heathy says...

@RugbyLeRoux - I understand your blind faith and blinkered view when it comes to the Boks. You are a South African so I would expect nothing less. Unfortunately I have seen plenty of rugby including the recent tests. My analysis remains the same. Injuries happen to every side. That's just the way it is. It is just that IMO it wont effect the AB's as much as it would effect the Boks or the Aussies. Don't get me wrong here, they are both good sides but they didn't exactly set the world alight recently, did they? Huffed and puffed a bit against the NH sides that they should have done a lot better against (especially at home). Maybe the naive comment is from you?

Posted 16:27 26th July 2012

ruckingkiwi says...

Conrads a top man so a shame for him but on the otherhand exciting to bring someone else through and let's be honest Conrad wont be around for ever.

I didn't realise Ellison was injured. Obviously have options with Cruden at 10, Carter, Nonu, Ben Smith, Fruean or even a bolter like Francis Saili in the mix somewhere. Personally I would be reluctant to pick Whitelock and Bateman, they are solid but not AB level.

Posted 01:08 26th July 2012

2EyedKiwi says...

@davodiablo. As an injury back-up option yes, but why start the worlds best #10 out of position?

Posted 23:34 25th July 2012

2EyedKiwi says...

@Carpelone. I have Ironic mates from all over the world. There's HonestAussie, ModestSaffa, and HappyPom, but to name a few....

Posted 22:43 25th July 2012

Euskadi says...

Sad news for Conrad and the ABs but it opens a door for another player.

My pick would be Fruean but he seems out of favour with the ABs coaches but in the right environment he could repair some of his short comings.

I think they will go with a Cruden Carter Nonu combo which I think is pretty damn strong, Carter is class at 12 and Cruden IMO is the form 10 in NZ this S15. I also like the thought of having two 10s on the field with a left and right kicking option plus Daggs big punt at 15.

Perhaps they may keep SBW in the team considering Smiths absence?

Ellison, Fruean and Ranger are adequate back ups, I think Ben Smith is a full back or wing, not a centre.

Posted 19:56 25th July 2012

RugbyLeRoux says...

heathy what a naive comment. Haven't seen anything from either Boks or Oz to trouble? You clearly don't watch any rugby then do you

Posted 19:02 25th July 2012

masar says...

dagg at 13 and taylor at 15?

Posted 17:45 25th July 2012

heathy says...

Guys, don't panic. All Blacks will always find a way and before you know it another star in the making could be born. When something is forced upon a team then there is a door open for someone else. Still, the AB's have got too much about their game to worry about one position. There is strength in depth. I haven't seen anything from either the Boks or the Wallabies which should make you worry. The Boks will try and power their way. Soak it up for 60 mins and they will then fade away. The Wallabies are extremely vulnerable on the set piece and if you stop them having quick ball too they don't offer anything else at the moment. Rest easy guys, the AB's just have to work a bit harder. They'll come through.

Posted 14:08 25th July 2012

kenttaff says...

@jmanngod

i agree ive said for a few years now surely smith must be the first name on the test sheet. he never ever does anything wrong. he may not be the flashiest but he is so consistent and easily the best tackler in the back division that rugby has seen in a long time

Posted 13:55 25th July 2012

Carpelone says...

2EyedKiwi

Your nickname sounds ironical here.....

Posted 13:48 25th July 2012