Who will be the All Blacks midfield combo?

Question

Who do you think will be the All Blacks midfield combo for the opening game?

Options are between Aaron Mauger, Luke McAlister, Isaia Toeava, Mils Muliaiina, Leon MacDonald and Conrad Smith.

I thought Aaron Mauger had the Second Five spot sealed but delusional Eddie Jones has been babbling about how he thinks Mauger is the key to the WC for the All Blacks, so I definately wouldn't want him on the field anymore!

Answer 1

The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Mauger and DC are certainly no strangers.

Mauger and Smith to start - bring McAlister and Ice on in the last twenty - you may even see Evans give DC a break at 10 around the same time.

Answer 2

My backline -9/ Kelleher ,10/ Carter,12/ Mcalister,13Muliaina

11/ rokocoko 14/ sivivatu 15/Evans

Why ? Mils is the best centre (experienced , strong on defence and attack) Mcalister is all over Mauger (so over-rated) and Evans is the 2nd best fullback (after mils)and can double at 1stfive if need be. If the game is won by middle of second half , move evans to 1stfive (protect Carter) Mils to fullback (or MacDonald) and bring Toeava to centre (needs easing in- still abit hot&cold- but very talented ). I don't think Smith is right yet.

Why , yet again, am I not a selector? lol

Kia Kaha - go the A.B's

Answer 3

the compo for the Italia warm-up,

9 kelleher. 10 carter. 11 sivivatu. 12 mcAlister. 13 toeava. 14 rokocoko. 15 muliaina.

this is their best lineup to-date so will stick with it to buildup match-fitness.

Answer 4

this is what I think will be the backline:

9-Kelleher, 10-Carter, 11-Rococoko, 12-Mauger, 13-McAlister, 14-Sivivatu, 15-Muliaina.

Answer 5

idk my bff jill

Answer 6

Conrad Smith and Luke McAlister  most likely will be the Midfield combo .. They are the pair to take on Italy  and run them ragged ..

Answer 7

Who cares as long as they win the Rugby World Cup.  I couldn't care a less.  They have the talent and depth to find the right combination and stick with it instead of chopping and changing.  They should have faith in them to do the job.  Not many coaches have that luxury.

Answer 8

~ lol about Eddie Jones!

Although the Mauger & Smith combination guarantees logical & strategic play - I personally prefer the McAva Combo..... McAlister & Toeava.... for their line-breaking & powerful on attack abilities.

There will certainly be positional rotations during pool play and Smith will possibly be favoured to prove his worth as first choice for the later stages.  Let's not forget Nick Evans too.

Either way some great options.  Mauger & Smith for the opener. ~