All Blacks ignore Rokocoko for Tests
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It does not bear thinking about: Joe Rokocoko, the most exhilarating wing in the world last season, and Marty Holah, the tamer of the Lions in Hamilton at the weekend; Corey Flynn, the outstanding Maori hooker, and Luke McAlister, the serenely accomplished midfielder. Each and every one of them, plus 20-odd others, have made it into the All Blacks. The Junior All Blacks, that is. If Sir Clive Woodward wanted confirmation of the strength of the opponents his squad is about to meet, that should suffice.
It does not bear thinking about: Joe Rokocoko, the most exhilarating wing in the world last season, and Marty Holah, the tamer of the Lions in Hamilton at the weekend; Corey Flynn, the outstanding Maori hooker, and Luke McAlister, the serenely accomplished midfielder. Each and every one of them, plus 20-odd others, have made it into the All Blacks. The Junior All Blacks, that is. If Sir Clive Woodward wanted confirmation of the strength of the opponents his squad is about to meet, that should suffice.
Graham Henry, who coached the Lions in Australia four years ago and now runs the All Black show, yesterday named a 26-man squad for the three-Test series, and found places for three unfamiliar forwards - the prop Campbell Johnstone, lock James Ryan and flanker Sione Lauaki.
Holah, who will go to Australia with the second string, had the misfortune of being born into the same generation as Richie McCaw. Rokocoko loses out to his cousin, Sitiveni Sivivatu.
McCaw is the only specialist open-side flanker in the squad, while Daniel Carter is the one front-line goal-kicker. A gamble? Very definitely. If both men stay fit, the Lions will have a mighty task on their hands. If injury strikes, the balance will tilt the tourists' way.
NEW ZEALAND: D Carter (Canterbury), J Collins (Wellington), R Gear (Nelson Bays), C Hayman (Otago), D Howlett (Auckland), C Jack (Canterbury), C Johnstone (Canterbury), B Kelleher (Waikato), S Lauaki (Waikato), R McCaw (Canterbury), L MacDonald (Canterbury), J Marshall (Canterbury), A Mauger (Canterbury), K Mealamu (Auckland), M Muliaina (Auckland), M Nonu (Wellington), A Oliver (Otago), J Ryan (Otago), S Sivivatu (Waikato), C Smith (Wellington), G Somerville (Canterbury), R So'oialo (Wellington), M Tuiali'i (Canterbury), T Umaga (Wellington, capt), A Williams (Auckland), T Woodcock (North Harbour).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments