NZRU have announced their 32 player extended All Blacks squad for the 2014 Rugby Championship season. New Zealand have stuck true to form in the selection process.
Coach Steve Hansen has once again followed what he believes to be a winning formula with only one apprentice player, Nate Harris, finding his way into the squad as a third hooker. There is no denying that the squad announced is a strong one, with every player providing a vital piece of the puzzle with regards to the set of skills they possess. But one can’t help and contemplate whether Hansen has made the same mistake yet again that he has been guilty of already in the past.
New Zealand has been known to stick with the same team when it is clear to them that it works. This is beneficial as it allows the players ample time to bond as a unit and understand how each individual player operates, allowing for them to come together and perform well as a team. However, this becomes a problem when it is clear that a player is beginning to struggle but falls through the cracks because the team as a whole continues to operate smoothly and clean up their mistakes.
There is no clearer example of this than Aaron Cruden who was selected as the starting flyhalf for all three international games in the mid-season window, despite having played just one and half games coming back from a thumb injury. It was obvious to all that he wasn’t in the best form he could be and his mistakes were often but he was handed a lifeline by his team who continued to clean up after him. By doing this, Cruden was left in the squad and denied a player in far better form and far more deserving an opportunity to crack the starting team – Beauden Barrett.
It’s easy to rate Barrett far more than one could ever rate Cruden, and the blatant denial of Barrett for the starting flyhalf position is both irritating and saddening. Despite having one of the best seasons of any Super Rugby player over the three franchises, Barrett may unfortunately continue finding himself on the bench, keeping it warm. New Zealand, in the past 4-6 months, has been bombarded with news stories of players seeking new opportunities overseas due to the lack of opportunity in the All Blacks. If things continue to follow the path they are already on, eventually players with exceptional talent will go elsewhere, to teams that appreciate and recognise what they have to offer. This may not be the case now for a player like Barrett, but a man can only be pushed so far before something has to give.
However, Barrett can count himself lucky for even making the squad. New Zealand, as a country across all sports, has always prided themselves on finding young talent that can be moulded into the ideal shape to fit their plays to a tee. It is important to develop long term talent but denying older players still capable of playing the full 80, is both absurd and silly in a way. Two players in question of this unfair mentality are Colin Slade and Andy Ellis.
Colin Slade was signed to the Crusaders to take over the flyhalf and kicking duties of Daniel Carter while he was on a sabbatical at the end of last season. His performances have made Carter’s absence a non-event and despite Carter returning to the Crusaders, Slade has not been moved from that number 10 jersey. Yet, Slade finds himself missing out on selection in favour of the older Carter. I understand he one of the best flyhalfs to ever play the sport but Carter has passed his prime; his kicking has been far from excellent and he is at constant risk of picking up an injury. While Slade isn’t necessarily old, compared to the likes of Barrett and Cruden he is and there are very few who believe that Cruden has had a better season than him.
Andy Ellis, at the age of 30, is far older than his scrumhalf competition but his age plays no part in his ability. Ellis is aggressive and tactical, making the correct choices in the spur of the moment to push his team forward. Kerr-Barlow has yet to do anything of any worth for his Super Rugby team, the Chiefs, let alone the All Blacks but being 23 and on the team of the double defending champions, his selection is expected rather than desired by some.
The biggest decision now facing Hansen and his team is how to set up his back three. The correct position for Ben Smith to start at has been a hot topic for debate at late, but Dagg will work out how to cement his starting fullback position as he isn’t able to perform as well in any other way. Savea, unless injured, will always find himself on the field as the “Bus” (as he has come to be named) has yet to disappoint along either side of the field. This means that three players will be fighting for one position on the field with none looking to back off.
All in all, New Zealand has picked a winning team, regardless of how you look at it. They have always been blessed with an abundance of talent able to fill every position on the team at least two or three times over and this year is no different. But patience is running out with fans and former players alike when it comes to worthy players being looked over for their lesser, younger teammates. If they are unable to perform in the domestic competitions, surely you can’t expect miracles on the international stage.
All Blacks Full Squad
Hookers: Dane Coles and Kevin Mealamu (Nate Harris – apprentice)
Props: Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock
Locks: Dominic Bird, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuilulotu, Samuel Whitelock
Loose Forwards: Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw (c), Liam Messam, Kieran Read
Scrumhalfs (Halfbacks): Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Tawera Kerr-Barlow
Flyhalfs (First five-eighths): Daniel Carter, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Cruden
Centres (Midfielders): Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Malakai Fekitoa
Outside Backs (Utility backs): Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Charles Piutau, Ben Smith, Julian Savea
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow my Twitter account –@Cosmo_13_ Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
