The All Black casualty list is growing which must be of concern to fans, selectors and players. Why are there so many injuries? Is the game becoming too physically demanding on players? Is the season too long? Are coaches playing it safe in Rugby World Cup year?

The latest All Blacks casualties include Blues back Luke McAlister and Isaia Toeava. These two players were odds on to make the Rugby World Cup squad for 2011. Toeava is out for the rest of the Super Rugby season putting him in the doubtful category for Rugby World Cup selection with Colin Slade. Add to this the continuing injuries to star playmaker Daniel Carter and you start wondering what the heck is going on? Are these guys all really injured or are they just being overly conservative with their selections to ensure these guys don't aggravate their injuries?

Here is a list of injured All Blacks (both current and former) and there are other players who have been injured on and off recently or being rested like Kieran Read, Aaron Cruden and Ali Williams. You could also add Tony Brown to this list! There are about 20 injured All Blacks in New Zealand teams. This is massive and you wonder whether the game is too physically demanding or if coaches are being conservative because it is Rugby World Cup 2011 time? You could form a really good team which could beat most other international sides with these injured players (apart from the fact they are injured and wouldn't be playing at 100 percent)

Isaia Toeava

Cory Jane

Conrad Smith

Ma'a Nonu

Sitiveni Sivivatu

Dan Carter

Piri Weepu

Rodney So'oialo

Daniel Braid

Tanerau Latimer

Sam Whitelock

Brad Thorn

Ben Franks

Tony Woodcock.

Anthony Boric

Kieran Read

Andy Ellis

Luke McAlister

Colin Slade

There are also good players like Charlie Faumauina, Lima Sopoaga and Charlie Ngatai out injured.

I think while this is concerning, I am not too worried yet because there will be an opportunity after Super Rugby for the All Blacks to get back to full fitness.

Why do you think there are so many injuries?  Who else is injured?  Should we be worried?

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