All Blacks Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

lurtz

Swiwi what do you think of thrush's chances if any?

Swiwi

lurtz wrote: »

Swiwi what do you think of thrush's chances if any?

I dunno, he hasn't really impressed me to AB level TBH. He was U19 player of the year, and he's decent enough, but he's got his work cut out to displace Whitelock, Romano & Retallick. No doubt he'll get 1 cap, never get selected again, and end up in Japan or France...I guess we'll see, he's still relatively young at 28.

totallegend

I see that Conrad Smith is following McCaw's lead and taking a six-month break after the Four Nations to recharge his batteries ahead of the 2015 World Cup, with the blessing of Wayne Smith.

It's a good idea for Smith and a nice bit of business for the ABs.

Swiwi

totallegend wrote: »

I see that Conrad Smith is following McCaw's lead and taking a six-month break after the Four Nations to recharge his batteries ahead of the 2015 World Cup, with the blessing of Wayne Smith.

It's a good idea for Smith and a nice bit of business for the ABs.

Sad times, though, for rugby. The world will never again see Smith & O'Driscoll go head to head...unless Ben plays at 13, but still.

thomond2006

Not sure if this is the place, but Parra and Palisson have been ruled out of the tour. Parra is injured while Palisson needs off season surgery. They have been replaced by Jean-Marc Doussain and Marc Andreu.

Maybe we should have a France-NZ Series thread?

Swiwi

thomond2006 wrote: »

Not sure if this is the place, but Parra and Palisson have been ruled out of the tour. Parra is injured while Palisson needs off season surgery. They have been replaced by Jean-Marc Doussain and Marc Andreu.

Maybe we should have a France-NZ Series thread?

That's a pity. I haven't heard of Doussain & Andreu, hopefully they're good!

Podge_irl

Andreu is very good but he's tiiiiiiny.

Ruck Inspector

Whats the likely NZ team for the first france game?

My team as of right now.

1. Ben Franks
2. Dan Coles
3. Owen Franks
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Luke Romano
6. Steven Luatua
7. Sam Cane
8. Kieran Reed
9. Piri Weepu
10. Dan Carter
11. Julian Savea
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Ben Smith
15. Israel Dagg

the baby bull elephant

I'd say Coles won't start. Don't think Weepu really works with Carter either would pick Perenara myself. Also wouldn't be surprised for someone new to be tried at 13.

Swiwi

Ruck Inspector wrote: »

Whats the likely NZ team for the first france game?

My team as of right now.

1. Ben Franks => Woodock
2. Dan Coles => Mealamu or Hore
3. Owen Franks
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Luke Romano
6. Steven Luatua => Messam
7. Sam Cane
8. Kieran Reed
9. Piri Weepu => Smith
10. Dan Carter
11. Julian Savea
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Ben Smith => Ranger or Halal
15. Israel Dagg

That's what I think Hansen & co will choose. I would LOVE to see Ben Smith get the 15 shirt, he's played bloody well all season, and Dagg has been average.

Swiwi

Podge_irl wrote: »

Andreu is very good but he's tiiiiiiny.

Big isn't always better. Where does he play, Podge? If it's wing and he's facing Savea, size could be an issue.

Podge_irl

Swiwi wrote: »

Big isn't always better. Where does he play, Podge? If it's wing and he's facing Savea, size could be an issue.

He's a wing and he's about 5'5". If he was bigger he'd be excellent. I haven't seen a lot of him but he's a classy player and does the basics right. But his size will always be an issue.

thomond2006

Romain Teulet at Castres too, 5'5"" fullback with a class goal kicking routine. Legend.

matthew8

Swiwi wrote: »

That's a pity. I haven't heard of Doussain & Andreu, hopefully they're good!

Doussain made his debut against NZ... in the world cup final.

Swiwi

matthew8 wrote: »

Doussain made his debut against NZ... in the world cup final.

Was that the guy who came on for the last 5 minutes in place of Parra, and knocked the ball on or something?

totallegend

thomond2006 wrote: »

Romain Teulet at Castres too, 5'5"" fullback with a class goal kicking routine. Legend.

For a minute I thought Teulet had been added to the squad. ..

Fireball07

Andreu is tiny but he's very very fast. Good player, but not sure if he's top class.

the baby bull elephant

Swiwi wrote: »

That's what I think Hansen & co will choose. I would LOVE to see Ben Smith get the 15 shirt, he's played bloody well all season, and Dagg has been average.

