Pick an end of year All Blacks side

[Gwynn]

It's not that far away now, the All Blacks won't be back in the ANZC for a couple more weeks, meaning some will get only 2 games (depending on how far their teams go) prior to the end of year tour... so who would you pick for the side?  My understanding is Sommerville is going, are any other players heading overseas from the current crop?

Assuming a squad of 30, as it's 5 tests in 5 weeks... plus one midweek game too I think.

1. Woodcock
2. Tialata
3. Afoa
4. Crockett*
5. Hore
6. Mealamu
7. Elliott*
8. Williams
9. Thorn
10. Boric
11. Thrush*
12. Vito*
13. Kaino
14. Read*
15. Braid
16. McCaw
17. So'oialo
18. Cowan
19. Weepu
20. Ellis (if fit, otherwise I'd actually opt for Alby Mathewson)
21. Carter
22. Donald (I can't actually think of another 1st five who's stood out, and that's a little concerning, Matt Berquist would be one, but he's now injured, and he has no physicality, just a really useful boot)
23. Smith
24. Nonu
25. Kahui
26. Guildford*
27. Sivivatu
28. Smith (David)*
29. Muliana
30. Jane*

[M.R.B.M]

Well gwynn I would opt for a few different players than those you have selected.

O'Neil instead of thrush. The reason is because the selectors have already shown interest.

Also you have forgotten about Leonard. He will make a return, hopefully, but im not sure whom he will replace. Weepu hasnt done nothing wrong and has been very solid along with Cowan. Ellis well as we all know he is the selectors pet... If any, Weepu will be the unlucky one.

As for 15. I would prefer to see P.Williams given the chance over Jane.

Then moving to the wing... Very contestable. Guildford and Smith may not get their chance this year. Wulf and Tuitavake should maintain their spots over Guildford & Smith. Also rocketmans return puts even more pressure on those currently in the squad.

I think you have also forgotten about Toeava. He has made an excellent return to international level and if he continues his good form, he would be one of the first picks to cover centre/wing/fullback!

My 30...

1. Woodcock
2. Tialata
3. Afoa
4. Crockett
5. Hore
6. Mealamu
7. Elliott
8. Williams
9. Thorn
10. Boric
11. O'Neil
12. Vito
13. Kaino
14. Read
15. Braid
16. McCaw
17. So'oialo
18. Cowan
19. Ellis
20. Leonard
21. Carter
22. Donald
23. Smith
24. Nonu
25. Kahui
26. Rocketman
27. Tuitavake
28. Toeava
29. Muliana
30. P.Williams / Sivivatu / Wulf

*Maybe dont need all those outside backs. Eg numbers 24 to 30 on the list can all play on the wing. Also Mils, Toeava, Tuitavake can all cover 13 in a desperate situation.
Maybe remove one and put in an extra forward, someone like Messem or Thompson or even both!

[Dingo]

1. Woodcock
2. Tialata
3. Afoa
4. Crockett
5. Hore
6. Mealamu
7. Elliott - selected only because I have no other idea who plays hooker in NZ anymore
8. Williams
9. Thorn
10. Boric
11. O'Neil
12. Messam
13. Kaino
14. Read
15. Braid
16. McCaw
17. So'oialo
18. Cowan
19. Ellis
20. Leonard
21. Carter
22. Donald
23. Smith
24. Nonu
25. Kahui
26. Joe Rockstar
27. Tuitavake
28. Toeava
29. Muliana
30. Siti

[Hamish]

I think you're pretty close there Dingo, although I expect that they'll take Lauaki instead of Messam and Thomson before Braid.

I'd rather have Weepu than Ellis but still think they'll pick Ellis (although Wgtn can make that a difficult decision once they've won the Sheild and the AIRNZ Cup.

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

7. Elliott - selected only because I have no other idea who plays hooker in NZ anymore

Was there a time when you knew ALL the hookers in NZ, Dingo? ...sorry couldn't resist that expression  of yours! 

I'm still thinking about my NH Tour team. Reckon they'll take more than thirty....unless its been stated already?

Will deliver on Sunday!   I think  Whoppa  McIntosh, Colin Bourke, Jason  Eaton & Hosea Gear are four more that deserve consideration too !

