Rokocoko out of All Blacks squad vs. Lions

Bri

http://www.rugby.ie/news/story.asp?j=9349

Rokocoko misses out for All Blacks - 12/06/2005

Poor form has cost Joe Rokocoko his place in the All Blacks squad to face the British and Irish Lions.

The wing, who has scored 27 tries in 23 Tests, missed out to Doug Howlett, cousin Sitiveni Sivivatu and Rico Gear in Graham Henry's 26-man squad.

Henry said: "We think the other three are playing better than him at the moment.

"We are sure he will play many more Tests for the All Blacks in the future."

There was also no room for openside Marty Holah, who had an outstanding game in the New Zealand Maori's victory over the Lions.

Instead the All Blacks selectors – Henry, assistant coaches Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen and Sir Brian Lochore – have opted for just one specialist openside in Richie McCaw with Holah named in the Junior All Blacks squad.

The announcement marked the return of Canterbury and Crusaders fullback Leon MacDonald to the international fold after spending the 2004 season in Japan playing rugby.

MacDonald and Aaron Mauger will be used as back-up flyhalves to Daniel Carter, meaning there is no room in the squad for veteran Andrew Mehrtens, who has probably played his final game the All Blacks.

New Zealand Maori captain Jono Gibbes and hooker Derren Witcombe will also train with the squad.

Witcombe is there as cover for Anton Oliver who is still recovering from a calf injury, while Gibbes is struggling with a foot injury but is likely to remain with the group if that heals.

New Zealand squad: Dan Carter (Canterbury), Jerry Collins (Wellington), Rico Gear (Nelson Bays), Carl Hayman (Otago), Doug Howlett (Auckland), Chris Jack (Canterbury), Campbell Johnstone (Canterbury), Byron Kelleher (Waikato), Sione Lauaki (Waikato), Richie McCaw (Canterbury), Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), Justin Marshall (Canterbury), Aaron Mauger (Canterbury), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Mils Muliaina (Auckland), Ma'a Nonu (Wellington), Anton Oliver (Otago), James Ryan (Otago), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato), Conrad Smith (Wellington), Greg Somerville (Canterbury), Rodney So'oialo (Wellington), Mose Tuiali'i (Canterbury), Tana Umaga (Wellington [capt]), Ali Williams (Auckland), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour).

There's a pity...but at least Gear made be it, although I thought Howlett was supposed to be the loser in the fight for positions...

Trojan

That's some crazy sh!t right there... Ah well, I guess if he's not good enough, he's not good enough. Pity Lions aren't taking this attitude to selection

RuggieBear

christ, the strength in depth is impressive....

zAbbo

In all fairness they don't need him, they've got the fastest man in Rugby - Sitiveni Sivivatu

RuggieBear

a fijian, to boot....

Trojan

Well, it is a mixed-nations vs mixed-nations team - we're on the same playing field

jank

Richie McCaw

Ive heard so much about hm and im really excited to see him. The times make him out to be the best player in the world. Cant wait for the first test!

KnowItAll

McKaw is certainly the best number 7 in the world. In NZ 7's are seen as being the most important players and McKaw is king!

youcancallmeal

so who is captaining New Zealand then?

besty

It's Umaga or McCaw to captain them isnt it?

zAbbo

Umaga is, Although the Jury is out to see if he still world class.

I think he is

Bri

Ah he's just so cool. Disappointed he wasn't playing midweek.

daosulli

Watch this, this is class :-)
http://www.adidas.com/lastmanstanding

( then click on the ads&downloads at the top )

zAbbo

if thats the ad im thinking of, it is indeed class