All Blacks Watch: The Debutants

(c) Aftab Uzzaman.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has named three uncapped players in his team to take on Ireland in the 1st Test tomorrow. None of the selections are very surprising, with Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith and Julian Savea all deserving their chance. So how have they earned their first caps for the best international team in the world? Let’s take a closer look at each player and the form they carry into this series.

Second-row Brodie Retallick turned 21 only a week ago. He was an integral part of the New Zealand Under 20s side who claimed a 4th successive Junior World Championship title last year. From there, the 121kg lock went straight into an ITM Championship (the level below the likes of Canterbury, where new Munster coach Rob Penney had so much success) campaign with Hawke’s Bay. Retallick played a key role as the ‘Magpies’ earned promotion to the ITM Premiership, coincidentally beating Aaron Smith’s Manawatu side in the final.

In Ireland, lack of size and strength is very often an issue with our young second-rows. That’s never been a problem for the freakish Retallick. In fact, he has actually dropped weight since his school days, where he tipped the scales at 126kg. That made him hard to get off the ground at the lineout but he has since shed a few kgs and is now superb in the air. He’s also the tallest player in New Zealand rugby at almost 6’9′. His physical readiness meant Retallick went straight into the Chiefs’ first XV in this year’s Super Rugby campaign.

Retallick takes a switch off SBW at Chiefs’ training. (c) One Arm Photography.

The Chiefs sit top of the overall table coming into this break for the international tours. Retallick has been important to the Chiefs’ success. His work at the lineout has been impressive and his engine is huge. The 21-year-old is exceptionally fit. He recently beat Brad Thorn’s long-standing beep test record for a tight-five forward in New Zealand. That highlights Retallick’s impressive work ethic. He’s 6th in the Super Rugby tackling charts, with 169 in just 12 games.

Another of the lock’s strengths has been his work at the breakdown. Not in the sense of steals, but rather his effectiveness in cleaning out rucks during the Chiefs’ attack. Encouragingly, Retallick turned in perhaps his poorest display of the season in the Chiefs’ last match, a thrilling 41-34 win over the Blues. The 21-year-old forced a few offloads and passes and generally looked a little uncomfortable. From an Irish point of view, hopefully the added pressure of an All Blacks jersey results in something similar on Saturday.

Aaron Smith takes over in the 9 jersey. World Cup scrumhalf Piri Weepu has been struggling badly for fitness and form, but is still included on the bench. Smith is one of a number of exciting young 9s coming through in New Zealand at the moment, with TJ Perenara and Tawera Kerr-Barlow both unlucky to miss out. Smith’s form for the Highlanders means he is deserving of this chance though. His swift and accurate passing has been eye-catching, and much appreciated by the All Blacks selectors.

(c) Highlanders Rugby.

Back in 2008, Smith came off the bench for the New Zealand U20s as they beat England 38-3 in the final of the first-ever Junior World Championship. Following that success, he spent three seasons playing ITM rugby for Manawatu, pushing his way into the Highlanders Super Rugby squad last year, making 3 starts. However, it was the 23-year-old’s form in Manawatu’s run to that Championship final at the tail end of 2011 which really saw Smith announce himself. That convinced Highlanders coach to give Smith the starting role ahead of All Black Jimmy Cowan this year.

Smith has admitted that his focus at the start of this season had been getting starts for the Highlanders, and hadn’t even entertained the notion of an All Blacks cap. His superb performances have been one of the unchanging factors of an inconsistent Highlanders side this season. It seems like an idiotic thing to say about a scrumhalf but you’d be surprised how many don’t do it well – Smith’s main strength is his beautiful passing. He generally doesn’t offer as threatening running game that Perenara or Kerr-Barlow do. In terms of positives for Ireland, Smith is relatively inexperienced, and by his own admission, never expected to be where he will be on Saturday.

