RWC latest – Vito the bolter for ABs
23 Aug 2011
Keo.co.za brings you news related to the World Cup.
Vito the bolter for ABs – Victor Vito has been included in the All Blacks’ World Cup squad.
Graham Henry has also included lock Anthony Boric, and wing Zac Guildford. As expected, forwards Liam Messam and Jarrad Hoeata didn’t make the cut, but it surprised a few locals to hear that Hosea Gear, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Wyatt Crockett were omitted.
‘It’s got a lot of experience – it’s the most experienced All Black side in the history of the game – but we’ve also got a number of younger players we think give real vitality and enthusiasm and edge,’ said the All Blacks coach at the squad announcement. ‘They’re mainly in the outside backs.’
Backline coach Wayne Smith said it had been tough to pick the back three players.
‘We just pick the best players that play the best,’ said Smith. ‘You want people who can take the high ball, you want people who are able to chase, you want players with high work-rate who can counter-attack, and off phase play get from their side of the field to the other side. You want high number of touches and good ability in the backfield.
‘But you look at Siti who was another one who played really well for us this year, even Ben Smith in his cameo… they all put form on the track. We just had to make a judgement on who we felt were the best, and on balance we’re happy with it.’
Despite a shaky performance against the Springboks in Port Elizabeth, Colin Slade will go to the World Cup as Dan Carter’s understudy at flyhalf.
All Blacks World Cup squad:
Forwards: John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (c), Keven Mealamu, Kieran Read, Adam Thomson, Brad Thorn, Victor Vito, Sam Whitelock, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock.
Backs: Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Israel Dagg, Andy Ellis, Zac Guildford, Cory Jane, Richard Kahui, Mils Muliaina, Ma’a Nonu, Colin Slade, Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava, Piri Weepu, Sonny Bill Williams.
Warburton to lead Wales – Sam Warburton will lead Wales at the World Cup in the injury-enforced absence of Matthew Rees.
Coach Warren Gatland has left veteran flanker Martyn Williams out of his 30-man squad. He has also omitted Dwayne Peel, Josh Turnbull, Jonathan Thomas and Gareth Turnbull.
Ron Hibbard, Gavin Henson and Morgan Stoddart were all unavailable for selection due to injuries. The good news is Gethin Jenkins is included and management is confident he will make a full recovery from a calf injury.
Wales World Cup squad:
Forwards (16): Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Lloyd Burns (Newport Gwent Dragons), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Paul James (Ospreys), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Craig Mitchell (Exeter), Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues), Sam Warburton (captain, Cardiff Blues), Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), Danny Lydiate (Newport Gwent Dragons), Toby Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Andy Powell (Sale Sharks).
Backs (14): Michael Phillips (Bayonne), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues), James Hook (Perpignan), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Lee Byrne (Clermont Auvergne), Aled Brew (Newport Gwent Dragons), Shane Williams (Ospreys), George North (Scarlets).
Maka to spearhead Tongan assault – Finau Maka has been named captain of the Tonga side for the World Cup.
The powerful No 8 was one of the stars of the 2007 tournament, but the decision to pick him as captain for the 2011 competition has come as a surprise. Maka hasn’t competed at the top level as far as club rugby is concerned for some time.
Super Rugby players Taniela Moa and Fetu’u Vainikolo were also included in the squad.
Tonga World Cup squad:
Aleki Lutui, Ephraim Taukafa, Aloisio Ma’asi, Alisona Taumalolo, Kisi Pulu, Soane Tonga’uiha, Halani Aulika, Taufa’ao Filise, Kelekolio Hehea, Sione Timani, Tukulua Lokotui, Joseph Tu’ineau, Sione Kalamafoni, Finau Maka (c), Viliami Ma’afu, Samiu Vahafolau, Sione Vaiomo’unga, Taniela Moa, Thomas Palu, Samisoni Fisilau, Kurt Morath, Siale Piutau, Alipate Fatafehi, Andrew Ma’ilei, Sukanaivalu Hufanga, William Helu, Fetu’u Vainikolo, Alaska Taufa, Viliame Iongi, Vungakoto Lilo.
Clever to captain USA – Former Lions loose forward Todd Clever will skipper the Eagles at the World Cup. University of Cape Town loose forward JJ Gagiano is also included in the 30-man squad.
