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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
The All Blacks Fullback Dilemma - Too Much Talent 11 views
15 April 2011 by The Swede Eaters
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Wiki Player
Cory Jane,
Mils Muliaina,
Israel Dagg
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All Black selectors will have to try and fit in so many great fullbacks for the 2011 All Blacks season.
The All Black selectors have a massive conundrum to fit their fullback talent into their squad this season with an eye on the Rugby World Cup 2011. Mils Muliaina the 94 test veteran was persisted with last season and he rewarded the selectors faith with a brilliant season out of the Surrey Park Primary (we are both former pupils) top drawer. This forced the selectors to use other well performed fullbacks from the season like Cory Jane, Israel Dagg and Isaiah Toeava in other roles. Plenty will depend on the make-up of the squad and how many players are included in each position. Highlander Ben Smith is also playing well. The necessity of the outside backs to perform well under the high ball especially against South Africa made it smart to use fullbacks on the wing and selectors were rewarded when it ended up being a successful 2010 for the All Blacks.
The Contenders have an interesting look to them with Mils Muliaina returning from injury and not having much form, Jane having mixed form for a poor team, Dagg having mixed form for a good team, Toeava has excellent form for a good team and finally Ben Smith has very good form for an overachieving team. These factors make it difficult to judge how players will go once they are in the All Blacks. I think Ben Smith will miss out, but the others should make the All Blacks thanks to their utility value. Muliaina should start and Jane may also get the nod on the right wing. This would leave Dagg and Toeava fighting the likes of Robbie Fruean, Luke McAlister, Sonny Bill Williams, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Hosea Gear and Ma'a Nonu for bench spots. It is a great conundrum to have for All Black selectors when you compare it with the problems they have had recently finding first five eighths and openside flankers. I think plenty will depend on if Piri Weepu returns to full fitness. His ability to kick goals and play at first five eighth may allow an extra back the opportunity to get game time from the bench. There is still plenty of time and opportunities for injuries and form changes before the All Blacks play this season.
Mils Muliaina 94 All Blacks tests
The Chiefs veteran Muliaina adds 94 All Black tests to team. He is all class when you combine his experience, reliability, strength and great counter attacking and kicking game. He also still has plenty of pace in those 30 year old legs. He returns from injury this week for the Chiefs having only played three matches this season. His stats don't look too good yet, with very limited chances so far this season.
Cory Jane 22 All Blacks tests
Jane found himself the first choice right winger for the All Blacks. He has an amazing ability to beat the first tackler, deceptive strength and the knack of pulling off some brilliant plays. He is importantly great under the high ball too. Jane's problem is that he is starting at fullback for an underperforming Hurricanes team. He has played 5 matches with 11 line breaks, 25 Go Forwards and makes 20 tackles according to statistics at www.testrugby.com .
Israel Dagg 6 All Blacks tests
The Crusaders fullback is fortunate enough to be in the best team in Super Rugby, so he gets an easier ride than most. He started the 2010 season in the Number 15 jersey, but towards the end of the season scored some stunning tries off the bench. He has amazing X Factor and reads the game well. He has been in mixed form in a brilliant team so far this season. He has scored 5 tries and made a total of 17 line breaks, 29 Go Forward ball and 13 tackles in 6 matches.
Isaiah Toeava 30 All Blacks tests
The Ice Man has utility value for the All Black selectors and can play anywhere in the backline outside first five eighth. He is probably the hottest fullback in New Zealand at the moment and must be in the All Blacks squad. He has scored 1 try, made 30 line breaks, 31 Go Forward ball and 17 tackles in 7 matches.
Ben Smith 1 All Blacks test
The dependable Highlanders Number 15 isn't as flashy as his rivals, but like the other candidates he has played for the All Blacks. He is a mature player despite being 23 years old still and has played plenty of Sevens too.
These are the main contenders. How many of these players will make the All Blacks squad?
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All Blacks, Super Rugby,
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