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Early thoughts on ABs squad?? 17 views 18 Comments
18 April 2012 by turmeric

Early thoughts on the ABs squad for this years June tests??

I was interested in what people thought would be the make up of the ABs squad for the June Tests??

I assume they are gona pick a squad of 26 with a 14 12 split.

Here's the squad I would pick:

1 Tony Woodcock
2 Ben Franks
3 Owen Franks
4 Wyatt Crockett
5 Kevin Mealamu
6 Andrew Hore
7 Sam Whitelock
8 Ali Williams (Boric if fit)
9 Brodie Retallick
10 Jarred Hoeta
11 Adam Thompson
12 Victor Vito
13 Richie McCaw
14 Kieran Reid
15 Andy Ellis
16 Aaron Smith
17 Dan Carter
18 Aaron Cruden
19 Beauden Barrett
20 Sony Bill Williams
21 Maa Nonu
22 Conrad Smith
23 Richard Kahui
24 Zac Guilford
25 Cory Jane
26 Israel Dagg

I figure that's a pretty good balance of old heads (some of which are on their last legs I know, but can add to the quad through experience and knowledge alone), a few new guys (I really think Aaron Smith Barrett and Retallick should all get a crack) and players who cover multiple positions. Its hard to get everyone in the squad that you'd like and Ive left out a few who are injured. Those who I consider on the fringe would be Hosea Gear, Ben Smith, Matt Todd, Hika Elliot (hoping Rennie has sorted out his attitude), Messam, and I will concede I dont have a good sense about the propping stock we have.

Any thoughts??

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Comments (18)

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	18 . Paulys All blacks 03 Jun 2012 09:41 PM Hey Turmeric, You're Right cuzzie big mistake on my part, should be there, in my team too. But having said that I would love to have Zac Gilford too. However apart from some injuries got most of the team right. Cheers Both have played well
	17 . Paulys All blacks 03 Jun 2012 09:40 PM Hey Turmeric, You're Right cuzzie big mistake on my part, should be there, in my team too. But having said that I would love to have Zac Gilford too. However apart from some injuries got most of the team right. Cheers Both have played well
	16 . turmeric 01 Jun 2012 08:31 AM Yeah mate, I agree about Fruean. He has massive potential and that's why I hope the ABs work with him to get his defence up to standard. His work rate is also not up to scratch either so he has two massive things to work on before he would even be considered. I personally think it was good they didnt take TJ Peranara. He also has defensive issues, but clearly the kid is the future of AB half backs (along with Smith). I think a trip away with the NZ Maori will be good for TJ. Then the ABs can drop Weepu and take TJ on the Northern Hemisphere tour at the end of the year.
	15 . kiwi_kronic 31 May 2012 03:46 PM it amazes me that Robbie Frueans name continues to be thrown around as a chance, get real. Do you people shut your eyes when hes trying to make tackles? You cant get away with a center that cant tackle at test match level and he cant tackle at super rugby level. Anyways, I would start cruden and SBW, with Perenara at half. DC is stil the man but Cruden has been playing better than Dan, if Cruden doesnt get a fair deal in terms of game time theres a good chance we could lose him overseas, especially with DC having his conract run through til the next world cup
	14 . turmeric 31 May 2012 03:17 PM @ ChCh Quakers - Although Flynn is a good ITM cup level player he is certainly not an international quality player (well AB standard anyway)! He will get looked over from now on. Dane Coles and Hika Elliot will be the next two in line after the ageing Mealamu and Hore move on. And Zac is a lucky lucky boy;)
	13 . turmeric 31 May 2012 03:12 PM @ Pauly - you've lost your mind bro. Why on earth would you drop Conrad Smith??
	12 . ChCh Quakers 21 May 2012 06:36 PM Oh wait, Guildford is in...
	11 . ChCh Quakers 21 May 2012 06:36 PM Oh by the way... Steve Hansen not picking Zac Guildford ans Corey Flynn?? Could you possibly get a better, more in form hooker ans winger? Jeez mate what were you thinking?
	10 . ChCh Quakers 21 May 2012 06:33 PM Oh by the way... Steve Hansen not picking Zac Guildford ans Corey Flynn?? Could you possibly get a better, more in form hooker ans winger? Jeez mate what were you thinking?
	9 . ChCh Quakers 21 May 2012 06:32 PM 1.Tony Woodcock 2.Corey Flynn 3.Ben Franks/Owen Franks 4.Sam Whitelock 5.Jared Hoeata 6.Adam Thompson 7.Sir Richie 8.Victor Vito/Keiran 'Pedo' Reid 9.Andy Ellis 10.DC 11.Zac Guildford 12.SBW 13.Conrad Smith 14.Cory Jane 15.Israel Dagg 16.Andrew Hore 17.Ben/Owen Franks 18.Ali Williams 19.Keiran 'Pedo' Reid/Victor Vito 20.Aaron Smith 21.Aaron Cruden 22.Julian Savea Would be my team if i was Steve Hansen. Wold have Kahui in there though but injured, also Jerome Kaino and Toeava would be in there if not for injuries and then there's the case of if they were in form or not.
	8 . Paulys All blacks 10 May 2012 12:49 PM Jared Hoeata could easily make the bench as he is an aggressive player. Anyone who is prepared to take on Andres Bekker in a fight as he was in a game some time back , Then yes he could make it. Even though I haven't picked him myself. Someone has to miss out.
	7 . FrankyV 09 May 2012 05:25 PM The ABs should always be picked on form. Also a good time for new faces and I like the ones you've chosen with a few exceptions. I'd have Fruean for Gear with Kahui to the wing. Ali Williams wouldn't make my team at the moment and Piri should lose out to Perenara. DC is not kicking goals so for me it's either him or Nonu as backup for SBW at 12 - not both. Barrett is exciting but needs to work on defence and goal kicking so Taylor at this stage. Long term we need quality cover for Aaron Cruden at 10. - how about Auckland born and raised Leilifano?

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