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The third new cap is left wing Julian Savea of the Hurricanes. The 21-year-old has been marked out as an All Black for some time now. In 2009, at the age of 18 and fresh out of school he played for the New Zealand Sevens team. The following year his 8 tries helped the NZ U20s to the JWC and saw him named 2010’s IRB Junior Player of the Year. A brilliant ITM Cup campaign for Wellington followed, with Savea scoring 8 tries in 12 games. A full All Blacks call-up would surely have followed sooner than now, but for a poor 2011 season.

The 6’3″ winger progressed to start 7 games for the Hurricanes but was generally quiet and didn’t manage to score a Super Rugby try. An ineffective ITM campaign followed with Wellington and the buzz around Savea died a little. However, this season has seen that buzz reach new heights thanks to his spectacular form for the Hurricanes. 7 tries in 11 games doesn’t tell the whole story. When you see that he’s in the Top 10 for metres gained (817), has made 4 try assists and 8 clean line-breaks you start to get the idea.

(c) Hurricanes Rugby.

At around 105kg, Savea is a big unit. He uses his power to great effect and regularly boshes defenders into the ground (1.14 and 2.07 in the vid below are becoming typical). However, he has neat footwork and general skills too. His Hurricanes teammate Beauden Barret has called Savea’s attacking arsenal the “triple threat“. So any signs of respite for Ireland? While the Hurricanes’ attacking game has lit up Super Rugby (they’re comfortably the top-scorers despite sitting 6th), their defence has been very poor (2nd worst in the table). Savea has been part of that weak defence, and is certainly more interested in attacking. Despite the fact that he’s a big unit, if Ireland can send some traffic down his wing, they may get some change out of the youngster.

The fact that the All Blacks have included three uncapped players does not mean that they’re putting out a weakened or experimental team. The rookies Smith, Retallick and Savea have each earned the chance to wear the famous black jersey. Still, it’s natural that Ireland will view their inexperience as a chink in the armour.

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Photos courtesy: One Arm Photography, Aftab Uzzaman.

All Blacks Watch: Series Squad Named

Ali Williams, Israel Dagg, Richie McCaw and Sam Whitelock are all part of the squad to face Ireland over three tests. (c) Adidas Italy.

Steve Hansen has selected his 30-man squad to face Ireland in the upcoming three-test series. The 1st test takes place at Eden Park next Saturday (kick-off is at 8.35AM Irish time). Let’s take a closer look at the players he’s picked and the kind of form they’ve been in so far in the Super Rugby season. Ireland have a seriously difficult task ahead of them if they are to get their first-ever win over the All Blacks, or even if they’re to be competitive at all.

This series comes at a far better time for the All Blacks. While Ireland’s players are at the end of a long, exhausting season, the New Zealanders are about midway through their campaigns and are at peak fitness. While the majority of both squads were involved in last year’s Rugby World Cup, Ireland’s front-liners have played far more games since then. Many of them will be running low on energy for this tour, and some will probably be questioning why they’re in New Zealand at all. Here’s the task facing them…

Hansen has gone for 2 hookers in Andrew Hore and Kevin Mealamu. Hore is the likely starter in next weekend’s 1st test, as Blues man Mealamu has been struggling with a calf injury recently. Witty 33-year-old Hore has started all but 2 of the Highlanders 14 Super Rugby games this season and has contributed plenty around the pitch. With Mealamu having been limited to just 7 starts, the last of which came in mid-April, and set to miss the first test, the impressive Chiefs hooker Hika Elliot will be drafted in as cover.

The battle-hardened Andrew Hore is likely to start at hooker. (c) Geoff Trotter.

The 5 props have picked themselves in truth. World Cup squad members Tony Woodcock and the Franks brother, Owen and Ben, return (watch the vid if you’ve got some free time, good watch!). They’re joined by the Crusaders’ Wyatt Crockett and uncapped 20-year-old Ben Tameifuna, who tips the scales at 140kg. He began the season not even expecting to see much action for the Chiefs, but an injury to Ben Afeaki catapulted the tighthead into the limelight and he has impressed with his physicality and skills. Hansen’s front-row for Saturday is likely to be Woodcock, Hore and Owen Franks. Ben Franks’ ability to cover both sides of the scrum should see him on the bench, although Tameifuna can do the same.

