New Zealand All Blacks unveil 30-man squad for game against Fiji
The New Zealand National Rugby Union (NZRU) team, All Blacks has unveiled its 30-man squad on Friday, July 8, which will meet Fiji on July 22.
This finalised pack will then proceed to face their opponents in the Tri-Nations Tournament, which is kicking off on the July 23.
Tri-Nations is played annually amongst three countries including; South Africa, New Zealand and Australia organised by the joint association of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby, also known as SANARZ which is responsible for the Super Rugby
and Tri-Nations competitions.
The squad was revealed by Graham Henry, the New Zealand’s head coach along with the other two coaches. It was not well received by All Blacks’ fans, as this squad has missed out on some of the very popular players of Blacks. Jarrad Hoeata, who plays for
the Highlanders in Super Rugby and Taranaki, is the only new recruiting the squad.
According to the speculations, his commendable performance during the Super Rugby Competition has garnered attention of All Blacks and we successfully took up a spot with them. Against the anticipations, Colin Slade instead of Aaron Cruden will be taking
up for Dan Carters Position of Fly-back.
Congratulating Hoeata, Henry stated, “He is the only new All Black selected so this will be a very special moment for him. He thoroughly deserves his selection and we congratulate him.”
As Carter’s replacement, Slade was chosen long time ago, in the wake of his performance by the end of 2010, as confirmed by the coaches. Therefore, for him his recent performance with his jaw fractured twice during the Super Rugby competition did not matter
much.
Also, All Blacks will not be incorporating Joe Rokocoko’s experience which has infuriated many of the fans.
The squad has16 members in the forward’s pack and 14 in the back, under the flagship of Richie McCaw. With Four players namely; Tony Woodcock, Israel Dagg ,Isaia Toeava and Hosea Gear residing on the injury list, the coach told that they will soon recover
and will be part of the Tri-Nation 2011 at some point as they are currently in the rehabilitation centre.
Amidst of the excitement of the squad naming, Henry stated, “We are excited to be naming this first squad of the year in what is undoubtedly a huge year not only for the All Blacks but the country as a whole.”
The 16-man forward’s pack includes; Ben Franks, John Afoa, Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Andrew h**e, Jarrad Hoeata, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Liam Messam, Adam Thomson, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams Samuel Whitelock and Tony Woodcock.
The 14-man back’s pack has the following set of players; Israel Dagg, Andy Ellis, Mils Muliaina,Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Sonny Bill Williams, Piri Weepu, Richard Kahui, Zac Guildford, Colin Slade, Hosea Gear, Isaia Toeava, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith.
This 30-man squad deprived of expected rave reviews is still soldiering into the Tri-Nations 2011, with their first encounter against Springboks in Wellington, on Saturday, July 30.
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