USA squad:
Forwards: Inaki Basauri (Perigueux), Chris Biller (San Francisco Golden Gate), Todd Clever (Suntory Sungoliath), Pat Danahy (Life University), Eric Fry (Las Vegas Blackjacks), JJ Gagiano (University of Cape Town), Nic Johnson (Unattached), Scott LaValla (Stade Francais), Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie), Brian McClenahan (Olympic Club), Mate Moeakiola (Bobigny 93), Shawn Pittman (London Welsh), Hayden Smith (Saracens), Louis Stanfill (Unattached), Phil Thiel (Life University), John van der Giessen (Unattached).
Backs: Paul Emerick (Life University), Tai Enosa (Belmont Shore), Colin Hawley (Olympic Club), Nese Malifa (Glendale), Taku Ngwenya (Biarritz), James Paterson (Otago), Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club), Blaine Scully (Unattached), Junior Sifa (Nottingham RFC), Andrew Suniula (Chicago Griffins), Roland Suniula (Boston Rugby), Kevin Swiryn (Agen), Tim Usasz (Nottingham RFC), Chris Wyles (Saracens).
Cup organisers sweating ticket sales – Rugby World Cup organisers need 200 000 tickets to be sold in 17 days to make their revenue targets.
They are currently NZ$ 30.5 million short of their target (being NZ$219 million worth of tickets sold), but even if they manage that figure they will still be NZ$32 million short of breaking even. That deficit will then be met by New Zealand taxpayers and the New Zealand Rugby Union.
Rugby World Cup minister Murray McCully said on Tuesday that ticket sales are ‘pretty much on target’ and he was confident of the revenue target being met. There has been a concerted push to market the tournament in Australia, where interest in travelling to the tournament is high. It is estimated that 5000 South Africans will travel from the Republic to attend matches at the tournament, with more coming from the expat community.
355 Comments
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23 Aug 2011, 10:40 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-96: Like I said previously, with 4 front line Ab forwards at least to return to the starting pack, getting excited over that scrum performance is premature…
but continue, because SA are ALREADY WC winners this year arent they?
23 Aug 2011, 10:41 am
continual boring
they are going to write that on his tombstone.
over and over
23 Aug 2011, 10:44 am
@Gunther(gunther)-102: still no rugby opinion Gunther?
thought not…
23 Aug 2011, 10:46 am
NO BRAINS IN THE BACKS!!
DC is the only backline general capable of dictating proceedings. much like in 2007 DC needs a player in the mould of Aaron Mauger to suppot him in this role for the big games where variation a of tactics may be required for the tight games. The centres are all one dimensional, with a lack of kicking options. Unless dagg starts there will be too much pressure on DC, as they are the only footballers there.
23 Aug 2011, 10:49 am
Biggest omission have to be Crockett. I still don’t know what to make of our scrum dominace with the all Shark frontrow but seeing Afoa and Woodcock there and not Wyatt makes my day. Owen Franks will make a difference, so will Thorn but since our lineout dominance seems to have dissappeared, a better scrum will do nicely. Huge mistake by Henry. It is official….it has begun.
23 Aug 2011, 10:49 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-103:
my rugby opinion is that you are a twat deluxe who should be allowed out of the house without adult supervision.
and a muthafucker to boot (if ya know what I mean).
and that come the world cup knockouts, it’s anyone’s game.
but the all blacks are favorites to be sure.
aren’t they always?
23 Aug 2011, 10:51 am
There seems to be a lack of respect seeping into people’s minds about McCaw and the way he plays now. Granted he’s no longer the king of the floor, there he’s been usurped pocock and Brussouw but he presents other facets that kill both Brussouw and pocock, the two’s primary focus is stealing, McCaw creates an environment where he blocks these steals by playing close to the ball carrier, Thompson forgot this on Saturday. At the tackle point, he facilitates for either his own pilfering or more commonly for the counter ruck by forming a bridge at the tackle point and places himself on the opposition side, which obstructs the oppositions ability to effect a good clean out whilst he has his hands on the ball, this slows down their recycle and allows the defensive line to form. His link play on offense and defense in transitional play is unparalleled. Brussouw and pocock are great on the ground but that’s where it stops.
23 Aug 2011, 10:53 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-105: These wont be the front row that play against the Boks though,no matter whats said the Abs respect the Boks more than that.
23 Aug 2011, 10:53 am
@Gunther(gunther)-106:
I know what you mean, Id rather be a mofo than a rock spider, aye kiddy fiddler..
just how many kids have you “touched” personally?
23 Aug 2011, 10:57 am
And all saying that Wyatt is a liability at scrumtime? That is only if the ref sees it as such. And it is not as if he was penalised at every scrum. Ref’s mostly guess what’s happening at scrumtime anyway and will go *** for tat because of it. What he brings to the loose, fits the AB gameplan like a glove and because of his omission another prospect at frontfoot ball is lost.