There are 4 locks in the squad, 2 of whom are uncapped. World Cup winners Sam Whitelock and Ali Williams are retained, while Luke Romano and Brodie Retallick join the squad. Williams is fortunate to be included at all after some uninspiring performances for the lowly Blues. Whitelock is an almost guaranteed starter, but it will be interesting to see who is alongside him. Retallick has just turned 21, but is already first-choice at the table-topping Chiefs and is a real physical specimen. Romano is a late developer at 26, having come through at Canterbury under Rob Penney.

In the back-row, Richie McCaw and No.8 Kieran Read are undroppable. The Highlanders Adam Thomson and Victor Vito of the Hurricanes are competing for the No.6 shirt. Thomson started the season in spectacular form, but Vito has gradually hauled his rival in with some physical displays. The momentum probably favours Vito now, but Hansen is likely to go for Thomson’s superior experience. 20-year-old Sam Cane is another fresh addition, but is still not a starter at the Chiefs so is here largely for experience. He looks to be the heir to McCaw at 7.

Captain McCaw has started the last three Crusaders games after recovering from a foot injury. (c) Stefano Delfrate.

Hansen’s selection at half-back has been greeted with plenty of controversy in New Zealand. Piri Weepu has been included despite being blatantly out of shape and form. He has spent plenty of time riding pine for the Blues and with the likes of Andy Ellis, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and 20-year-old sensation TJ Perenara having been left out of the squad, pressure will be on Weepu to step up for this series. Uncapped Highlanders No.9 Aaron Smith will provide the competition. He possesses a lovely, long pass and will surely see game time.

Dan Carter is back to full fitness and looking sharp so he’s the clear first-choice at first five-eighth. Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett are the other two outhalves in the squad. Cruden has been an important part of the Chiefs excellent season, and appears to grow in confidence every single week. He will be keen to get back on the international stage. 21-year-old Barrett has been the fulcrum of an exciting Hurricanes backline, making New Zealand finally look well-stocked behind golden boy Carter.

The four centres that Hansen’s gone with are Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams and Tamati Ellison. SBW has been one of the standout players in Super Rugby, and surely he can’t be ignored for a starting place alongside Smith. Nonu hasn’t been at his best for the Blues, looking tired at times. He went straight from RWC 2011 to Japan, then back into Super Rugby without a break and it appears to have caught up with him.

Nonu has struggled for form. (c) Luton Anderson.

29-year-old Ellison is an interesting but deserved inclusion. He made his only All Blacks appearance back in 2009, before spending two years in Japan. Now back in New Zealand with the Highlanders, his well-rounded game has earned him a return to the international game. Ellison has the versatility to cover the back-three as well as both centre positions, making him a valuable squad member.

Finally, to the back-three and there’s no let-up in the calibre of players. Israel Dagg will start at full-back and his threat is well-known. With World Cup wingers Cory Jane and Richard Kahui both out injured, there will be two new wide men. The uncapped Julian Savea has been a powerful presence for the Hurricanes. 7 tries in 11 starts for the  21-year-old tells the story. Zac Guildford has hit form at exactly the right time with his two tries against the Highlanders on Friday taking his season’s tally to 6.

Hosea Gear turned down a move to Japan in order to pursue his All Blacks dreams, but hasn’t been as prolific as his competition in Super Rugby. Still, 4 in 14 games isn’t bad and the 27-year-old has gas as well as more experience than Savea and Guildford. His teammate Ben Smith has been at fullback all season, but can play on the wing too. Whichever way Hansen goes with his wingers, he’ll be picking players in form.

Hosea Gear will be hoping to add to his 8 caps. (c) Geof Wilson.

