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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
All Blacks 2014 Training Squad - Who Makes The Cut 4 views
10 May 2014 by The Swede Eaters
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The first All Blacks training squad of 2014 gets named soon, who are you picking? Do you pick on form or class?
Steve Hansen will name his 35 man All Blacks training squad to play England in the June international series soon. Who are you picking to make the team?
It will be interesting to see which bolters Steve Hansen picks for his team and how much loyalty he shows to his senior players who haven't shown much form in Super Rugby 2014. Who would you pick in your ALl Blacks Training Squad? Which bolters do you think will make the All Blacks? Malakai Fekitoa? Patrick Tuipulotu? Bryn Hall? Tim Nanai-Williams? Tom Marshall?
England is sending a weakened team and this could provide the All Blacks selectors with an opportunity to blood some new players.
Here is my 35 man All Blacks training squad. It all depends on the make up of this squad which can be used to test players in the All Blacks training environment and therefore selectors may consider selecting four hookers simply to test out two new faces behind Keven Mealamu and Dane Coles. Liam Coltman and Nathan Harris are the most likely options, although neither has done much to suggest that they can handle the step up to test rugby. An injury to Keven Mealamu would probably mean that Corey Flynn would be included to add some experience.
The All Blacks have a lack of depth at hooker and centre the most, while there are injuries to some good players like Charles Piutau, Francis Saili and Augustine Pulu.
I think Israel Dagg should start at fullback with Ben Smith on the wing. The injury to Piutau will allow Cory Jane to establish himself as an outside back.
All Blacks Training Squad of 35 players
Backs
Israel Dagg (Crusaders)
Ben Smith (Highlanders)
Cory Jane (Hurricanes)
Julian Savea (Hurricanes)
Frank Halai (Blues)
Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders)
Conrad Smith (Hurricanes)
Ma'a Nonu (Blues)
Ryan Crotty (Crusaders)
Colin Slade (Crusaders)
Aaron Cruden (Chiefs)
Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes)
Aaron Smith (Highlanders)
TJ Perenara (Hurricanes)
Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Chiefs)
Forwards
Kieran Read (Crusaders)
Liam Messam (Chiefs)
Jerome Kaino (Blues)
Steven Luatua (Blues)
Richie McCaw (Crusaders)
Sam Cane (Chiefs)
Matt Todd (Crusaders)
Luke Romano (Crusaders)
Sam Whitelock (Crusaders)
Brodie Retallick (Chiefs)
Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues)
Charlie Faumuina (Blues)
Owen Franks (Crusaders)
Wyatt Crockett (Crusaders)
Tony Woodcock (Blues)
Ben Tameifuna (Chiefs)
Ben Franks (Hurricanes)
Keven Mealamu (Blues)
Dane Coles (Hurricanes)
Liam Coltman (Highlanders)
Unlucky to miss out
Tim Nanai-Williams
Tom Marshall
Gareth Anscombe
Tom Taylor
Bryn Hall
Jeremy Thrush
Luke Whitelock
Ardie Savea
Victor Vito
Dominic Bird
Nathan Harris
Kane Hames
Luke Braid
http://www.superrugbytips.com/2014/05/all-blacks-2014-training-squad-who-will.html
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Tags:
Super Rugby, All Blacks,
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