The readers of www.superrugbytips.com have voted by selecting their All Blacks starting XV for the June International test matches against France.  It will be interesting to see if the team readers voted for matches the actual starting team named by the All Blacks selectors to face France. 

The most interesting selection is Steven Luatua who gained selection just over Liam Messam (Chiefs) and Victor Vito (Hurricanes).  The other most hotly contested position was prop where the Franks brothers Ben and Owen just beat Tony Woodcock (Highlanders) for selection.

Sam Whitelock has been in great form but looks set to miss the France series with a finger injury.  It shows that someone has been pulling finger!  Brodie Retallick would take his place according to readers.

Some other positions were extremely one sided. Dan Carter, Sam Cane and Israel Dagg made it based primarily on reputation which is in some ways surprising given how great Aaron Cruden, Matt Todd and Ben Smith have been playing in Super Rugby.  Form vs reputation.

The battle is on for the second ranked player in a position with the likes of Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara in a battle for the second halfback. 

Interestingly, New Zealand's best team, the Chiefs, only had one player in the All Blacks starting XV as selected by the fans, and Sam Cane didn't even start against the Crusaders.  Because of Sam Whitelock's injury, Brodie Retallick would be called in as a replacement and double the Chiefs quota of players. The Crusaders had the most with six players (five if you exclude Whitelock).  This is testament the Chiefs amazing team ethos and the great coaching of Dave Rennie and Wayne Smith.

All Blacks starting XV by team

2 Blues

1 Chief/ 2 if you include Retallick.

6 Crusaders/ 5 if you exclude Whitelock

3 Highlanders

3 Hurricanes

All Blacks starting XV as voted by www.superrugbytips.com readers.

15. Israel Dagg (Crusaders)

14. Julian Savea (Hurricanes)

13. Conrad Smith (Hurricanes)

12. Ma'a Nonu (Highlanders)

11. Hosea Gear (Highlanders)

10. Dan Carter (Crusaders)

9. Piri Weepu (Blues)

8. Kieran Read (Crusaders)

7. Sam Cane (Chiefs)

6. Steven Luatua (Blues)

5. Sam Whitelock (Crusaders) /Brodie Retallick (Chiefs)

4. Luke Romano (Crusaders)

3. Owen Franks (Crusaders)

2. Andrew Hore (Highlanders)

1. Ben Franks (Hurricanes)

What do you think of this All Blacks starting XV for the June international tests?

http://www.superrugbytips.com/2013/05/all-blacks-starting-xv-readers-choice.html