Ah but Dagg and Nonu have their whole shabang of being poor for the opening section of Super Rugby and then suddenly bursting to life with the tests round the corner/in the tests. They've really made an art of it.

I'd love B. Smith to start could well be on the wing as he's the closest type of player to Jane but obviously 15's where he's best, though I'd love to see him at 13 for a game. Some real depth for you guys at 15 now with Dagg, Smith and Piatau. Also Anscombe, Robinson, Barrett or Taylor (though clearly not on current form).

Swiwi

the baby bull elephant wrote: »

Ah but Dagg and Nonu have their whole shabang of being poor for the opening section of Super Rugby and then suddenly bursting to life with the tests round the corner/in the tests. They've really made an art of it.

I'd love B. Smith to start could well be on the wing as he's the closest type of player to Jane but obviously 15's where he's best, though I'd love to see him at 13 for a game. Some real depth for you guys at 15 now with Dagg, Smith and Piatau. Also Anscombe, Robinson, Barrett or Taylor (though clearly not on current form).

I just think it's a slap in the face of Ben Smith if he's on the bench. I'd be raging if it were me. Maybe he will get the 14 jumper - certainly Dagg can't play 14, he was absolutely rubbish for the Crusaders on the wing. Piatau might also get put on the wing. Of the others you mention, Anscombe has a possible AB future, I don't think Robinson does (would have made a good signing for Leinster), Barrett is really a 10, and Taylor is being looked at as a 12. Taylor is a very solid player, and a fine goalkicker, but the Crusaders midfield with Taylor & Crotty is a bit pedestrian IMO - kind of reminds me of a Scottish midfield, which is not at all want I want to see in Black!

thomond2006

totallegend wrote: »

For a minute I thought Teulet had been added to the squad. ..

He should be. That kicking routine should be seen by a wider audience! :P

the baby bull elephant

Swiwi wrote: »

I just think it's a slap in the face of Ben Smith if he's on the bench. I'd be raging if it were me. Maybe he will get the 14 jumper - certainly Dagg can't play 14, he was absolutely rubbish for the Crusaders on the wing. Piatau might also get put on the wing. Of the others you mention, Anscombe has a possible AB future, I don't think Robinson does (would have made a good signing for Leinster), Barrett is really a 10, and Taylor is being looked at as a 12. Taylor is a very solid player, and a fine goalkicker, but the Crusaders midfield with Taylor & Crotty is a bit pedestrian IMO - kind of reminds me of a Scottish midfield, which is not at all want I want to see in Black!

Meant Andre Taylor but more on last years form than this years. Robinson and Barrett I agree aren't really the future for different reasons but for 5th and 6th choice their not half bad.

I'm saying I think Smith will get the 14 jersey btw.

Swiwi

the baby bull elephant wrote: »

Meant Andre Taylor but more on last years form than this years. Robinson and Barrett I agree aren't really the future for different reasons but for 5th and 6th choice their not half bad.

I'm saying I think Smith will get the 14 jersey btw.

Oh yeah, Andre Taylor, one-hit wonder so far. He just needs to concentrate on a solid ITM cup and making sure he gets a Canes jersey for next year!

Yeah, Smith might well get 14, but I'm not convinced he's an out & out winger. They're not necessarily interchangeable positions IMO.

the baby bull elephant

Swiwi wrote: »

Oh yeah, Andre Taylor, one-hit wonder so far. He just needs to concentrate on a solid ITM cup and making sure he gets a Canes jersey for next year!

Yeah, Smith might well get 14, but I'm not convinced he's an out & out winger. They're not necessarily interchangeable positions IMO.

I agree he's not an out and out winger but New Zealand seem to like having a second fullback on the right wing and with no Jane Smith is the closest they've got.

Swiwi

the baby bull elephant wrote: »

I agree he's not an out and out winger but New Zealand seem to like having a second fullback on the right wing and with no Jane Smith is the closest they've got.

Yeah, it will be interesting to see what they do. I'll preview the series once the AB team is actually announced, and we'll see what 14 throws up.

Swiwi

Eh putain de merde! Hosea Gear is off to Toulouse

No surprises, I guess. He's a specialist left winger only, and he's behind Julia Savea now. Make it stop someone!

