Rugby: Tough Choices Make For Strong All Blacks Squad

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at Internationaled.org

Published: October 17, 2010

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They often say the quality of a side can be judged not by who is in a team, but by who has been left out. This is as true as ever in the 2010 All Blacks end-of-year touring squad.

The 30-man squad boasts a number of returning stars plus one new face, although the bulk of the team from the Tri Nations has been retained as they look to continue the momentum they picked up three months previously.

So then, to the team. Three hookers were named in a move that may have surprised some. Keven Mealamu retains his spot after a fantastic Tri Nations. Andrew Hore reclaims a spot although his role on the team is unclear after spending much of 2010 on the sidelines with injury. His selection was a dubious one and given the fact that he isn’t completely over his injury, I think it would have been better to let him get it right over the summer so that he is fully fit for 2011. Hika Elliot claimed the third spot after showing good form in the ITM Cup. There was no room for Southland’s hero, Jason Rutledge, who was the standout player in the ITM Cup, but again it seems his age counts against him.

Owen and Ben Franks both return after impressive seasons, while the old campaigner, Tony Woodcock also gets a spot. The fourth prop was John Afoa, who beat out Jamie Mackinstosh and Neemia Tialata.

There were no surprises in the locks with Brad Thorn, Tom Donnelly, Sam Whitelock and Anthony Boric all being selected. Ali Williams still carries his Achilles injury, preventing him from being selected.

Just five loose forwards were taken. Richie McCaw picks himself, as does Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read. Daniel Braid was the logical choice to back up McCaw, while Liam Messam gets the nod over Victor Vito for the final loose forward spot. After much speculation the selectors opted not to take the skillful Bay of Plenty No. 8, Colin Bourke.

Last night’s injury to Piri Weepu saw a spot open up at halfback, or ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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