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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
All Blacks Rotated To Face Tonga 50 views
07 September 2011 by The Swede Eaters
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Richard Kahui,
Israel Dagg,
Sonny Bill Williams
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The dirty rotation word is back as the All Blacks are named to face Tonga with a largely experimental backline.
Graham Henry has gone for a bulky midfield and experimental outside backs to face Tonga in the Rugby World Cup opener on Friday night. Sonny Bill Williams teams up with Ma'a Nonu in a massive midfield to take on the physical Tongans. Israel Dagg will add some serious spark to the back three and will be joined by utilities Richard Kahui and Isaia Toeava in a really unusual combination.
It is difficult to know how much to read into these selections. Is Israel Dagg now the first choice fullback or is it more a case of giving the guys who didn't play against Australia like Sonny Bill Williams, Israel Dagg, Richard Kahui and Isaia Toeava some game time? I think this also could be the reason Andrew Hore and Jimmy Cowan are starting, although I think these two guys are good enough to start regularly.
I wonder what the best way of rotating players is? Some players need the break, while others thrive on match play. My fear is that this is Rugby World Cup 2007 all over again. Other teams are rolling out their top teams for their opening matches, while New Zealand have gone back to rotation. Other teams develop cohesion with their tried and true combinations while our players will struggle against France when you think that there will probably be more changes for the Japan match. We could have our back three having their first game together in months in the important match against France, should we be worried? I remember in 1995 playing the top team in all games apart from Japan where we played nearly an entire B Team, would that rotation be more effective?
Is New Zealand's depth in most positions apart from loose forward and first five eighth an advantage or disadvantage? The best teams win Rugby World Cup tournaments, not the best individuals wearing the same jerseys. It has undone our campaigns in the past and I hope it doesn't do the same this time.
Coach Graham Henry on Wednesday announced the team to play New Zealand's opening match in Pool A against Tonga at Eden Park, Auckland, on Friday, 9 September.
New Zealand:
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Andrew Hore
3. Owen Franks
4. Brad Thorn
5. Ali Williams
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Richie McCaw (c)
8. Victor Vito
9. Jimmy Cowan
10. Daniel Carter
11. Isaia Toeava
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Ma’a Nonu
14. Richard Kahui
15. Israel Dagg
Replacements:
16. Corey Flynn
17. Ben Franks
18. Anthony Boric
19. Sam Whitelock
20. Piri Weepu
21. Colin Slade
22. Cory Jane
What do you think of this All Blacks team and rotation?
rugbyworldcuptips.com
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