Swiwi

On the plus side, it looks as if the ABs will play Japan, in Japan, on the EOYT. The last time outside of a RWC that the ABs played a minnow in an away game is...?

...Romania, in Bucharest, 1981.

Podge_irl

Swiwi wrote: »

On the plus side, it looks as if the ABs will play Japan, in Japan, on the EOYT. The last time outside of a RWC that the ABs played a minnow in an away game is...?

...Romania, in Bucharest, 1981.

Guardians of the game eh?

.ak

Swiwi wrote: »

On the plus side, it looks as if the ABs will play Japan, in Japan, on the EOYT. The last time outside of a RWC that the ABs played a minnow in an away game is...?

...Romania, in Bucharest, 1981.

What? Sure they play Ireland all the time!

totallegend

Swiwi wrote: »

On the plus side, it looks as if the ABs will play Japan, in Japan, on the EOYT. The last time outside of a RWC that the ABs played a minnow in an away game is...?

...Romania, in Bucharest, 1981.

Isn't it true that they've never played in Fiji or Samoa? That annoys me I have to say.

They recently refused to travel to mark the centenary of the Fijian RFU as well.

CIARAN_BOYLE

Swiwi wrote: »

On the plus side, it looks as if the ABs will play Japan, in Japan, on the EOYT. The last time outside of a RWC that the ABs played a minnow in an away game is...?

...Romania, in Bucharest, 1981.

Sorry but what is the EOYT??

The All Black As and NZ Maori have played a number of games with minnows and are rarely beaten so NZ probably feel that their obligation to develop the game is done. Not sure if I agree.

Taco Corp

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Sorry but what is the EOYT??

The All Black As and NZ Maori have played a number of games with minnows and are rarely beaten so NZ probably feel that their obligation to develop the game is done. Not sure if I agree.

end of year tour

Swiwi

totallegend wrote: »

Isn't it true that they've never played in Fiji or Samoa? That annoys me I have to say.

They recently refused to travel to mark the centenary of the Fijian RFU as well.

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

The All Black As and NZ Maori have played a number of games with minnows and are rarely beaten so NZ probably feel that their obligation to develop the game is done. Not sure if I agree.

It's easy to slate the ABs for this, and indeed even the NZ media do it. But the ABs are the main source of revenue for the NZRFU. There's only so many tests the ABs can play each year, and playing Fiji in Suva in front of maybe 5000 people at NZ$10 a ticket, or playing Georgia, USA, Namibia etc doesn't work either.

We really struggle to keep our players in NZ. We lose about 5 to 10 top players every year. Imagine if 1 week it's Sexton off to France, then a couple of weeks later SOB says he's off to Japan, Trimble gets annoyed he's lost his place to Gilroy so off he goes to the UK, then Zebo gets a big money offer from Toulon etc. It's easy to say pick the ABs from any place, but having the likes of Hayman, Evans, Gear fly back from Europe for test matches etc won't work. I'd like to think the NZRFU will open up AB eligibility to the whole SXV, that would also mean Kiwis living in Aussie like Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper etc could declare for NZ if they so want.

Podge_irl

Swiwi wrote: »

We really struggle to keep our players in NZ. We lose about 5 to 10 top players every year. Imagine if 1 week it's Sexton off to France, then a couple of weeks later SOB says he's off to Japan, Trimble gets annoyed he's lost his place to Gilroy so off he goes to the UK, then Zebo gets a big money offer from Toulon etc. It's easy to say pick the ABs from any place, but having the likes of Hayman, Evans, Gear fly back from Europe for test matches etc won't work. I'd like to think the NZRFU will open up AB eligibility to the whole SXV, that would also mean Kiwis living in Aussie like Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper etc could declare for NZ if they so want.

Its not an entirely like for like situation though because you ****ers have a seemingly endless supply of great players.

CIARAN_BOYLE

Swiwi wrote: »

It's easy to slate the ABs for this, and indeed even the NZ media do it. But the ABs are the main source of revenue for the NZRFU. There's only so many tests the ABs can play each year, and playing Fiji in Suva in front of maybe 5000 people at NZ$10 a ticket, or playing Georgia, USA, Namibia etc doesn't work either.

I understand that, I do. Its the same for most countries though.

Swiwi

Podge_irl wrote: »

Its not an entirely like for like situation though because you ****ers have a seemingly endless supply of great players.

