The New Zealand selectors have made up their mind to retain all of the reconditioned All Blacks for the upcoming domestic Test matches against Canada and France and the Tri Nations.  Despite the lack of form by several rested players during the Super 14, Reuben Thorne, Leon MacDonald, Andrew Hore, Anton Oliver and Aaron Mauger are all included in the squad. There is also room for the controversial Ali Williams and Joe Rokocoko, despite their lack of game time.

There are also two bolters, with Hurricanes prop John Schwalger and Chiefs half-back Brendon Leonard providing some exciting new blood.  It would have been easy for the selectors to go for reliable established players like Stags duo Clarke Dermody and Jimmy Cowan, but the selectors are looking long term with the attacking Leonard and versatile Schwalger, who can cover both sides of the scrum.  Leonard made the most line breaks during Super 14 so is a devastating attacking option over the defensive Cowan.  Schwalger's ability to play both loose and tighthead effectively got him the nod over Dermody and Afoa.

Other notable absentees are speedy winger Rico Gear, powerhouses Ma'a Nonu and Sione Lauaki, scavengers Marty Holah and Daniel Braid and Blues prop John Afoa.  It raises the question how and when is form appropriate?

Blues winger Doug Howlett made the cut, but is surely not as devastating as Gear, despite a good season.  Conrad Smith did nothing during the Super 14, and provides another light-running centre as opposed to the usual devastating ball runner like Nonu.  I am worried about the lack of a back-up at openside and No.8.  If Soioalo goes down, there is only Masoe or Collins who can cover.  The makeup of the squad may change after the domestic Tests and Junior All Blacks matches.  The loose forwards have only five players and this must be a concern.  Thorne and Masoe are the only backups to Collins, Soioalo and McCaw.

The squad: L MacDonald, M Muliaina, D Howlett, S Sivivatu, J Rokocoko, C Smith, I Toeava, L McAlister, A Mauger, N Evans, D Carter, B Leonard, B Kelleher, P Weepu, R Soioalo, R McCaw (c), J Collins, C Masoe, R Thorne, T Flavell, A Williams, C Jack, K Robinson, A Oliver, A Hore, K Mealamu, C Hayman, N Tialata, J Schwalger, T Woodcock.

What do you think of the All Blacks selection? What are their chances in the Tri-Nations? Post a comment, or better still, why not write an article.