All Blacks: Jarrad Hoeata Only New Face in Predictable Tri-Nations Squad

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at Internationaled.org

Published: July 10, 2011

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Thirty players and four injury-cover reserves have been named in the All Blacks squad for the upcoming Tri-Nations and test against Fiji. Jarrad Hoeata was the only non-capped player named in the squad, as the selectors took a very predictable squad of players who had been tried and succeeded in the past.

Despite this, no one could argue Hoeata's inclusion in the 30, on the back of a breakout season with the Highlanders where he was one of Super Rugby's form locks.

Other locks include Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock and Ali Williams. Williams makes his return to the All Blacks two years after last playing for them before suffering multiple Achilles injuries. Despite a slow start, his form has picked up over recent weeks and his selection in the team is justified, particularly given the injury to Anthony Boric which saw him not considered for selection.

The props remain unchanged from last year, with Ben and Owen Franks being chosen along with John Afoa and Tony Woodcock. This leaves Wyatt Crockett, who has arguably been the best of all of these men in 2011 and can consider himself very unlucky not to make it. He was named as one of the four injury-cover players though and will no doubt get a chance to show his worth. 

Woodcock's selection is questionable, given the fact that he has been injured and won't be available for the first part of the Tri-Nations. And besides, his form over the past few years has dropped and offers a lot less than Crockett around the field.



Afoa can play both sides of the scrum and gets in off the back of a good season with the Blues, while their was never any doubt that the two Franks brothers would be chosen.

Keven Mealamu was a no-brainer at hooker, and he is joined by Andrew Hore and Corey Flynn, who narrowly edge out Hika Elliot. Hore's lack of form this year makes his selection questionable, but his experience will be invaluable. Corey Flynn has had a ste...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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