It is true that there is a bit of a production line, but not quite as deep as might be thought. I can't complain too much, cos we still do OK of course, but it is a bit frustrating seeing a player come thru, get a bit decent, a few games for the ABs, and then off we go. I mean Carl Hayman could have gone down as one of the greatest ever AB props, but almost at the height of his powers he goes off to France (where he has never been as good for some reason), turning down I think NZ$750,000 year.

I know a lot of people don't like McCaw, but the fact he's remained in NZ now for about 10 straight years says a lot. I'd say back a few years he could have commanded serious money in France or Japan, maybe less so now that he's a bit older, although he's due back shortly into the SXV, and I'll be interested to see how he goes all rested and recuperated.

Podge_irl

Swiwi wrote: »

It is true that there is a bit of a production line, but not quite as deep as might be thought. I can't complain too much, cos we still do OK of course, but it is a bit frustrating seeing a player come thru, get a bit decent, a few games for the ABs, and then off we go. I mean Carl Hayman could have gone down as one of the greatest ever AB props, but almost at the height of his powers he goes off to France (where he has never been as good for some reason), turning down I think NZ$750,000 year.

I know a lot of people don't like McCaw, but the fact he's remained in NZ now for about 10 straight years says a lot. I'd say back a few years he could have commanded serious money in France or Japan, maybe less so now that he's a bit older, although he's due back shortly into the SXV, and I'll be interested to see how he goes all rested and recuperated.

I can understand the frustration, especially as players seem to be leaving earlier in their careers. We have the complete opposite here in Ireland though (as you have no doubt noticed) with players hanging on way past their prime and basically blocking younger players from making the breakthrough. The exodus does have its benefits as long as it is controlled a bit.

Swiwi

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

I understand that, I do. Its the same for most countries though.

NZ is too left wing to introduce the tax laws the rugby stars have here. There is absolutely no way the country would let sports stars retire with huge tax breaks for retiring in NZ, and that definitely helps Ireland.

In terms of the PIs, they are eligible to play in the SXV franchises, even if they are no longer Ab eligible etc, but the main issue is that these little Pacific Islands are basically not too far off 3rd world - certainly I imagine their training facilities, stadia etc are pretty primitive. I think some sort of NZ side should go there each year, but I'm not sure having the ABs play there is a great idea.

Swiwi

Podge_irl wrote: »

I can understand the frustration, especially as players seem to be leaving earlier in their careers. We have the complete opposite here in Ireland though (as you have no doubt noticed) with players hanging on way past their prime and basically blocking younger players from making the breakthrough. The exodus does have its benefits as long as it is controlled a bit.

Yeah, that is definitely true. I'm hoping Schmidt will be a bit more progressive in introducing youth into the Irish mix. I remember one guy posting that Kidney had "chosen a few under 30s, you know let the young guys have a go", and I chuckled away.

totallegend

Swiwi wrote: »

It's easy to slate the ABs for this, and indeed even the NZ media do it. But the ABs are the main source of revenue for the NZRFU. There's only so many tests the ABs can play each year, and playing Fiji in Suva in front of maybe 5000 people at NZ$10 a ticket, or playing Georgia, USA, Namibia etc doesn't work either.

I'm sorry but I don't buy any of this.

OK, Fijian people can't pay the same money for tickets as Irish people and the TV deal won't be as attractive, but never to have played there is/was a deliberate policy decision, pure and simple. If paying player salaries is the issue, why did they never travel in the amateur days?

According to Wikipedia, the stadium in Suva holds 30,000 people. It would be packed to the rafters.

It doesn't have to be the absolute first-choice XV, but a capped international would be a gesture at least, a "thanks for populating our team over the years".

The "only so many tests" argument is also bollocks, given that they manage to squeeze in tests outside the window for England or Wales, the Bledisloe Cup is now a best-of-nine-games series and now we hear talk of a test in Japan before they come to Europe in November.

Podge_irl

Fiji is possibly a bad example as the political situation there is part of the reason the ABs avoid it.

Swiwi

totallegend wrote: »

I'm sorry but I don't buy any of this.

OK, Fijian people can't pay the same money for tickets as Irish people and the TV deal won't be as attractive, but never to have played there is/was a deliberate policy decision, pure and simple. If paying player salaries is the issue, why did they never travel in the amateur days?

