply hadn't performed. Which is why this weekends test is so important - the forwards whilst almost already picked (except Elliott who I suspect will replace Flynn and Messam has to prove his wares)will meet up in Brisbane but some of the backs won't be traveling to Australia. Not only do they get a RWC place if they do well this weekend but they also have an amazing opportunity to push for a start in Brisbane - something I expect that Kahui/SBW may do to get the combo further enhanced - Kahuis form this year has been unbelievable and possibly Dagg - in order to give him game time - much like MCcaw needed.
Which leads to the potential 30. This is based on not seeing the team play this weekend:
FORWARDS: Woodcock, Mealamu, Owen Franks, Ben Franks, John Afoa, Hore, Elliott, Thorn, Williams, Whitelock, Boric, McCaw, Kaino, Read, Thompson, Messam
BACKS: Cowan, Weepu, Ellis, Carter, Slade, Nonu, Smith, SBW, Kahui, Gear, Jane, Toeava, Dagg, Mils
Unfortunately Guildford and Siti miss out - Guildford because the rest just offer that little bit more spark and Siti is off overseas. Of course if SBW has a poor game he may make way for Guildford as Toeava is a superb 2nd 5 and is probably at his best there (along with fullback) - something that appears to have been overlooked - his time there for Auckland showed some amazing touches.
Hoeata makes way for Boric purely on experience and Elliot replaces Flynn who was extremely unlucky to not make the Tri-Nations, is playing better than Flynn, needs to experience a World Cup as he will most likely be our starting hooker in 2015 and looks to me like he just wants it more which in my mind is extremely important in World Cup year.
What's your team?
Hoeata, Crockett, Braid/Todd?