23 Aug 2011, 10:57 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-109:
you seriously want to go down this road again?
have you no shame?
23 Aug 2011, 10:58 am
@Gunther(gunther)-111: hey, you come at me first mate, I was talking rugby and you went straight at the insults..
so go fark yourself…
23 Aug 2011, 11:00 am
@LITELOCK(LITELOCK)-108: I get that but no prop plays the full 80 anymore. So Woodcock and/or Afoa will be involved at some stage. So much better for the opposition now to know Wyatt isn’t there with the mission to wreak havoc for 60 or so.
23 Aug 2011, 11:01 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-109: The way you only come on here to mock and disrespect the locals, and then act all hurt and sad when they quite rightly point out that you are a kont, is worthy of its own psychiatric study. Has there been one day in the past few years here when you have refrained from being derogatory, argumentative, insulting? So you pretty much know what’s coming and you still do it. And then YOU are the victim? The poor little Maori fella, kicked and spat on by the big, mean dutchies. Fck off, Poeps. You are just an irritation here.
23 Aug 2011, 11:03 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-98: The Crusaders scrum did indeed monster the Sharks scrum, especially with John Smit as loosehead. With Beast on it looked much better.
Regardless, the locks behind the front row is very different from the Sharks and Bakkies is a much better scrumming lock.
Also, I think Wyatt Crockett was a very big part of the Crusaders scrum success.
Woodcock will no doubt improve, but I think Afoa is overrated.
23 Aug 2011, 11:03 am
cmon Gunther, you started this whole mess… your first comment to me was one of insult, nothing more and did nothing to counter my rugby opinion…
I then gave you another out regarding your rugby opinion, you continued to hurl insults..
but its always me right?
23 Aug 2011, 11:05 am
@>^..^< katman(katman)-114: Yeah no goodmorning, how are you doing. Just straight in, head first with the same old argumentative bs!
23 Aug 2011, 11:06 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-113: I agree, I think he (crockett) is very unlucky not to be there. Definitely happier as a boks supporter that he is not there.
Also, there’s no real backup for McCaw and I don’t think Thomson is the answer
23 Aug 2011, 11:07 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-112:
because I said you were continually boring?
straight for the jugular hey
and your measured yet humorous respeonse was
100.poppa69 said:
23 Aug 2011, 10:36 am
@Gunther(gunther)-95: whats that spider man? I see youve gone straight for the jugular, when I was talking rugby opinion…
go figure dutchy…
would you say keo has changed you again?
for the better or for the worse?
or is this your scorched earth policy?
or are you just normally a bellend?
23 Aug 2011, 11:07 am
@>^..^< katman(katman)-114: but the way the locals mock and disrespect is alright? some welcome huh? such gracious hosts, who do nothing but show their continual hatred…
whats the matter, arent we allowed to banter or do we have to just shut up and take the rubbish dished up?
not me Katgirl, I’ll stand up to people like yourself and Gunther, plain bullies who think they know it all..
23 Aug 2011, 11:08 am
I believe that All Black squad is a huge psychological boost to the Boks!! Jannie, Smit, beast, Gurthro, CJ and co will be rubbing their hands together knowing they won’t have to face Wyatt Crocket! He murdered everyone this year and is an absolute rock in the scrum……and in open play actually!! The Boks can’t play behind a pack going backwards and Morne for that matter can only play with his pack going forward!! (Sat was a case in point)!! The Boks and Aussies odds to win WC have just been slashed!!
23 Aug 2011, 11:10 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-101:
Last yr the Bok scrum was missing: Beast(visa),Bakkies(suspension),Smit(injured),Brussow(injured),Smith(injured till Soweto) but AB’s still didnt dominate Boks in setpiece.Most telling was at breakdown.
The much vaunted AB scrum power is yet to be proven vs Bok frontline neither.In Wellington this year Boks were missing entire pack barring Smit,Rossouw.
But AB fan on both occassions were getting a helluva excited.So check your side of the fence as well mate.
23 Aug 2011, 11:13 am
@danuk(danuk)-118: That is why I commented I think it has already begun for the AB’s. 2 big selection blunders that. Guildford for Sivi isn’t that much of a loss as both pretty good in their own right. They don’t lose much by selecting either. Gear is an interesting one but someone had to miss out in that potent backthree mix, I guess. SBW for me looked lost for the 2nd test in arow. Sure he made some telling offloads and put in some big hits, but for the most part he almost looks like he gets/feels in the way. Is it just me?
