Team Naming Thursday - All Black Edition

Photo courtesy of Zimbio.com

Time for another edition of Team Naming Thursday, as the All Blacks prepare to face off against the Springboks on Saturday at Eden Park, the top of the table clash is looking like a battle of the giants and one that I'm as always counting down until kick off.

Liam Messam comes back into the starting lineup at the expense of Steven Luatua who has had 3 fantastic performances in the number 6 jersey. Its said that Messam's experience has just got him over the line for Saturdays test. A little bit of friendly competition for a spot in the side is always a good thing and i'm sure Liam will step up his game knowing he has Luatua breathing down his neck.

As expected Sam Cane has the number 7 jersey with Richie "Captain Fantastic" McCaw out for 3-4 weeks with his medial knee injury. This of course means that my personal fave Matt Todd comes into the 23 as cover.

Ma'a Nonu also returns to the starting lineup overcoming his ankle niggle and will have a big battle on his hands against the on form Springbok captain Jean De Villiers.

This will be a huge occasion for our boys as they shape up against a formidable forward pack, but they will also need to be very disciplined as its well known that any penalties given away within 50-60 odd metre's Morne Steyn will not hesitate to knock the points over.

If the All Blacks can start on the right foot and establish early dominance it will go a long way to securing the vital points and the win. The importance of the test match simply cannot be understated and if some of the All Black young guns step up to the mark it will go a long way to securing positions as we continue the build up towards RWC 2015.

All Blacks
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Dane Coles
3. Owen Franks
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Liam Messam
7. Sam Cane
8. Kieran Read (Captain)
9. Aaron Smith
10. Dan Carter
11. Julian Savea
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Ben Smith
15. Israel Dagg

Reserves
16. Kevan Melamu
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Charlie Faumuina
19. Steven Luatua
20. Matt Todd
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
22. Beauden Barrett
23. Charles Pituau

What do you think of the changes made?

All black everything.