Ben Franks plays tight and loose head so I'm not surprised a like for like replacement for Woodcock i.e.Crockett is deemed a luxury in a 30 man squad. There seems no out and out specialist 7 replacement for Richie either which is a risk. Messam and Thompson can both play 7 but ....
Hoeta plays more of the loosehead lock roll fulfilled superbly by Thorn and also offers a high work rate and mobility about the park. Like Thorn, he'll never be a threat on opposition lineout ball. Also, Williams just hasn't been that impressive; he is nowhere near the player he was before injury. All-in-all, the NZ locking stocks aren't that great.
Slade is the better option at 10 over the mercurial McAllister, or the flakey Cruden.
Sivivatu's omission is the biggest surprise. There is probably no other player in world rugby other than Quade who can so consistently beat the first man. He is a a devastating counter-attacker, links well with his back three and goes looking for work off the wing. There have been rumors of a fallout with Smith/Henry and a recent report that Weepu and he have effectively been sent for additional conditioning work (fat camp). Gear just doesn't join the line or link with his back three and his doesn't quite have the aerial defense or work rate that Henry seems to like in his back three. I fully expect there to be a swap before the official WC squad is announced and that Sivivatu's omission in an attempt to like a rocket up his arse. Toeava seems to have secured the right wing spot upon his return (Guildford in for cover) and it will be Sivivatu/Gear contesting for the left wing wing with Dagg covering the back three off the bench.
Alby Mathewson is the worst kicking/defending 9 in the comp. His box kicks are atrocious and he takes no pressure off his 10. He is too great a risk. If the pack is well on top, then he is great, but NZ need a 9 that can take the pressure off when the going gets hard and that's where his game falls apart.
Obviously, it's a strong squad but there seem to be no pointers in it's selection to any change in tactics. We know what the Boks will bring, more of the same but effective minimal risk shit. The Wallaby system has been building nicely. The ABs have said they need to tweak their and stay ahead of the competition again in order to lift the WC. It'll be fascinating to se what they come up with as I dont think there are any clues from selection.
