What the….??

Two of ‘my’ teams have copped a bit of flak from me lately. But oh how the Warriors and the Black Caps have made me eat my words.

The Warriors followed up their humiliation in Penrith by outplaying the impressive Newcastle Knights then dismantling the Broncos by scoring 56 points in Brisbane this weekend. Matthew Elliot has done an unbelievably good job in turning things around. They’re only two or three quality acquisitions away from being contenders next season – I really believe that.

And then there are the Black Caps. What do you say about them? If the ball is red, they look like they’re using sticks of bamboo instead of bats and wearing oven mitts while fielding. If the ball is white they suddenly turn into world-beaters. Guptill’s batting was phenomenal (in the past two one-dayers, not the tests) and everyone contributed well. My only concerns are whether Luke Ronchi is really an international opener and whether James Franklin can justify his place in the team anymore. The way the one-day squad is playing at the moment must be making some of that test squad very nervous indeed.

The ABs

It seems this week that every man and his dog have commented on the latest All Blacks squad to face France over the next three weeks.  I’d like to join in, if I may, and provide my opinion.

Hookers

Dane Coles, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu

Assessment

You can’t argue with the selection of this trio. Coles’ form this year prior to injury was compelling as he offers something a bit different in the loose. He has extreme pace for a front-rower and has great hands. Throw in the occasional grubber or chip and it’s clear that Dane Coles has the x-factor.

The other two veterans offer experience and dependability. Mealamu has largely been used by the Blues this season as an impact player, a role he has performed outstandingly. I don’t know how his body keeps going but he just never lets his team down and is a fantastic and inspirational leader.

Hore offers something different again. His ability to snaffle possession from the opposition is phenomenal and almost seems to be improving the older he gets. His ball carrying ability is also invaluable and he’s another who seems to defy both age and the effects on his body of years and years of impact injuries.

Other Contenders

None really. Corey Flynn is playing well, but his time is probably done. Hika Elliot has clearly been discarded as an option by the selectors. Others such as James Parsons and Liam Coltman show potential but are not ready.

Potential 2015 bolter

Motu Matu’u of the Hurricanes is a human wrecking ball. His ball-carrying is reminiscent of Hore, his tackling is destructive and the rest of his game has developed markedly in the past couple of years. If Hore or Mealamu falls over in the next 12 months, I reckon Matu’u is worth a gamble.

Conclusion

These three are the best hookers in NZ. No others are close at the moment.

Props

Ben Afeaki, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock

Assessment

With Charlie Faumuina out injured, I think these five pretty much pick themselves. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen was in the wider training group prior to his injury but it’s hard to imagine him forcing out any of the incumbents.

Afeaki offers size, which I think is very important, especially against the Wallabies and Boks. His ability to play both sides of the front row is invaluable.

Franks (Ben) has been playing well for the Canes and appears to be making a push as a loosehead specialist.

Owen Franks is first choice tighthead and probably will be for the whole season.

Woodcock has been average at best in a hugely-disappointing season for both him and the much-vaunted Highlanders.

I have no idea what to make of Wyatt Crockett. He’s a massive unit, and I’m sure he’s strong and fit. He’s good in the loose and pretty mobile. But arguably a prop’s main responsibility is scrummaging. Crockett is not a good scrummager, especially for such a sizeable human. He’s a liability and if we get some decent officiating this international season, he’ll be penalised again and again and again. Therefore I wouldn’t have picked him.

Other Contenders

Possibly Ben Tameifuna who looks, in comparison to his not-so-svelte figure of 2012 anyway, pretty trim. And Jamie Mackintosh, although the selectors don’t seem to rate him. Toomaga-Allen is rated and would’ve probably gone close but for an untimely twist of the knee.

Potential 2015 Bolter

Maybe Joe Moody of the Crusaders. Maybe one of Auckland’s big boppers like Angus Ta’avo. It’ll take a mighty effort for anyone to push their way ahead of the incumbents though.

Conclusion

I personally would’ve picked Mackintosh ahead of Crockett, but so many people obviously rate Crockett that I must be missing something about him. Otherwise, as expected.

Locks

Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Jeremy Thrush, Samuel Whitelock

Assessment

Three of the four pick themselves. While Thrush deserves his chance for many years of toil and some excellent form this year, there is a sense that he’s only there through attrition. There is also a sense that he’s just a smidge undersized for an international lock (if you can call 1.98m and 115kg ‘undersized’). It’s possible he may not make the bench for the first test as Steven Luatua is seen as genuine cover for lock and loosie. 

Other Contenders

Nobody. They’re all either injured, leaving New Zealand or not quite good enough. I do wonder whether the selectors would have given the mighty B. Thorn another run if he’d declared himself available…

Potential 2015 Bolter

Not really a bolter as he would’ve been in the squad had he not been injured but Dominic Bird offers both size and athleticism in massive quantities. He reminds me a little bit of a Martin Johnson or a Bakkies Botha. It’s hard to believe he’s only 21. If his game is developed properly, by the time he’s 24 or 25 he could be a very good tighthead lock for many years to come.

Conclusion

Not a lot of choice in the end. I’m a big fan of J. Thrush as he’s a fantastic loyal servant of NZ rugby but it’s hard to see him staying in the All Black picture.

