RWC latest – Vito the bolter for ABs

RWC latest – Vito the bolter for ABs

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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  • 301.ufo: Reply to this comment

    u?op ?p?sdn pu??s I ?? ?????q ?q ll?? ?? ?q???

  • 302.we have it on good authority that on september 11, a legend will rise...: Reply to this comment

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-297:
    unlucky for you france, oz and sa will be included in the wc….

    played:
    France 4 times – wins 2 – losses 2
    South Africa 3 times – wins 1 – losses 2
    Australia 2 times – wins 0 – losses 2

    can you read the numbers?…..it speaks…listen:
    ‘whispers’…if you buid it…the choke is on….

  • 303.ufo: Reply to this comment

    Sorry keo.mobi doing strange things

  • 304.Gunther: Reply to this comment

    @ufo(ufo)-303:

    the swahili app?

  • 305.we have it on good authority that on september 11, a legend will rise...: Reply to this comment

    out of 9 games against the heavy hitters the all blacks have only won 3….tssssk, tssssk, tsssk…..

    33.3%…sucks…..

  • 306.>^..^< katman: Reply to this comment

    @ufo(ufo)-303: Try flipping your SIM card around.

  • 307.we have it on good authority that on september 11, a legend will rise...: Reply to this comment

    thats like an F grade…shame…
    juju would be proud.

  • 308.poppa69: Reply to this comment

    @we have it on good authority that on september 11, a legend will rise…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-307:

    you mean like only winning one game out of your last 6 against Aussie…

    ag shampies..

    would juju be proud with that?

  • 309.ufo: Reply to this comment

    @Gunther(gunther)-304:

    hehehe…

    just found out i shouldn’t try and blog on my phone when in a meeting…

  • 310.ufo: Reply to this comment

    @>^..^< katman(katman)-306:

    yeah… why didn’t i think of that…??

    will do it next time…!!

    ;)

    :lol:

  • 311.oryx: Reply to this comment

    Poppa69 – have you seen HELEN? Asked her a question and she just disappeared.

    Maybe she tried to mount a ewe and got lost in the fleece

  • 312.Helen: Reply to this comment

    @poppa69(poppa69)-308: In the mood for a question or two?

    Or are will you run again like the spineless little man you are?

  • 313.Helen: Reply to this comment

    Kiwis, tell me:

    1) How many world cups have you won?
    2) How many world cups have been won by flashy moves and off loading in the tackle?
    3) Who won the last NZ vs SA test?

  • 314.Helen: Reply to this comment

    Silence

  • 315.Michael: Reply to this comment

    Oh lord, the Lone Ranger of Poop is still at it.

  • 316.Michael: Reply to this comment

    @Helen(Helen)-313:
    1. 1987; an invitational-only cup. How an invite tournament-only tournament can be called a WC…
    2. Ben Tune’s try in the 1999 final iirc and Australia’s tries in 1991. Not in 1995 (though Ruben Kruger should not have been denied his try), 2003 or 2007.
    3. Viva la Bokke

  • 317.oryx: Reply to this comment

    @Helen(Helen)-313: Helen, I asked you a question before based on your statement that it will be an AUS v SA final – would you care to answer it – or are you just a hypocrite? See post 288 if your lost

  • 318.Black Panther: Reply to this comment

    @Helen(Helen)-313:

    History:-

    Played 83
    Won 46
    ABs 56% wins

    Since Neutral Referees:-

    Played 49
    Won 33
    ABs 67% wins.

    This is all that matters.

  • 319.Black Panther: Reply to this comment

    @>^..^< katman(katman)-128:

    ‘local shop’ ?

    since when is the www ‘local’ ?!

    Segregation is never a good look, Ladies. Besides, the thread is clearly announcing the All Black squad, isnt it. So WHO let you in ?

  • 320.Black Panther: Reply to this comment

    @Gunther(gunther)-192:

    Now far be it for me to stick my nose in

    but

    you appear to be avoiding an Answer.

    why ?

  • 321.Gunther: Reply to this comment

    Blackies

    Its the .co.za that gives it away.

    In case you are confused.

    poops certainly is.

  • 322.Black Panther: Reply to this comment

    @Helen(Helen)-209:

    the last time the ABs met your precious Boks in a RWC ?

    *ahem*

    popguns dont work at the O-Keo Corral.

  • 323.poppa69: Reply to this comment

    @Helen(Helen)-279:

    “Yes, you are right, you are only as good as your last game, which sadly the kiwis lost with a record margin.” your words Helen..

    a record margin? fark what a laugh… you know absolutely nothing about rugby..

    the Abs biggest losing margin to SA is 17 points, way back in the 30s I think..

    SA’s Biggest losing margin to the ABs is approx. 40 points..

    can you do the maths you dumb fok…

    BP – dont worry about Gunther, these guys ghere were raised and believe in a segregated society, it is ALL they know… they implemented it for 60 odd years, and as we can see today, almost 20 odd years after “transformationj” they still wish for the bad old days, clearing trying to reintroduce segregation… as gunthers post indicates…

  • 324.Black Panther: Reply to this comment

    @Gunther(gunther)-321:

    Im not confused, Gunther.