It’s a seriously strong squad, laden with quality. If Ireland can beat these All Blacks, it will be their greatest result ever. I can’t pretend that I’m confident ahead of the first test but I’m as hopeful as ever. It may be the end of a long season for the Irish players, but the chance to beat New Zealand in their own back yard doesn’t come around too often. Ireland have nothing to lose, and Declan Kidney needs to stress that. Let’s have a go!

New Zealand name their team and bench on Thursday. Who do you think Hansen will pick? Do Ireland have a hope in hell? Drop a comment below with your contributions!

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Photos courtesy: Adidas Italy, Geoff Trotter, Stefano Delfrate, Luton Anderson, Geof Wilson.

All Blacks Watch – Forwards

Richie McCaw made his first start of the season for the Crusaders last weekend. (c) Geoff Trotter.

New Zealand have named a 35-man training squad ahead of June’s three-test series with Ireland. The omissions of Robbie Fruean and Andre Taylor are particularly surprising for fans of Super Rugby, as those two have been in spectacular form. The injury to Richard Kahui last weekend may mean a late call-up for one of them. Several of the other young players highlighted in last week’s look at the backline options for New Zealand were also left out, but there’s 11 new players included.

So, following on from last week’s look at the backs, let’s check out the form of the forwards Steve Hansen has selected in his training squad. Some of these guys will miss out when the All Blacks management cut the squad to 30 on the 3rd of June. There are some tough decisions to be made.

World Cup-winning loosehead prop Tony Woodcock returns despite the Blues awful season. The 31-year-old has actually been one of the few positives at Eden Park after taking an extended off-season. He has been a force at scrum-time, although niggly injuries have limited him to just 5 starts so far this season. Hansen will be hoping that Woodcock can steer clear of further problems as the crucial months of the season approach. When fit, Woodcock is one of the world’s premier looseheads.

Ben Franks (right) can prop on both sides of the scrum. (c) Geof Wilson.

Behind Woodcock in the loosehead depth chart are Wyatt Crockett and Ben Franks. Crockett has been in solid form for the Crusaders again this season. The 29-year-old is unlucky to be around at the same time as Woodcock, meaning he has been restricted to just a handful of All Blacks caps. His fellow Crusader Franks is an asset to any squad with his ability to play both sides of the scrum. That versatility can also count against him in that it makes him so suitable for the bench, where he is likely to start from against Ireland.

Hansen has selected only two hookers in the 35-man squad, both of them over 30 years of age. Kevin Mealamu is now 33 and if truth be told, his form for the Blues suggests that age is finally catching up with him. He has had a recurring calf injury recently and that hasn’t helped his level of performance. Andrew Hore is likely to start in the middle of the front-row. Despite being the same age as Mealamu, Hore has started all but one game for the Highlanders, getting around the park well.

At tighthead, World Cup Final starter, and brother of Ben, Owen Franks has done enough to retain his position. The 24-year-old has been part of the dominant Crusaders front-row  alongside his brother and Crockett. Competition at tighthead was to come in the shape of Charlie Faumuina and the gigantic Ben Tameifuna. 25-year-old Faumuina has been part of a good Blues scrum and was set for his first cap. Cruelly, a calf tear has ruled him out of this summer’s test series.

Owen Franks (right) is likely to start at tighthead. (c) Geof Wilson.

20-year-old Tameifuna represented NZ at the Junior World Championship just last summer and wasn’t expecting much Super Rugby action this season at the Chiefs. But injuries to Ben Afeaki and Toby Smith gave the 138kg prop a chance which he has eagerly taken. He’s started 10 games already as the Chiefs have risen to 2nd in the table. It’s not only his sheer size and strength which have impressed, but also his skillful contributions around the park. Apparently he used to play outhalf back in his school days. He’s definitely one to keep an eye on, particularly as some New Zealanders reckon he could cover hooker too.

