2018 Rugby Championship Squads

Near full strength AB squad named today.. 

...Hookers

Dane Coles (31, Hurricanes / Wellington, 56)
Nathan Harris (26, Chiefs / Bay of Plenty, 13)
Codie Taylor (27, Crusaders / Canterbury, 32)

Props
Owen Franks (30, Crusaders / Canterbury, 98)
Joe Moody (29, Crusaders /Canterbury, 34)
Tim Perry (30, Crusaders / Tasman, uncapped)
Karl Tu'inukuafe (25, Chiefs / North Harbour, 3)
Ofa Tuungafasi (26, Blues / Auckland, 17)

Locks
Scott Barrett (24, Crusaders / Taranaki, 19)
Brodie Retallick (27, Chiefs / Hawke's Bay, 68)
Samuel Whitelock (29, Crusaders / Canterbury, 99)

Loose Forwards
Sam Cane (26, Chiefs / Bay of Plenty, 55)
Shannon Frizell (24, Highlanders / Tasman, 1)
Jackson Hemopo (24, Highlanders / Manawatu, 1)
Kieran Read (32, Crusaders / Counties Manukau, 109) - Captain
Ardie Savea (24, Hurricanes / Wellington, 25)
Liam Squire (27, Highlanders / Tasman, 17)
Luke Whitelock (27, Highlanders / Canterbury, 5)

Backs:
Halfbacks
TJ Perenara (26, Hurricanes / Wellington, 45)
Aaron Smith (29, Highlanders / Manawatu, 74)
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (23, Chiefs / Taranaki, uncapped)

First five-eighths
Beauden Barrett (27, Hurricanes / Taranaki, 65)
Damian McKenzie (23, Chiefs / Waikato, 15)
Richie Mo'unga (24, Crusaders / Canterbury, 1)

Midfielders
Ryan Crotty (29, Crusaders / Canterbury, 37)
Jack Goodhue (23, Crusaders / Northland, 1)
Anton Lienert-Brown (23, Chiefs / Waikato, 24)
Sonny Bill Williams (33, Blues / Counties Manukau, 46)

Outside backs
Jordie Barrett (21, Hurricanes / Taranaki, 5)
Rieko Ioane (21, Blues / Auckland, 16)
Nehe Milner-Skudder (27, Hurricanes / Manawatu, 11)
Waisake Naholo (27, Highlanders /Taranaki, 19)
Ben Smith (32, Highlanders /Otago, 67)

NZ Herald associated story

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12101953

....no worries,.... Weber and Laumape unlucky to miss out....Goodhues great form at the Crusties and solid partnership with midfield teammate Crotty the clincher.....although given how accident prone SBW is lately Laumape may still be called up later...no doubt the European clubs will be on the phone to all the ones that are on the fringe like Lam , Laumape, Bridge, Havili, Weber and will be waving a big fat juicy carrot,.. 

A very strong squad with very few average layers..   Milner-Skudder was very average in Super Rugby and SBW, Coles and Read are a bit over the hill and injuries waiting to happen.   I would have thought that Laumape and Bridge are better choices. 

Likely to t ake the trophy for the umpteenth time again.       

Some starry eyed folk predict greatness awaiting young Goodhue, he looks the goods .

I had Goodhue in my fantasy team all the time when he played - s o I am pleased he is in the squad. 

I know us forwards are renowned for our longevity and "ahem" staying power but to debut at age 30 is a bit adventerous for an older fellah.

Having said that Coles at 31 is hardly over the hill Mikey especially for a hooker.

Read what I said - Cole, SBW and Read is more often off due to injury than they in fact play in games.   That is one of the signs of getting over the hill and starting to go downwards,  

....ALL BLACKS Named for Bledisloe Cup 1st Test : 

Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Jack Goodhue,  Ryan Crotty, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read (capt), Sam Cane, Liam Squire, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Nathan Harris, Karl Tu'inukuake, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/106304552/waisake-naholo-jack-goodhue-ride-super-form-into-starting-spot-for-all-blacks

Bring on the hahahahaka !!!!! Place your bets on who is the ugliest wee ab. Read, Brodi e, Perenara etc. Lots to choose from!