    I always make my kids share their toys. You Ladies look positively childish playing with your own.

  • 325.Gunther: Reply to this comment

    Blackie how am I avoiding an answer?

    I think all our tries are great.

    I certainly don’t give a toss what what your shitstirring pal in china calls them.

    At least the passes go backwards.

    Are we clear?

  • 326.poppa69: Reply to this comment

    @Black Panther(Black Panther)-324: shhhh dont mention kids, youll get Gunther all excited again..

    he has a thing for them…

  • 327.Gunther: Reply to this comment

    Blackie

    I think our kiwi cousins add much needed spice.

    However sometimes SCUM poison the dish.

  • 328.Gunther: Reply to this comment

    Poops

    Go **** your mother.

  • 329.Black Panther: Reply to this comment

    @poppa69(poppa69)-323:

    Im not sure all that political nonsense is appropriate here, Pops.

    You stick to keeping the blindside secure, fella, and noone gets hurt.

    Ive never seen Gunther step too far out of line. Like Cane, he has the advantage of a quick tongue which allows pisstaking to be delivered with a smile despite the content being no less abrasive than your blindside hits.

  • 330.Black Panther: Reply to this comment

    @poppa69(poppa69)-326:

    I dont think thats funny, at all.

    @Gunther(gunther)-328:

    neither that.

    Youre both out-of-line.

    WTF

  • 331.Gunther: Reply to this comment

    And poops

    You have no idea how or where I was raised.

    You bullshit with kids is WAY out of line as I have told you before.

    And now you have found what you have been looking for.

    SCUM.

    I enjoy the kiwi contribution here but you are a piece of ****.

  • 332.Gunther: Reply to this comment

    I’m done with this.

  • 333.poppa69: Reply to this comment

    @Gunther(gunther)-331: funny that Gunther, you only ever deride me, even when I talk rugby, as proven on this very thread..

    but somehow thats ok? then you do exactly the same thing you accuse me of??

    hypocrite much, scum…

  • 334.>^..^< katman: Reply to this comment

    @poppa69(poppa69)-333: Fukme, but you are a persistent and tiresome one. Pack it in, big fella, No one likes you here. Spend your time better. Meet a girl. Go for drinks with a mate. You’re wasting years of your life in a never ending fight with a bunch of people who mostly like each other and completely dislike you. Surely this can’t be as good as it gets for you?

  • 335.Great White Shark: Reply to this comment

    @>^..^< katman(katman)-334:

    Normally with these chaps, five fingers to the left and right ear seems to bring a hush….followed by a loud ringing sound.

  • 336.spartan: Reply to this comment

    @we have it on good authority that on september 11, a legend will rise…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-302: Choke what choke the only 1 who choked in 2007 was Barnes 03 intercept try 99 Frenchies did what only they can do ,everyone knows what happened in 95 and in 91 some Campese magic closed the deal . those weren’t no chokes . 07 , 03 , 99 , 95 NZ didn’t get the rub of the green ( and thats being nice ) in 91 the best team won . Contrary to popular belief , the 1 constant in NZs world cup record is not choking pal it is the fact that referees are pedantic with NZ and loose with who ever we are playing .

  • 337.Hurricane: Reply to this comment

    @we have it on good authority that on september 11, a legend will rise…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-302:
    Well unlike a few on here i am not discarding any of those teams.
    Can you even read some of the dumb comments on this thread? Or is it the one eye on NZ posts and the other ones blind?
    Every RWC is different is it not?
    So we have a bad percentage in that cup,better there than in the overall international rugby.
    One thing i must say is that what will happen if SA dont win the RWC?
    Thats the only thing you guys can comeback at us on and if thats taken away,lol oh boy i will see a few members of Keo leaving.

  • 338.Hurricane: Reply to this comment

    @spartan(spartan)-336:
    Spartan
    You have to realise that a few of these guys respect no team at all. NZ were not beaten by a better team on the day in any of those RWCs, just like when SA are beaten at all, its everyone elses fault and bugger all congratulations to the winning and better team. They cant get there head around how anyone can be better than them. So let them have there fun cos i think in 2 months time a few of these posts will be alot different, except the usual blame the refs and travel, thats bred in them

  • 339.Hurricane: Reply to this comment

    @Gunther(gunther)-299:
    Nah hes dutch isnt he?
    Anyway you being a bit slow, i was talking about the refs at the PE test, you know that but seem to be trying to take the a$$hole of the month award at keo land.
    Keep going, i really have no problem with you at all gunther but you seem to be really quick on the draw when a kiwi posts,have you a problem with the Kiwis?

  • 340.Black Panther: Reply to this comment

    @>^..^< katman(katman)-334:

    so this is where you come to meet friends and hang out with people “who mostly like each other” ?

    Sad and Sadder….

  • 341.Hurricane: Reply to this comment

    @poppa69(poppa69)-326:
    Pops
    I understand you have been getting alot of stick from some of these guys, they dont enjoy the head on attack that you seem to have.
    But mate i have kids and i really dont dig the comments you are saying, keep it clean and get back to the old pops of giving them heaps without stooping to low, you have a skill of the banter but dont go below the banter line brother.