In the second-row, Sam Whitelock and Ali Williams return after their involvement in the World Cup last year. Whitelock is still only 23, and having started the World Cup final and shown up well for the Crusaders this season, he will be confident of his starting position. Williams is lucky to be in the squad at all. The 31-year-old has been poor all season for the Blues. However, his experience at international level means he is retained. Hansen will hope Williams’ influence on rookies Luke Romano and Brodie Retallick is positive.

Crusaders man Romano is something of a late developer, getting his first call-up at the age of 26. He started this season on the bench for his club side, but swiftly beat off the challenge of Tom Donnelly to make himself a starter alongside Whitelock. Romano made giant leaps under Rob Penney for the Canterbury ITM Cup side in recent seasons. The new Munster coach said that Romano has the ability to be a Brad Thorn-like figure for the All Blacks.

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20-year-old Retallick is an absolute certainty to represent the All Blacks sooner rather than later. The Chiefs man is in his first season of Super Rugby having won the U20 World Cup alongside Tameifuna last year. Retallick’s sheer size is frightening. Standing 6’8″, he has actually had to shed bulk recently, dropping down to 120kg in order to increase his lineout ability. In a recent fitness test, Retallick beat Brad Thorn’s long-standing beep test record for second-rows (he scored 19.3 for those interested!). This is a machine of a young man, destined for test rugby.

So to the back-row. Of the trio that started the World Cup Final, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read are back. Not much needs to be said about that pair. McCaw has recovered from a foot injury and made his first start of the season in the Crusaders loss to the Reds last weekend. Read has captained the Crusaders with distinction in McCaw’s absence and is a world-class operator at No.8. World Cup blindside flanker Jerome Kaino has moved on to Japan, so his All Blacks career is over for now.

The outstanding candidate to replace him is the Highlanders’ Adam Thomson. The 30-year-old has been in superb form, excelling in each of his 10 starts so far this season. He has carried with aggression, impressed in the lineout and scored 4 tries. He deserves his chance. Victor Vito, who has been playing at No.8 for the Hurricanes appears to be Thomson’s main competitor. 25-year-old Vito has the advantage of youth on his side, and has looked physically stronger this season.

Adam Thomson deserves to start in the No.6 jersey. (c) Geoff Trotter.

Vito’s fellow Hurricane, Brad Shields, is the third option at blindside in the squad. The 20-year-old was another of last season’s World Junior Championship winners. Shields has made 8 appearances for the Hurricanes this year, but only 1 of them was a start. At 6’4″ and 112kg, Shields is another young player earmarked for a lengthy international career, although this summer’s test series may come a bit too soon for him.

There were two more rookies called-up in the back-row. Sam Cane is yet another of last year’s Junior World Championship-winning side. The 20-year-old openside flanker has continued his impressive form this year with 11 appearances for the Chiefs, 4 of them starts. His potential clearly marks him out as McCaw’s long-term successor at No.7. With McCaw still on the recovery path, Hansen may be tempted to expose Cane to the international game this summer.

Luke Whitelock is the younger brother of second-row Sam, and his teammate at the Crusaders. The 21-year-old was captain of the U20 All Blacks last year, forming an incredibly talented back-row with Cane and Shields. Whitelock can play at 8 or 6, but the fact that he has made just 2 Super Rugby starts this season makes him a surprise call-up, particularly with the omission of Liam Messam. Again, the impression is that Hansen simply wants to integrate Whitelock into the All Blacks set-up as soon as possible.

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It’s unlikely that the All Blacks coach will opt for too much youth up front, especially in the first test. I’d predict a starting pack of: 1 – Woodcock, 2 – Hore, 3 – Owen Franks, 4 – Romano, 5 – Sam Whitelock, 6 – Thomson, 7 – McCaw, 8 – Read. The likes of Cane, Retallick, Tameifuna and Shields will be desperately hoping for first caps from the bench. Again, the major point here is that the All Blacks have plenty of competition for places, with so many players in good form. Ireland will have to be at their very best to compete.

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Photos courtesy: Geoff Trotter, Geof Wilson.