According to Wikipedia, the stadium in Suva holds 30,000 people. It would be packed to the rafters.

It doesn't have to be the absolute first-choice XV, but a capped international would be a gesture at least, a "thanks for populating our team over the years".

The "only so many tests" argument is also bollocks, given that they manage to squeeze in tests outside the window for England or Wales, the Bledisloe Cup is now a best-of-nine-games series and now we hear talk of a test in Japan before they come to Europe in November.

Podge_irl wrote: »

Fiji is possibly a bad example as the political situation there is part of the reason the ABs avoid it.

Yeah, in regards to Fiji politics has really come into in recent years. I'm not going to go thru the whole spiel AGAIN (sigh) of explaining that the vast majority of Pacific Island ABs were actually born and raised in NZ and are legitimate Kiwis, just because they're brown doesn't automatically make them not NZers...what I will say is that England in particular has far more poached PI players than the ABs. If we look at the Lions we have Faletau & Tualagi & Vunipola, and no-one accuses the Lions of poaching PIs. Anyone, that's enough of a rant, sorry totallegend!

totallegend

Podge_irl wrote: »

Fiji is possibly a bad example as the political situation there is part of the reason the ABs avoid it.

The NZRU are sending a 'Classic All Blacks' team to Fiji this summer, so that argument doesn't hold water either I'm afraid.

Plus, the military dictatorship, while admittedly not great, only took over in 2006.

I'm not saying the ABs are the only offenders in this regard, I thought it was absolutely shameful that Ireland didn't allow Fiji the respect of a capped international in Autumn 2012, but I just think it would do wonders for development of the game in Fiji/Samoa. And that's why it won't happen.

Swiwi

totallegend wrote: »

The NZRU are sending a 'Classic All Blacks' team to Fiji this summer, so that argument doesn't hold water either I'm afraid.

Plus, the military dictatorship, while admittedly not great, only took over in 2006.

I'm not saying the ABs are the only offenders in this regard, I thought it was absolutely shameful that Ireland didn't allow Fiji the respect of a capped international in Autumn 2012, but I just think it would do wonders for development of the game in Fiji/Samoa. And that's why it won't happen.

Yeah, I agree more could be done for the PIs, although you could argue that players like Kahn Fotuali learn their trade in the SXV then scoop big money offers overseas, and help make Samoa a much better side than in the past.

totallegend

Swiwi wrote: »

Yeah, in regards to Fiji politics has really come into in recent years. I'm not going to go thru the whole spiel AGAIN (sigh) of explaining that the vast majority of Pacific Island ABs were actually born and raised in NZ and are legitimate Kiwis, just because they're brown doesn't automatically make them not NZers...what I will say is that England in particular has far more poached PI players than the ABs. If we look at the Lions we have Faletau & Tualagi & Vunipola, and no-one accuses the Lions of poaching PIs. Anyone, that's enough of a rant, sorry totallegend!

Dude, I'd be a serious hypocrite to be criticising anyone for a rant. And in fairness, I won't be giving out about Richardt Strauss playing against the ABs in November so it's a grey area alright.

Just doing a bit of googling there and I see that Sivivatu played for the Pacific Islands team in 2004, thought that would have disqualified him from NZ since they were full international tests (but obviously not).

Swiwi

totallegend wrote: »

Dude, I'd be a serious hypocrite to be criticising anyone for a rant. And in fairness, I won't be giving out about Richardt Strauss playing against the ABs in November so it's a grey area alright.

Just doing a bit of googling there and I see that Sivivatu played for the Pacific Islands team in 2004, thought that would have disqualified him from NZ since they were full international tests (but obviously not).

Yeah, I think Sione Lauaki did the same. I think everyone agreed playing for the Pacific Lions wouldn't exclude them from playing for NZ. I don't like the rules at the moment, the way Nacewa is ruled out by 20 seconds or whatever it was all those years ago, and then Strauss as you say or Payne can be Irish after just 3 years - I don't have a problem with it, but I just wonder if maybe 4 years is a bit more reasonable. There are a lot of Kiwis living in Aussie, opening up AB eligibility to the Aussie SXV franchises would be mighty handy.

duckysauce

Swiwi wrote: »

Yeah, I agree more could be done for the PIs, although you could argue that players like Kahn Fotuali learn their trade in the SXV then scoop big money offers overseas, and help make Samoa a much better side than in the past.

