All Black team named . . .

The All Blacks have named their team to face Ireland in the R WC quarterfinal:

New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot

Replacements: 16 Dane Coles,17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Samuel Whitelock, 20 Dalton Papali’i, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown

No major surprises but a few minor ones. Leicester Fainga'anaku ahead of Mark Telea might be considered something of a surprise but not if you've watched LF's powerful performances in the RWC so far. Good call if you ask me.

Finlay Christie ahead of Cam Roigard on the bench is a bit of a surprise as is Dane Coles ahead of Samisoni Taukei'aho.

I know Ireland are playing great rugby at the moment while the All Blacks have only shone against weak opponents but I can't help thinking the All Blacks are going to blow Ireland away in the opening 20 minutes and then hang on to win.

We created our posts at the same time Rooi. I agree with your comments on the AB selection. Fingers crossed for the ABs but they have to be at their best to win. I have the feeling Ireland can be a little off and still win. 

I know Sam Whjitelock oisis not t he Player he used to be  - but to my mind he is still a better lock than Barrett.

I know Sam Whjitelock oisis not t he Player he used to be  - but to my mind he is still a better lock than Barrett.

Wasn't that long ago that New Zealnd used to hold t eams for 60 minutes and then demolish them in the last 20.

I just read that Foster dropped Telea for a "minor" breach of protocol. Good timing for LF if that's the case but I would have picked him ahead of Telea anyway.

He also says Finlay Christie was preferred to Cam Roigard on the bench because he thinks Christie is better defensively. I find that a bit surprising. Can't say I've ever noticed Christie's good defence and Roigard is a lot bigger and more robust.

You can read his comments here.

PS This article suggests Telea stayed out after curfew for a "considerable time period".