NEW ZEALAND: A successful return to All Black rugby by Liam Messam and Corey Flynn via the recent NZ Maori series is a highlight of the Tri-Nations squad announced today.
Messam, the NZ Maori captain, was an inspiring leader and back to his physical best in the wins against the BaaBaas, Ireland and England. He displaces Adam Thomson in the squad at blindside flanker.
Corey Flynn is another who’s been missing from the All Blacks for some years, primarily due to serious injury. He’s in at the expense of Aled de Malmanche, a player who has realistically always been regarded as a bench warmer.
Other’s who have returned include Auckland Blues prop (and hooker) John Afoa and Ma’a Nonu from a cruciate ligament injury.
Neemia Tialata and Zac Guildford are surprisingly dropped. Guildford is a special talent but in his case it’s just unfortunate that the balance of the back three just nudges him out.
The squad is made up of 15 forwards and 13 backs. There’s a ‘total rugby’ look to the forward pack with a fair number of players having utility value.
Debutants this year who have been included are Sam Whitelock, Ben Franks, Victor Vito, Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, Benson Stanley and Rene Ranger.
The squad has a relatively fresh look to it but all the new players have performed creditably in the recent June internationals where the All Blacks dominated.
Players not considered for selection due to injury include: Mike Delany (shoulder), Stephen Donald (shoulder), Jason Eaton (knee), Andrew Hore (shoulder), Sitiveni Sivivatu (shoulder), Isaia Toeava (hip) and Ali Williams (Achilles).
All Blacks squad:
SOUTH AFRICA: The big news is that Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira was granted South African citizenship on Friday so the Zimbabwe-born prop has been selected in the Springboks 28-man touring party for the Tri-Nations tournament away games.
He’s had a few problems since he made his debut in 2008 relating to his eligibility to turn out for South Africa but on the basis that he’s been resident in South Africa for three years also meets the IRB protocol on the matter.
Most of the Bokke squad is drawn from the players who beat Wales, France and Italy (twice) this month.
The Springboks comprehensively defeated the Italians yesterday in a 55-11 win in East London. Their first Tri-Nations match is in Auckland on 10 July.
Their forwards are without doubt the strongest of the three Tri-Nations countries with all the usual suspects selected. In fact, they’re an awesome unit and I can’t see too many weaknesses. I doubt whether the All Blacks or the Wallabies will have the power to match them.
In the backs, Jean de Villiers and Butch James return from their playing stints in Europe. Stars of the Super 14, Gio Aplon and Juan de Jongh, who were introduced to international rugby in the June tests are both included.
Springbok Squad for away games:
Forwards: Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, BJ Botha, Schalk Burger, Jannie du Plessis, Ryan Kankowski, Francois Louw, Victor Matfield, Tendai Mtawarira, Dewald Potgieter, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, John Smit, Pierre Spies, Gurthro Steenkamp, CJ van der Linde.
Backs: Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Butch James, Ricky Januarie, Zane Kirchner, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, Morne Steyn.
Tri Nations Match Schedule:
Saturday July 10: All Blacks v South Africa Auckland
Saturday July 17: All Blacks v South Africa Wellington
Saturday July 24: Australia v South Africa Brisbane
Saturday July 31: Australia v All Blacks Melbourne
Saturday August 7: All Blacks v Australia Christchurch
Saturday August 21: South Africa v All Blacks Johannesburg
Saturday August 28: South Africa v Australia Pretoria
Saturday September 4: South Africa v Australia Bloemfontein
Saturday September 11 Australia v All Blacks Sydney