    From your concerned kiwi brother

  • 342.corporal punishment: Reply to this comment

    Back to the rugby…. it’s a strong AB squad. The top 15 are very strong team, and the bench is pretty handy as well. Some serious and obvious depth issues in the remaining 8, so injuries (and hopefully the lack of them) will have a massive influence on how we go.

    I hope the selectors have made the right calls in keeping Ali Williams (who has been great in the lineouts but terrible in all other facets of the play including messing up backline moves that he has no place in) and Tony Woodcock (who was clearly well off the pace in PE. Hard to second guess the selectors at this stage however, they have all the data on where the fitness of these guys is at, and will have accurately plotted how fit the will be come the world cup.

    Crockett Gear and Sivi are unlucky, but I can understand the reasons for them missing out. If Woodcock goes down, I think Crockett will be straight back in. I think the boks killed off the chances of Gear and Sivi – I think the first choice wings will be Dagg and Jane, as the selectors want fullbacks in those positions who are great under the high ball and who can kick. I.e. I think they have made essentially defensive selections rather than choosing the most exciting attacking players.

    The team isn’t as exciting as in 2007, but hopefully we are better prepared for the road ahead!!!

  • 343.Black Panther: Reply to this comment

    STILL cant fathom Afoa over Davey !

    Hosea 6th Gear is desperately unlucky, the Gear whanau must dread RWC announcements. He was injured at the wrong time, which didnt seem to affect the less-worthy Boric. Interesting to nb there being only one specialist-winger in Guildford, the others being wing-fullback’s.

  • 344.Black Panther: Reply to this comment

    Terry Wright has alot to answer for (the original AB wing-FB).

  • 345.Black Panther: Reply to this comment

    @corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-342:

    can anyone say, with absolute certainty, who the starting AB lock combo is ? Ali W has been played to get him up to speed, and rightly so, but Whitelock is the come’r and has the combo with Bad Thorn who, presumably, is a starter.

    and they must think alot more of Boric than the rest of us to have picked him without any gametime.

  • 346.corporal punishment: Reply to this comment

    @Black Panther(Black Panther)-345:

    I don’t like it, but I think Williams will be the starting lock partnered with with Brad Thorn (the latter a certainty to start in all the big games). I just can’t see what Williams would offer off the bench, and Henry and Co aren’t going to leave him out of the match day 22.

    Williams won’t be good for the whole 80 mins, so they will have to run Whitelock or, I suppose, Boric off the bench. That means we will only have one loose forward to cover all three positions, that will be Thomson I guess or Vito if he is injured.

    Henry might go for a 5/2 split against a team like the boks, and have both Vito and Thomson on the bench…. with Weepu and Toeava covering the whole backline.

    If Brad Thorn was was tall enough to be a strong lineout jumper, Vito could cover lock and 6/8 (he is actually taller than Thorn I think), but Thorn isn’t a real lineout option against the boks in particular and also Aus – so we have to have a tall, specialist lock on the bench.

    I think this is why Gear and Sivivatu missed out. They are not going to be starting players, and are no good on the bench as they cover only one position. If one of the starting wingers picks up a serious injury, Henry & Co can always bring Gear or Sivi back into the team as a specialist replacement.

  • 347.corporal punishment: Reply to this comment

    PS I think this means that the starting wingers will be Guilford and Jane, or Guilford and Dagg, with either Dagg or Jane on the bench covering wing and fullback.

  • 348.aliboy: Reply to this comment

    @Black Panther(Black Panther)-345: Boric looked pretty good in the S15 and the last EOY tour. I think that he is genuinely picked on current form and has moved up from his previous years performances where he mostly looked a bit average in the internationals. In the S15 I think he was the best of the Blues locks, and don’t feel that he should have missed out. I like Williams with his slightly wider abilities, but on current form I don’t feel he is doing enough in the tight. I suspect he is there for his lineout work which has looked very good, but he needs to hit more rucks and tighten up a bit. Thorne is a certain starter in the big games, so they may go for Williams to beef up the lineout, although I think Whitelock is a better choice all round, and even Boric if he can get fit. It will probably be a ‘horses for courses’ pick to partner Thorne depending on whether they want extra physicality or extra lineout security.

  • 349.aliboy: Reply to this comment

    @corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-347: I am picking Jane and Dagg starting with Toeava on the bench as the first team pick.

  • 350.Black Panther: Reply to this comment

    @corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-347:

    exactly what I was alluding to re Guildford. Odd because it essentially ranks him as our No1 winger at the moment.

    @aliboy(aliboy)-348:

    The 3 Blind Mice like what Ali brings to the team dynamic too, an ability to lighten the mood off the pitch and turn on the nutcase all-action gig on the pitch. He is vastly experienced and his lineout prowess both on or off AB throw has returned to high standards. Its noticeable that the speed has left him, understandably with an achilles injury, and the sneaky shirt-pulls are going to catch his team out when he gets found out in the centres. He strikes me as a bigmatch player tho, a willingness to take the lead. He’ll also be playing on home turf at Eden Park and in front of his family who are tight.

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