23 Aug 2011, 11:13 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-120:
“I know what you mean, Id rather be a mofo than a rock spider, aye kiddy fiddler..
just how many kids have you “touched” personally?”
It’s statements like those that make people dislike you. Implying that someone you don’t know is a paedophile doesn’t count for banter. At least not in my book. But hey, each to his own. Maybe you think it’s funny or witty or whatever.
23 Aug 2011, 11:13 am
@BMM(BMM)-121: What team in the world can play behind a pack which is struggling? What flyhalf, 8th man, scrummie looks good behind a loosing pack?
Can you name any team who’s scrum has been struggling looking good on 1st phase attack?
23 Aug 2011, 11:14 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-122: I never mentioned last year Mish, I mentioned the Super rugby comp this year…
where have I said the ABs scrum will monster the Bokke scrum? havent said anything of the sort.. all I stated was the Sharks and Stormers front rows were bested by the Saders… but read into my comments whatever you wish…
are we going to stick to the point at hand or are you going to move the goalpost again?
23 Aug 2011, 11:16 am
@oscarthedawg(oscarthedawg)-124: like I said, I was sticking to rugby… Gunther did not counter my opinion at all, just went straight to an insult..
so I will return serve if thats the case..
but of course, you read the thread and seen this didnt you?
23 Aug 2011, 11:18 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-120: Just go away and don’t come back then. Wouldn’t that be easier for everyone? To quote some funny British guys, “This is a local shop, for local people. Are you local?”
23 Aug 2011, 11:19 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-123: yes, I agree that I would have thought those players who have been selected, however I don’t think it will be that big an impact.
The only major risk I think they face is if either McCaw or DC get’s injured, because there are no serious contenders to back these guys up in the squad. Definitely for McCaw.
I think SBW will play better next to DC and with Guildford the combinations and plays will probably look a lot like the Crusader plays. It will be interesting to see if SBW starts, but I doubt it as GH seems to have chosen Nonu and Smith as the centre pairing.
I think he will play SBW and Dagg as impact players in the main games
23 Aug 2011, 11:20 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-122:
bonus points for using the word ‘telling’ in your post…
23 Aug 2011, 11:21 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-127:
everybody has read the thread and seen exactly the type of person you are.
continually boring
=
dutchie paedophile.
is that humour or are you just different?
23 Aug 2011, 11:21 am
@>^..^< katman(katman)-128: nah, Im not going to cater to your wish katman… but I will say this, the pack mentality evident on this thread, is it indicative of the local shop you make mention of?
23 Aug 2011, 11:23 am
@Gunther(gunther)-131: yawn…
you started the mess Gunther, why did you come straight with an insult…which is what it was, regardless..
you always do whenever I post, and NEVER with a rugby counter, always personally aimed at me..
so I’ll make it personal back..
23 Aug 2011, 11:23 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-127: Of course. Just returning serve. Hey, whatever floats your boat, it’s no skin off my nose.
23 Aug 2011, 11:25 am
@Gunther(gunther)-119:
‘boring’ is a serious matter for the kiwis
23 Aug 2011, 11:27 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-133:
are you nervous about the game on saturday, big guy?…
23 Aug 2011, 11:27 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-132: dude, as a south african living in london I come onto this site to hear the views from a South African point of view. The majority of bloggers on this site (as far as I can see) are Boks supporters and I think it’s perfectly reasonable that we are biased towards the Boks.
If you are looking for a mostly NZ view, then go and blog on a .co.nz website …
23 Aug 2011, 11:27 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-133:
continually boring?
well aren’t you?
I suggest you have a look at your body of work over the last few days.
23 Aug 2011, 11:29 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-132: Not just mine, bud. No one wants your “banter” here, whether you’re “returning serve” or not. I don’t understand how you choose to spend all this time bickering with people who genuinely dislike you. It’s just sad.
23 Aug 2011, 11:30 am
@we have it on good authority that on september 11, a legend will rise…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-136: not at all, Aussie will be better but I still think the Abs will outdo them in the forward battle…
@danuk(danuk)-137: then Dude, I guess it is SA nature to be hate filled is it?
@Gunther(gunther)-138: whatever gunther… do you EVER offer a rugby opinion? becasue I seldom see you do so… just cheap insults at anyone who isnt Saffa or who isnt white..
continue bigot…
23 Aug 2011, 11:32 am
How about just ignoring him? @danuk(danuk)-129: mmm see what you’re saying. Too bad the Aussies had a bit of off field drama. Will they be focused enough to put the AB’s to the sword. Got a lot of time for Horwill though. Their chances at lifting the WC increased with that move imo
23 Aug 2011, 11:35 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-140:
I offered you one earlier on which you ignored.
