All Blacks Squad for the WC

Here is the much-awaited squad:-

Backs

Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Julian Savea, Malakai Fekitoa, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Ma'a Nonu, Colin Slade, Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Tawera Kerr-Barlow

Forwards

Kieran Read, Victor Vito, Liam Messam, Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane, Richie McCaw (captain), Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Tony Woodcock, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks

This really is a top performing squad - not the rubbish Meyer saddled the Springboks with.  All the players played well in Super Rugby this year and no "hospital ward cases" that has not played for many months have been included in Hansen's squad.  The only exception was perhaps Waisake Naholo who was a recent injury - but recovered in time.

There are some players who were unlucky - Israel Dagg, and Corey Jane that could be mentioned.     

 Dont rate Corey Jane

 
Liam Messam is in, Mike!

 Sorry - I should have looked more carefully - mistake corrected.

 

Plenty of holes in All Blacks squad

The amazing thing about the All Black World Cup squad is how many holes there are in it, writes Chris Rattue.

 I would have found room in the t eam for Piatau and Sopoaga somewhere .

 Well, finally we have the team announcement. I will look at it closely but it looks pretty good to me!
CleverMike; another "hospital" player is Charlie Faumuina and TKB so that makes three in the AB team. Sometimes you have to do it, Reid was in the same situation in the 2011 RWC.
Both Barrett and Slade were picked over Sapoaga which is a  case of picking two players who haven't played much for the ABs this year but were picked on past performance and versatility. Sapopaga was the form 10 but he did not have quite enough experience. He will be called if there is an injury.

So we ended up taking 3 locks which meant Messam made the cut as we took an extra outside back.  If Jeremy Thrush was the next in line lock this made Hansen's choice easier as he has been struggling with injury anyway. So I am fully behind the selection of the extra back rower. Plus, we need Messam for the Haka
We have 3 9s with Slade also being able to cover that position. Hansen said he wanted an extra outside back to run the opposition off their feet.  I like that attitude 

Cody Taylor beat out Hika Elliot (Elliot was injured). As said Jane and Dagg didn't get picked so we have gone with the younger really dynamic players (M-S and Nahalo - talk about rewarding a player for performance!).
"The squad features provincial representation from 11 of New Zealand’s National Provincial Cup provinces and all New Zealand's five Super Rugby clubs are represented. With 1,484 caps spread amongst the 31-man squad, it's a hugely experienced side, balanced with a number of newer All Blacks, with nine players having played fewer than 25 Tests. The side has an average age of 28."

A good team & Hansen has stayed true to form in selecting a few fairly new players who have shown they can deliver. Some courageous decisions.Rugby World Cup 2015 – All Blacks Tests

1. Argentina (4.45PM, Sunday 20 September, Wembley Stadium, London)
2. Namibia (8.00PM, Thursday 24 September, Olympic Stadium, London)
3. Georgia (8.00PM, Friday 2 October, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff)
4. Tonga (8.00PM, Friday 9 October, St James’ Park, Newcastle)

Yes the kiwis dont have our problems and alas this is their best. 
Hansen obviously had a hard time finding 31 players of quality hence the delay in naming the squad. He did however take my advice re wee carol jane and dagsie. However I still wonder about wee ben smith and conrad carthorse. Happily ou warped DUD fanciful choices have been ignored by the coach. Wonder what saSUE  thinks of the squad!
The forwards have a distictly pap look about them and they have some over the hill players like wee mcaaaaw and mealamooo. A "side full of holes" . Hahahahahahahahaha
Anyhow do your very best kiwis as I think you will find the refs not handing you games on a platter for once. We shall see. 
Beeno being as positive as possible given the circumstances. 

 Beeno: thanks for the positivity! This is a sign you are starting to come over to the Black side, lol You will soon be hailing the refs as being fair-minded & marvelling at the awesomeness of the men in black.