Cheers,
Baz 

[Dingo]

Was there a time when you knew ALL the hookers in NZ, Dingo? ...sorry couldn't resist that expression  of yours! 

  Funny thing is Baz, I googled 'Top New Zealand Hookers' to do a bit of research and now have some phone numbers for Wellington if you are interested! 

[Geeves]

7. Elliott - selected only because I have no other idea who plays hooker in NZ anymore

Was there a time when you knew ALL the hookers in NZ, Dingo? ...sorry couldn't resist that expression  of yours! 
Baz 

Nice comment 

[Teach]

[ ...  I googled 'Top New Zealand Hookers' ...

Hope you did that at home? Might be having a chat to HR if you used your work PC 

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

I'm picking 30 but giving options if more ...up to 35    are taken.....

1. Woodcock
2. Tialata
3. Afoa
4. Schwalger
5. Hore
6. Mealamu
7. Elliott*
8. Williams
9. Thorn
10. Boric
11. O'Neill
12. Messam*
13. Kaino
14. Thomson
15. Lauaki
16. McCaw
17. So'oialo
18. Cowan
19. Weepu
20. Ellis (Mathewson) assuming Leonard still out of course!
21. Carter
22. Donald
23. Smith
24. Nonu
25. Kahui
26. Toeava
27. Sivivatu
28. Rokocoko or Tuitavake or Wulf ( if fit or Gear*)
29. Muliana
30. Jane*  assuming Rangi still wonky!

31. Whoppa MacIntosh * or Wyatt Crockett   *
32. Jason Eaton  or  Michael  Patterson   *
33. Kieran Read  * or Colin Bourke  *
34  David Smith * Stephen Brett  * or Jason Kawau  *
35. Paul Williams  * or Israel Dagg  *

Remember this is the closest thing to a tour I think we'll get! so I think GH & Co will  take several above 30 for the All Black culture & system initiation and wil stop Possum Head & Deans from targetting any prospects for their S14 Oz blenders! 

Cheers,
Baz 

[gluck]

If Weepu does not go on this tour then Henry is a vindictive piece of Sh*t. Seriously no way should Ellis be ranked ahead of Weepu. Cowan Leonard and Weepu are the best. Hell Id go as far to say Weepu should be number one.

[M.R.B.M]

Schwalger of coarse! Yea your probably right there baz. Schwalger should go ahead of Crockett. He's been in the mix before and really impressed, especially working in tandem with Tialata and Hore (the 'canes front row.). I think was it in the England test, no it could have been the Irish?

Also if they go with 30+, pencil in Dagg!!!! Gees he was awesome yesterday v CM! Great individual tries to get around the last defenders. 22 points I think he racked up. (3 tries, 2 con, & 1 pen. *only took over kicking in the 2nd half)

[Gwynn]

Schwalger and Tialata did a good job of demolishing Auckland on Saturday (Dane Coles is a potential prospect for the future, however needs a couple more seasons to develop a more rounded game)...

Gear & Jane hopefully have booked themselves a ticket to Europe

Vito needs a Super 14 season I think, just for some more experience

I see Rob Penny thinks that Hamilton & Read deserve to be on the tour, agree that Read does... however Hamilton strikes me as the guy who'll always be great at provincial and Super 14 level, but lacks that extra ability for the international game.

[Turbo_Time]

Scott Hamilton?!?!?!?!?
Are you kidding me?
I haven't seen all of Canterburys games but when I have he's been very average for a Air NZ Cup player let alone an All Black.
As for Vito, it's far too early to be including him in the AB's.
Let him prove himself first he has plenty of time to do so. Wouldn't want to rush him into the AB's setup as has happened with others.

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

I agree TT, Vito is like Messam earlier...still all potential!

Cheers,
 Baz 

[Gwynn]

Well the case of the nerves he suffered on Saturday night showed it, but would rate him as having more potential than Messam, especially because Vito is a much bigger guy as well.  Definately needs a Super 14 season, and will get one next year.

If I was to speculate on a Hurricanes loose trio next year it'd be, as Vito has shown he's equally as capable of playing at 6 as at 8 (though 8 would be better, it's hard to justify moving So'oialo from that spot just yet).

Vito
S Waldrom
So'oialo