feedburner
Subscribe with your email address, and get our new posts sent straight to your inbox - what else would you read over breakfast?

Delivered by FeedBurner

All Blacks - How've They Gone So Far?

Labels: , ,

.


The All Blacks have a few weeks off before their final Tri Nations clash against the Wallabies in Brisbane, so we thought we'd take a look back at how the players have performed so far this year.

There have certainly been some who have been outstanding - and a few who haven't lived up to expectations.

So, let's review:

Tony Woodcock - 8/10
Woodcock has stood out as the number one prop in the country, and has caused problems for the opposition front rows. His best game to date was the second Test against the Wallabies, where he bagged himself two trys.

Greg Somerville - 6/10
'Yoda' has combined well with Hore and Woodcock in the front row, but is coming under some heavy pressure from John Afoa for the starting position. He's been rested a couple of times, which suggests he's struggling to keep up with the new pace of the game.

John Afoa - 7/10
Afoa has looked strong in the game time he's had this year. Despite his knee injury at the beginning of the Test season, he's bounced back well.

Neemia Tialata - 6/10
Played really well in the early games, and showed he is a strong scrummager. Still has a way to go before he will get regular game time, but has been reliable when needed.

Andrew Hore - 8/10
Hore has had a standout season so far, and looks to be relishing in his role as the number one hooker. His lineout throws are consistent, and his work rate around the field is exceptional - he's having his best season to date.

Kevin Mealamu - 6/10
Mealamu has yet to start a Test, but is performing well as an impact player off the bench. However, his lineout throws have been anything but good, and he really needs to improve that facet of his game if he wants to start.

Ali Williams - 7/10
Ali always plays his best rugby in the black jersey, and this year is no different. He has been getting himself involved all over the field (including the odd kick), and is now stepping into his role as a senior player. He's also shown incredible strength to play through several niggling injuries.

Brad Thorn - 7/10
Very solid work rate as usual, both on attack and defence. Has shown he can be used at lineout time as well, which a lot of people doubted.

Anthony Boric - 6/10
Very limited game time, but has stepped up when called upon. Will no doubt be better off for the experience, especially in his one start against the 'Boks at Carisbrook.

Kevin O'Neill - 5/10
Played about 35 minutes against South Africa, but didn't disappoint. Like Boric, he'll only get better with the experience of being part of the All Black's camp.

Jerome Kaino - 6/10
An up and down year, really. Has showed he can handle playing at Test level with some good performances, but let's himself down every now and then by being invisible on the field. Just needs to get himself involved more often, and back his abilities on attack.

Adam Thomson - 6/10
Limited game time, but shows incredible energy when on the field. Will improve immensely with more time on the field - he just needs more experience at Test level.

Sione Luaki - 4/10
Dear oh dear - not the best year for Luaki, to be honest. His handling has been appalling, and his running game needs work. Surely he can only improve...




Richie McCaw - 10/10
Brilliant. Has shown in the last two games why the All Blacks need him fit. We look a much stronger side when he's around, and his work rate is second to none.


"Richie McCaw"
Originally uploaded by djbwhizz



Daniel Braid - 5/10
Played one game, but failed to have an impact. Definitely a country mile between him and McCaw.

Andy Ellis - 6/10
Good without being great. Needs to work on delivering the ball a lot quicker, and on his general kicking game. There's a massive difference between his game and Cowan's, that's for sure.

Jimmy Cowan - 8/10
Why he didn't start earlier, we'll never know - but he's shown that he's our best halfback at the moment. Strong defence and a great kicking game.

Piri Weepu - 7/10
Limited game time, but played well against the 'Boks the other night. Always dangerous with the ball in hand, he may have done enough to keep his place in the team.

Dan Carter - 9/10
Has been brilliant on attack this year, due to having Nonu outside him. Also has a strong defencive game, which goes largely unnoticed. Not the greatest year with the boot, but still a standout player.

Stephen Donald - 5/10
Very limited game time, but with Carter playing well it's no surprise. Should get a start against Samoa.

Ma'a Nonu - 8/10
His best year to date, that's for sure. Nonu is relishing the regular game time, and keeps the opposition on their toes. Has scored some fantastic trys, and is passing the ball a lot - good to see.

Ma'a Nonu
Originally uploaded by djbwhizz

Conrad Smith - 7/10
Another player enjoying regular game time, and is looking better for it. Is showing he has pace, which everyone said he lacked. Great on defence, and causing head aches for the opposition on attack.

Richard Kahui - 7/10
Had a great debut, and is looking like he'll be around for a long time. Has played well on the wing, too - a very dynamic player.

Sitivini Sivivatu - 6/10
A lot like Kaino - has tons of talent, but at times has looked quite ordinary. He needs to attack the ball with pace, rather than the jogging run he often does. We expected more out of him.

Rudi Wulf - 6/10
Wulf's shown some promise, and looks to get himself involved, which is positive. Needs more game time before we'll see the best out of him - one to watch, though.

Anthony Tuitavake - 5/10
A little bit disappointing for a guy with a lot of ability. Defends well, but has shown little on attack, which he'll need to change quickly - especially with Kahui playing well on the wing.

Isaia Toeava - 6/10
Played well on the weekend, and showed he's grown as a player. If he can keep it up, he'll play more Tests this year.

Leon McDonald - 6/10
An injury plagued season again, which has severely limited his game time. Not sure if he'll be around much longer if his concussion problems continue.

Mils Muliaina - 9/10
Mils looks to be in fantastic form, especially on attack where he seems to have fired up immensely. Currently the best fullback in the world.

So there you have it - our player review so far this year.

Head to the forum for some discussion!

2 comments:
gravatar
Anonymous said...
August 20, 2008 at 2:26 PM  

I LOVE watching McCaw play. Heck, I love watching the All blacks play but I have to wait until I get back to Ireland to watch them play again (and when over there I have to keep it on the downlow that I like them - especially if they're playing Ireland). Good luck to them on the final!!

gravatar
Sports Fan Attic said...
August 20, 2008 at 3:29 PM  

So you're from New Zealand, or...?

They really are a fantastic side! Have you seen much of the Tri Nations so far?

So - being a McCaw fan, you won't have too many issues with the rating we gave him :D

Post a Comment

Like what you see? Show us some love!

ss_blog_claim=cdba3d4d3088da10de5c842687f72de8