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Zac Guildford of Hawke's Bay - Source: Photosport -
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The All Blacks selectors will reveal their end of year tour squad on Sunday morning and it is expected to contain 33 players.
But will the squad, who play six Tests and a match against the Barbarians, contain any surprise selections? Have your say on the message board below .
Former All Black turned North Harbour coach Jeff Wilson told ONE Sport there is a danger in picking players from the provincial competitions.
"It's at a level significantly lower than Test match rugby. I think you have to be careful and take all performances with a little bit of caution," he says.
He cites 2008's poor performance against Irish side Munster as an example of putting provincial players up against hardened footballers - and that wasn't even a Test.
"I would still go back to that Super 14 form, I'd still go back to playing at that next level," says Wilson.
If the selectors agree, that would count against Hawke's Bay's Zac Guildford who has impressed in the Air New Zealand Cup, but give veterans like Joe Rokocoko - who admits to feeling nervous about selection - a better chance.
In the backs, North Harbour's Rudi Wulf will be amongst the frontline wingers with Tamati Ellison likely to be named as a utility back and Jimmy Cowan, Brendon Leonard and the recovering Piri Weepu in the halves.
For the forwards, George Whitelock and Tanerau Latimer are battling it out for one loose forward spot, although both could go if Rodney So'oialo is rested.
The third hooker is an interesting call with Corey Flynn set for a possible recall.
Flynn has missed out over the past 12 months with two broken arms and knows making the squad is only a chance.
"I just want to get out and play rugby again, if it happens I'll be estactic, if not I'll just keep trucking," says Flynn.
This selection panel has sprung some surprises in the past, like Isaia Toeava and Jason Eaton in 2005, but after four losses out of nine this year, there appears to be little room to experiment.
Who should make the squad? Have your say on the message board below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentdanielp said on 2009-10-26 @ 16:02 NZDT: Report abusive post
NZs fascination with ageing players has been its downfall over the past decade and has lead to the failings of the past world cup campaigns. Like a fine wine the likes of Martin Johnson and Percy Montgomery have steered their country to world cup triumps yet the kids playing for the blacks have left horribly short of the mark. Muliana was the best fullback in the trinations, made very little mistakes and was left with a whole lot of extra work by joe rocokoko and his butterfingers
The Slickster said on 2009-10-22 @ 09:49 NZDT: Report abusive post
Yes it certainly is last chance saloon for some of these guys. Mils and Thorn are safe but the rest of them - especially Donald - are walking on thin ice!
robertybob said on 2009-10-21 @ 23:02 NZDT: Report abusive post
No disrespect to John McBeth but I hope tvnz isn't as critical of Mcbeths age and form as he is on Brad Thorn. Thorn was quite clearly NZ's inspiration in the tight five this year. I would suggest if he can do so at his current age then there isn't an issue for the seasons ahead leading up to 2011. So'oialo and Muliaina may have had a rough year but i feel there form will be recaptured on this tour.