Its not the Samoan players that are the problem, it is the Samoan rfu that screwed them over and this was evident in the last world cup-- alot of players left after that, bans or whatever , they are a major force now the AIs against them will be interesting, depending on the team they send over.

Swiwi

duckysauce wrote: »

Its not the Samoan players that are the problem, it is the Samoan rfu that screwed them over and this was evident in the last world cup-- alot of players left after that, bans or whatever , they are a major force now the AIs against them will be interesting, depending on the team they send over.

I know I'm diverging slightly from this being an AB thread, but Schmidt provides a tenuous link...it's not inconceivable that Ireland could be 0-3 at the end of the AIs, and still have played really well. I know it's hard to cop losses, but if Schmidt can give Ireland a demonstrable gameplan, with an attacking mindset, and appropriate selection choices it wouldn't be all bad. Samoa are a pretty handy unit these days, and of course NZ & Aussie are always in the top 5 Nations so it's a really tough run of games to start his official tenure.

Podge_irl

Swiwi wrote: »

I know I'm diverging slightly from this being an AB thread, but Schmidt provides a tenuous link...it's not inconceivable that Ireland could be 0-3 at the end of the AIs, and still have played really well. I know it's hard to cop losses, but if Schmidt can give Ireland a demonstrable gameplan, with an attacking mindset, and appropriate selection choices it wouldn't be all bad. Samoa are a pretty handy unit these days, and of course NZ & Aussie are always in the top 5 Nations so it's a really tough run of games to start his official tenure.

Sure don't you know Swiwi, Joe Schmidt lost the Leinster dressing room and should have been fired after losing 3 of his first 4 games in charge?

Swiwi.

Insomnia is ruling the roost, so I might as well churn out a bit of post-French series analysis to keep the forum abreast of where I see the ABs at ahead of our meeting in November.

Firstly, still underwhelmed by the forwards, especially the backrow, which I'll review here. The sycophantic NZ media, as usual, hasn't really stopped to ask the hard Qs, but you would almost say France won the battle of the breakdown. I felt like an Irish fan under DK, the way Steven Luatua got maybe 5 or 10 minutes in the 3rd game of the series. Luatua seems a rare talent, and I reckon he could be world class. Victor Vito has never played particularly well for NZ, and I don't think ever will, it's time the selectors agreed, and even the papers are saying he might miss the 4N cut. I really like Liam Messam, in the sense he has stuck with NZ rugby, and copped his controversial omission from the RWC 2011 team on the chin. But for all his hard work, he's just not imposing enough.

Then there's Sam Cane. He might come right, but he's miles off McCaw at the moment. Thankfully Richie is back soon. He could even play some stage at 6. I think for any fan of rugby (Kiwi or not), how McCaw fares when he comes back is intriguing. If it's a raging success, look for sabbaticals to be handed out like lolliwater, if he seems past it, they might rapidly become a rugby anachronism, much like "rest & rotation". My money is on the former, he's not that old yet at 32. I would have no problem with Ardie Savea getting a wee run on the end of year tour.

Read is fine, although his hands weren't great in the weekend.

Luatua/McCaw/Read = a confident LVR, hopefully this is what will grace the Aviva, and I am genuinely interested to see what Schmidt goes with for Ireland, there are the usual suspects away on Lions duty, but maybe that 7 from Munster Tommy O'Donnell might get an elevation, although I've barely seen him play myself (HEC knockout stages from memory).

If I can be arsed, I might post more during the week...

ScissorPaperRock

Le vieux renard wrote: »

Luatua/McCaw/Read = a confident LVR, hopefully this is what will grace the Aviva, and I am genuinely interested to see what Schmidt goes with for Ireland, there are the usual suspects away on Lions duty, but maybe that 7 from Munster Tommy O'Donnell might get an elevation, although I've barely seen him play myself (HEC knockout stages from memory).

Yeah it'll be really interesting to see how McCaw performs when he's back.

Can't see TOD being called up vs Aus and NZ, barring injuries. I do wonder whether/how Henry will figure in Schmidt's plans though.

I'm worried that these games might be just a little too soon for Ireland. I mean they'll really show us what we're made of, but it would be nice to have some 'less challenging' games to ease into the new systems.