The All Blacks squad for the 2008 season was recently named, and because of all the top players leaving and playing overseas, there are a few new and unexpected faces.
First, I was surprised with the selection of North Harbour lock Anthony Boric. He is a talented player and would make many international teams around the world, but he's not yet good enough to be an All Black.
Surly Jason Eaton of Wellington is a better lock than Boric. He has the experience at international level, and despite not being noticed a lot on the field, Eaton has a huge work rate and rarely does anything wrong.
Now to another North Harbour player, Rudi Wolf. Wolf has made one of the biggest rugby comebacks imaginable. When he severely broke his neck, it looked like his rugby career and All Black dream was over. However, he has come back and is playing some of the best rugby he has ever played.
Doug Howlett would have taken that spot on the wing had he not gone overseas.
I am thankful to see Anthony Tuitavake has finally made it into the All Blacks. If I had the choice I would have definitely had him at the World Cup and left the injured and overrated Conrad Smith at home.
Ma'a Nonu is another overrated Wellington player. He has his good games where he makes a huge impact, but more often than not, he's weak defensively and struggles to catch the ball. He wouldn't make my All Black team unless we were playing Japan or Portugal.
Dan Carter is in the team, but for how long?
He is constantly getting offers from overseas clubs, who are desperate to have the best rugby player in the world playing for them. The All Blacks need Carter, without him they would struggle against Australia and South Africa in the tri-nations. Its only a matter of time until Carter receives an offer he just can't refuse.
This 2008 All Black team is nothing to write home about, and other teams won't fear them as much as previous years.
2008 All Blacks squad:
7 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete