Squad Naming Sunday - France series

Photo courtesy of Radiosport.co.nz

This afternoon the first All Black squad of the year was named to face off against the French in the Panasonic test match series, and as expected there was a couple of surprises from our All Black coaches and selectors. The squad announcement brings out the couch selectors including myself and its always enjoyable to hear my fellow Kiwi supporters thoughts.

Much of the talk in the lead up to this series is of course the balance of youth and experience. With questions on the table about players heading overseas, sabbatical's and of course looking for the future and the 2015 World Cup this squad was certainly much anticipated.

Hookers

Kevin Melamu

Andrew Hore

Dane Coles

Props

Wyatt Crockett

Ben Franks

Owen Franks

Tony Woodcock

Ben Afeaki

Locks

Brodie Retallick

Luke Romano

Sam Whitelock

Jeremy Thrush

Loose Forwards

Sam Cane

Kieran Read (C)

Victor Vito

Steven Luatua

Liam Messam

Halfbacks

Piri Weepu

Aaron Smith

Tawera Kerr-Barlow

First 5's

Daniel Carter

Aaron Cruden

Beauden Barrett

Midfielders

Ma'a Nonu

Rene Ranger

Conrad Smith

Francis Saili 

Outside Backs

Israel Dagg

Ben Smith

Julian Savea 

Charles Piutau

*Matt Todd has also been called into the squad as an injury replacement for Sam Whitelock.

After the recent All Black training camps up in Mt Manganui there was a clear indication of who would most likely be picked. Or at least thats what I thought.

The biggest surprise from my point of view is the omission of Tj Perenara. I know a few people last year were a bit bemused at his omissions from our national team and Steve Hansen assured the public that he was on the radar and that his time would come. After he was a participant at the training camps it seemed that he would be named today.

The biggest shock is that Tawera Kerr-Barlow has been picked over Perenara who in my opinion has been the 2nd best in form halfback from our New Zealand super rugby teams this season. Aaron Smith has been in a run of bad form but his performances's last year in the black jersey justifies his selection but surely the form of Perenara and the lack of game time for Kerr-Barlow for a few rounds this season due to injury would have been in Perenara's favor.

As an avid Cantabrian supporter I am very pleased at the inclusion of Matt Todd, even if it is as injury cover. I have been very impressed with his consistency over the past few seasons, and feel that he is the type of player that could thrive in the All Black environment.

We should all congratulate Kieran Read on being named captain for the series, he will bring a steady and calm leadership to the team and should be very proud of this accolade. 

As the winter month's settle in the looming All Black season certainly gets me through the cold and dreary weather. I can’t wait to see what the French will bring to the test season and it will certainly be a tough battle.

What are your thoughts with our All Black squad?