All Blacks named for Tri-Nations, French and Canadian test

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The squad for the all the All Black games leading up to the World Cup was named this afternoon by Mr Henry and his fellow 'brains trust' (how many times will that phrase be used up to and including the months of September/October).

My initial view is, yep, fair enough. No Ma’a Nonu and fair enough, prat! The lack of backs from Wellington probably says a lot about why the 'Canes didn't do so well this year as they're normally well stocked with quick, powerful and clever runners.

Others views mostly concentrating on the 2 new caps of Waikato halfback Brendon Leonard and Wellington prop John Schwalger:
Forwards
  • Jerry Collins (Wellington),
  • Troy Flavell (Blues),
  • Carl Hayman (Otago),
  • Andrew Hore (Taranaki),
  • Chris Jack (Tasman),
  • Richie McCaw (Canterbury),
  • Chris Masoe (Wellington),
  • Keven Mealamu (Auckland),
  • Anton Oliver (Otago),
  • Keith Robinson (Chiefs),
  • John Schwalger (Hurricanes),
  • Rodney So'oialo (Wellington),
  • Neemia Tialata (Hurricanes),
  • Reuben Thorne (Canterbury),
  • Ali Williams (Auckland),
  • Tony Woodcock (North Harbour).
Backs
  • Dan Carter (Canterbury),
  • Nick Evans (Highlanders),
  • Doug Howlett (Blues),
  • Byron Kelleher (Waikato),
  • Brendon Leonard (Chiefs),
  • Leon MacDonald (Canterbury),
  • Aaron Mauger (Canterbury),
  • Luke McAlister (Blues),
  • Malili Muliaina (Waikato),
  • Josevata Rokocoko (Auckland),
  • Conrad Smith (Huricanes),
  • Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato),
  • Isaia Toeava (Blues),
  • Piri Weepu (Wellington)
Hat-tip for the squad, Dropkicks


The games to be played by these fine fellows are (all times NZ):
  • June:
    • 2nd: v France (Auckland, 7:35pm)
    • 9th: v France (Wellington, 7:35pm)
    • 16th v Canada (Hamilton, 7:35pm)
    • 23rd South Africa (Durban, 1:00am)
    • 30th: Australia (Melbourne, 10:00pm)

  • July:
    • 14th: v South Africa (Christchurch, 7:35pm)
    • 21st: v Australia (Auckland, 7:35pm)

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