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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
All Blacks Name Interesting Team To Play Canada 13 views
30 September 2011 by The Swede Eaters
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There will be plenty of interest in the All Blacks side to play Canada with heaps of changes made from the team that beat France. Scotty Donaldson looks at who the spotlight is on.
Graham Henry has made plenty of changes to the team to face Canada on Sunday afternoon. It doesn't really matter who the All Blacks play from their squad, they should win easily against the improved Canadians. It will be interesting to see how cohesive this team is.
Some interesting selections are based on getting a viable side without injured players from the win over France.
The most interest surrounds the performances of Ali Williams, Kieran Read, Jimmy Cowan, Mils Muliaina and Sam Whitelock who are playing for starting spots heading into the quarter finals.
The back three is interesting with the spotlight on how Mils Muliaina goes at fullback. If he plays really well and Israel Dagg flourishes on the wing in place of the injured Cory Jane, is there a thought that Dagg and Muliaina could both start in the quarter final allowing Muliaina to raise his 100 test caps?
Zac Guildford gets a start on the left wing, but will not take any further part in the tournament unless there is a real injury crisis.
Sonny Bill Williams starts in midfield instead of Ma'a Nonu. This is simply to rest Nonu and give SBW some time in the midfield. Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith are a great midfield partnership.
Cowan starts at halfback in his 50th test and needs a good game under his belt to push for a starting spot in the quarter finals.
There is plenty of interest in how Kieran Read goes returning after injury and he probably won't play a full game. The reserves are limited, but Sam Whitelock will probably move from lock to blindside flanker or Anthony Boric will come on and play at blindside as the All Blacks try and give game time to their reserve locks. It seems that Victor Vito who I rate highly will take no further part in the tournament unless there are several injuries.
Andrew Hore and Ali Williams start and in my opinion are slightly over the hill and this could well be their last starts of the tournament.
What do you think of this All Blacks side?
New Zealand should win by 75 points.
All Blacks to face Canada
Mils Muliaina, Israel Dagg, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Brad Thorn, Anthony Boric, Piri Weepu, Colin Slade, Isaia Toeava.
rugbyworldcuptips.com
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