With the Kiwis looking likely to play against France and Wales in addition to playing in the end of year Tri Nations tournament, they will no doubt be looking at taking an expanded squad over to Europe. Here would be my choices for the Kiwi squad:
Fullbacks: Karmichael Hunt
Wingers: Lesley Vainikolo, Matt Utai, Henry, Faafili
Centres: Paul Whatuira, Jamaal Lolesi, Nigel Vagana, Shontayne Hape
Halves: Thomas Leuleui, Benji Marshall, Jerome Ropati
Lock: Sonny Bill Williams, Sione Faumauina
2nd Row: Ali Lautiti, Frank Pritchard, Tony Puletua, David Kidwell
Front Row: Rueben Wiki, Roy Asotasi, Nathan Cayless, Jason Cayless
Hooker: Tevita Latu
Utilities: Vinnie Anderson, Louis Anderson, Robbie Paul
That would be a squad of 25 and I think that would be enough to get through the scheduled 7 test matches (possible 8 if they make the Final). I think it is a squad that has depth, skill and young legs.
Some justification to some of my selections:
Im not giving up hope on Hunt just yet. Hopefully for the Kiwis he doesnt get picked for QLD this year and the NZRL can convince him that by playing for the Kiwis he will experience playing all around the world. Something he probably wont do if he decides to play for QLD and Australia. If he does not decide to play I would have Ropati just slip into fullback and bring Brent Webb into the squad to cover that place.
In the backrow, there is plenty of options, but I think up front might need one more prop. Perhaps someone like Alex Chan or Hutch Maiava at the expense of one of those backrowers like one of the Anderson brothers. I dont think Rauhihi is going as good as he was last year and played terribly the other night. With teams taking 4 props in the 17 these days it would be tough for those 4 to play in each game. Puletua and Kidwell could do the job though if one of them happens to get injured or be unavailable.
Unlucky to miss out on that squad is Joe Gualavao, but I just havent seen him play enough over the last 2 years to suggest he is a better player than Pritchard, Kidwell or Lauititi.
Young players like Bronson Harrison, Dene Halatau and Steve Matai and Waringi Koopu, Francis Meli and Lance Hohia would all come into consideration if there were injuries to any of the above players.
What do you all think?
Fullbacks: Karmichael Hunt
Wingers: Lesley Vainikolo, Matt Utai, Henry, Faafili
Centres: Paul Whatuira, Jamaal Lolesi, Nigel Vagana, Shontayne Hape
Halves: Thomas Leuleui, Benji Marshall, Jerome Ropati
Lock: Sonny Bill Williams, Sione Faumauina
2nd Row: Ali Lautiti, Frank Pritchard, Tony Puletua, David Kidwell
Front Row: Rueben Wiki, Roy Asotasi, Nathan Cayless, Jason Cayless
Hooker: Tevita Latu
Utilities: Vinnie Anderson, Louis Anderson, Robbie Paul
That would be a squad of 25 and I think that would be enough to get through the scheduled 7 test matches (possible 8 if they make the Final). I think it is a squad that has depth, skill and young legs.
Some justification to some of my selections:
Im not giving up hope on Hunt just yet. Hopefully for the Kiwis he doesnt get picked for QLD this year and the NZRL can convince him that by playing for the Kiwis he will experience playing all around the world. Something he probably wont do if he decides to play for QLD and Australia. If he does not decide to play I would have Ropati just slip into fullback and bring Brent Webb into the squad to cover that place.
In the backrow, there is plenty of options, but I think up front might need one more prop. Perhaps someone like Alex Chan or Hutch Maiava at the expense of one of those backrowers like one of the Anderson brothers. I dont think Rauhihi is going as good as he was last year and played terribly the other night. With teams taking 4 props in the 17 these days it would be tough for those 4 to play in each game. Puletua and Kidwell could do the job though if one of them happens to get injured or be unavailable.
Unlucky to miss out on that squad is Joe Gualavao, but I just havent seen him play enough over the last 2 years to suggest he is a better player than Pritchard, Kidwell or Lauititi.
Young players like Bronson Harrison, Dene Halatau and Steve Matai and Waringi Koopu, Francis Meli and Lance Hohia would all come into consideration if there were injuries to any of the above players.
What do you all think?