Loose forwards

Sam Cane, Steven Luatua, Liam Messam, Kieran Read(c), Victor Vito, Matt Todd

Assessment

Luatua, Messam, Captain Kieran and Vito were always certainties, and rightly so. Sam Cane – I think he’s good; in fact he’s very good. And, although I’m still not 100% convinced about him, I agree he deserves his spot. As for Matt Todd; I just don’t think he should be there. It’s tough for the bloke as he’ll always be compared to Richie for both the Crusaders and, now, the All Blacks. The main reason I don’t think he should be in this squad is summed up by two words; Tanerau Latimer.

Other Contenders

Surprise, surprise – Tanerau Latimer. This guy is a warrior. He’s tough, strong, quick, a ball-winner and a ball-runner. He’s been immense for the Chiefs and I really don’t understand what more he could’ve done. He’s been around forever and yet he’s only 27. Only my opinion, but I actually think he has out-played both Cane and Todd this season.

Potential 2015 Bolter

He’s already played some starring roles for the Wellington Lions and the Hurricanes. He’s as fast as a back yet is able to snaffle possession with the best of them. Ardie Savea is on his way. Also, it’s hard to call him a ‘bolter’, but what a dilemma for the selectors if Jerome Kaino returns to our shores next year…

Conclusion

With the possible exception of swapping Todd for Latimer, they’ve got the mix right.

Halfbacks

Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Smith, Piri Weepu

Assessment

Weepu is the best halfback in NZ this season. Just as well he’s been playing so well as the youngster Jamison Gibson-Park of the Blues looks to have a lot of promise and is snapping at his heels.

Kerr-Barlow offers a bit of size and robustness behind the pack and is worth his place.

The decline in Aaron Smith’s game this season must be concerning the selectors. Probably picked on reputation rather than form, Smith will have to improve markedly to stay in the picture.

Other Contenders

TJ Perenara must’ve been oh-so-close to this squad. Any slip-ups by those ranked above him will result in them slipping out and TJ slipping in.

Potential 2015 Bolter

Perhaps the aforementioned Gibson-Park might appear from nowhere. But it’s hard to see anyone else entering the picture.

Conclusion

Smith had better keep on his toes or Perenara will happily step into the breach

First five-eighths

Beauden Barrett, Daniel Carter, Aaron Cruden

Assessment

Easy, easy decisions for the selectors

Other Contenders

None

Potential 2015 Bolter

Assuming Carter doesn’t break between now and then, nobody.

Conclusion

For the number 10 jersey it’s these three then daylight.

Midfielders

Ma'a Nonu, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, Conrad Smith

Assessment

This must be causing a few sleepless nights for the selectors. Nonu has hardly been in vintage form but will make the first fifteen regardless. Conrad Smith is a god-like creature who somehow makes the inelegant seem graceful. And, of course, he’s a certainty for the 13 jersey.

Ranger is playing some unbelievable footy this season and will provide invaluable versatility from the bench. Here’s hoping he can wriggle out of that pesky French contract.

Saili is a talented young man, no doubt. But he’s a work in progress and I would seriously question whether he’s ready for test football – his performance this weekend against the Highlanders did little to convince me otherwise.

Other Contenders

I thought Tim Nanai-Williams would’ve been mighty close to sneaking into this squad had he not been injured. But maybe he’s not seen as a centre option.

Potential 2015 Bolter

Tom Taylor can cover 10, 12 and 15. He’s there or thereabouts and may benefit from a move to another franchise where he gets more game-time.

But the main potential bolter is, I hope, a league-playing boxer.  The NZRU should dust off the chequebook and get SBW back for one last stint.

Conclusion

There aren’t a lot of others putting their hand up. That must be a concern. 

Outside backs

Israel Dagg, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea, Ben Smith

Assessment

Lots of fullbacks and not many wingers. Having said that, Ben Smith is a talented man and will do a fine job on the wing, or at fullback if Dagg is selected in the number 14 jersey (although I think picking Dagg as a winger would be foolish). 

Piutau is another work in progress, but is a slightly more polished stone than Saili. He has the potential to eventually become similar to Mils Muliaina, but only time will tell on that one.

Other Contenders

It seems like Cory Jane has been injured forever. Hosea Gear is leaving on a jet plane. And there aren’t really any other serious contenders.

Potential 2015 Bolter

Tricky. Andre Taylor doesn’t appear on the radar at all anymore. Maybe a Frank Halai or someone similar will continue to improve and make the leap to international rugger. But I think Tim Nanai-Williams might have a show if he can steer clear of injuries.

Conclusion

Like the midfield backs on offer, these four are the right choices. Frank Halai may have offered a point of difference but he’s probably not ready.

King James II

Last week I posed the intriguing question; is LeBron James the best basketballer ever. I then summed up brilliantly by concluding ‘I don’t know’.

I’ve had some feedback on that blog. A good friend of mine, who knows a hell of a lot more about the NBA than I do, thought James Worthy of the 1980’s LA Lakers juggernaut would be close to making any all-time team. And of course there’s Kevin Garnett, David Robinson, etc etc etc …

But the main feedback I received from him, and others, was that Tim Duncan must be in this team and probably at the expense of Karl Malone. To date he may have scored “only” 23,000 points (Malone scored a shade under 37,000 in his career) but the ‘Big Dog’ Duncan has won four NBA Championships to Malone’s none. And his team the San Antonio Spurs win over 70% of their games when he is on the court. Pretty hard to argue with those stats, but I still can’t drop Malone. So we’ll add Duncan to the roster and make it a squad of seven. There, now everyone’s happy!

Till next time,

SG