Please don’t make this a racial thing now.
Because that would be very sill indeed.
You are getting desperate.
23 Aug 2011, 11:38 am
@Gunther(gunther)-142:
“my rugby opinion is that you are a twat deluxe who should be allowed out of the house without adult supervision.
and a muthafucker to boot (if ya know what I mean”
thats a rugby opinion is it? yeah, continue mate… gees, what position is that referring too? I dont see how it relates to the front row discussion we were having..
but yeah, its always me who starts the rubbish aye?
23 Aug 2011, 11:41 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-143: But you sure as hell want to finish it nuh?
23 Aug 2011, 11:43 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-140:
if oz gets parity up front or not i think they’re gonna take a page out of the springboks playbook and look to kick a lot and spoil the ab’s tempo as much as possible. running failed them in the first test. they should play reds rugby a bit maybe? and just run good breakouts from cooper, genia and ioane now and again.
23 Aug 2011, 11:43 am
@mpundulu(mpundulu)-99: They get a hard time at times in Nz but any other national team with their win record they would have probably been knighted by now. I would have selected crockett over Afoa but Crocket has been susceptible to scrum penalties and I wonder whether Steyn or for that matter Beale as well kicking 50m penalties has made them wary of giving away penalties. If the AB backs don’t make the most of their opportunities like last saturday you can bet Steyn will keep the Boks in the game.
Time and time again when you get an extremely dominant player ie McCaw,carter, Gregan etc you get a paucity of quality in the same position. Many of the younger ones tend to head oversea because they dont want to sit on the bench a la Evans for carter leaving the also rans as backups.
23 Aug 2011, 11:50 am
@we have it on good authority that on september 11, a legend will rise…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-145: The addition of vickerman will add more grunt to their pack, but will it be enough Im not so sure… Cooper will be looking to redeem himself, but the ABs know how rattled he gets if he doesnt have time on the ball… as evidenced at Eden Park…Aussie will be tougher at home, but I still think the ABs will be too strong as a unit.. I think the Ab team at PE tried to implement a reds style of game, not sure it works at the higher test level myself..
Im tipping ABs by 12…
23 Aug 2011, 11:53 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-126:
Fact is that you amongst many AB fans have been celebrating the now apparently gargantuan AB frontrow stock yet its not yet proven to be dominant over Boks. Many a post commented on how great Crockett,Owen Franks,Ben Franks were going to decimate opposition looking at S15 form etc yet Crockett hasnt made the cut-gave away crucial penatlies in 3N,Ben Franks has struggled to assert himself when he has played.Owen is the big mover/shaker having improved immensely since 2009. Many were ready to put Woodcock to the pasture in favour of Crockett.Woodcock hardly impressed since 2009-last 18months his abilities have waned.Never thought I’d see Jannie du Plessis give AB loosheads such a hard time as this past weekend as i dont really rate him.But he did.
Crockett is out,Flynn will not start an important Test-as he has never from 2003 RWC bolter status-always plays Namibia,Portugal etc. So what of the vaunted Saders frontrow? Coz they wont be at world cup.
@we have it on good authority that on september 11, a legend will rise…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-130:
Thanks,hahaha LOL,straight out of the Hugh Bladen “scotch wretched playbook”
23 Aug 2011, 11:53 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-144:
“a muthafucker to boot (if ya know what I mean”
yep, especially as I know exactly what was meant by this…
23 Aug 2011, 11:54 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-140:
if oz gets parity up front or not i think they’re gonna take a page out of the springboks playbook and look to kick a lot and spoil the ab’s tempo as much as possible. running failed them in the first test. they should play reds rugby a bit maybe? and just run good breakouts from cooper, genia and ioane now and again.
am betting on oz though.
be honest, if you lose this will cause a funk of sorts in kiwiland, yes?
it causes a triple headache for the ab’s…in having to concern themselves against oz, sa and the frogs.
also, do you think ab’s might throw a game in their pool in order to get an easier ride through to the finals? it would be deviously smart if you did. you’d kill two birds with one stone by facing england in quarter and also leaving us to send off the frogs for you guys in the semi’s. samoa or wales will tire the ozzies and you back yourselves against them better than you do us or the frogs so that semi should work.
then its left to face us in the final, by which time you’ll hope we’re tired out from the toughest pool stage in the comp as well the frogs and irish?….
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