'Where's Merhts?' ask AB fans

Tuesday October 26 2004

All Black fans don't agree with Henry's reasoning

All Blacks coach Graham Henry opted to rest his veteran halfback combination of Justin Marshall and Andrew Mehrtens for the team's tour of Europe in November in an effort to 'blood' some younger talents, but the readers ... well they don't necessarily agree.

WHERE ARE MERHTS AND MARSHALL:

"Hard to knock any of the selections really and it just shows the depth there is in NZ I guess. In essence NZ could pick half a dozen XV's that would compete pretty well with most international nations and beat many, and compete probably with all.

"The telling factor will be (and has been for the last 16 years) is can the BEST XV beat the rest of the worlds best XV. The answer to that in reality when the bitter pill has to be swallowed is more often than not NO.

"So what surprises me is that it would be a great opportunity to re-bed in Mehrtens who hasn't really had a tough season - he didn't play Tests or tour for a while so I would have liked to have seen him go. But that's the only complaint I have. But its now time for NZ to put up theres just been too long between drinks! In terms of building towards the next World Cup it all started almost 12 months ago, was solid yet not good enough in the Tri-Nations after putting away the easy beats in the warm up games (England et al), and continues here."
- Jerry (kiwi in UK)

"Surely an All Black should be picked on his form and not just because the selectors and coach want to delevop players. If you look at the mid to late 90's players like Fitzpatrick, Bunce, Dowd or the Brooke's played as an All Black until they retired or were no longer playing good rugby.

"England did this with the likes of Leonard, Johnson etc. Retired after the World Cup. What if England did it by not picking Beckham in football or Australia did it by not picking Roff, Larkham or Gregan?

"If a Player is the best in his position in the NPC he should be picked for the ABs whether he been around awhile or not. The Black Jersey should be reward for being the best player at the time available. You have to feel sorry for players that have worked hard to try and get that jersey and are the best and just don't get selected because they aren't young talent.

"I now can't get excited about the end of year tour as Itay, Wales and France won't be playing the best available From New Zealand. If New Zealand loose the games I hope the selectors and coach wake up."
- John Stevens, New Zealand

"In this day and age you have to field your stongest possible line-up no matter what. Yes it is important to blood new talent but you dont stake you team on it. Yes the future should be kept in mind but if you dont take care of the present then that future will never come. Look at South Africa as a prime example of throwing young talent in the deep end far to early.

"Remember SA in the world cup v the AB's? New Zealand were inept even with Spencer, Marshall or Mehrtens and Marshall. Its looking less good when you throw in guys I have never even heard of.

"Get Henry out, while you still have your pride intact, Learn from SA, removing or should I say avoiding bad coaches can save you a very lengthy spell in the rugby wilderness. Henry looks like he is acting out of desperation, he has the players and couldnt deliver so he must go, there are no excuses or places to hide!"
- Your friendly neighbourhood Springbok, South Africa

"Well I have to say the team is pretty much the way I would have had it but it is quite disappointing knowing both Justin Marshall and Andrew Mehrten's didn't make the line-up considering how well they have both played this NPC season, same goes for Reuben Thorne.

"Dan Carter's selection for 1st 5 is excelent and something that should have been done earlier becasue he is such an awesome talent, not only with his boot but with his all round game, I'm sure he will do a great job!!!!1  Piri Weepu I noticed is back-up kicker to Dan Carter which is a joke considering his NPC kicking rate in 60% and what if Dan gets injuried, we're stuffed basically.

"Joe Rokocoko and Doug Howlett may be good at international level but their NPC form was very poor and others deserved to be there more."
- Jenna Furze, New Zealand

CAN'T REALLY COMPLAIN:

"Let me be first to say that it is about time the All Blacks had a coach who is prepared to gamble. And to bring back veterans such as Oliver and Maxwell may prove a masterstroke. With Keith Robinson to provide grunt in the forwards, there has been a lacking in hard-hitters in the All Blacks apart from Wellingtonian Jerry Collins.

"Maxwell provides another hitman in the forwards, and it is one area where it can work to the All Blacks' advantage where the defence can intimidate opposing packs much in the way the Pacific Islanders do.

"Oliver provides leadership in the forwards and he has been out of form in recent seasons but his form in NPC 2004 has been exceptional so he can either start or provide valuable back-up to Keven Mealamu.

"I applaud the decision to rest Marshall due to the fact that Marshall has been the rock in the All Black team. He has single-handedly in most games won it for the All Blacks. And the good thing about Marshall, has been his career, which has flourished with age.

"That could be a downfall to the All Blacks however because if Marshall keeps getting better with age, the All Black selectors will keep picking him, which Marshall will retire on his own terms, and then what happens? The next halfback will not be ready for Test football. So by resting Marshall, it gives the next best halfback the chance to improve his play and gain more experience so that come time when Marshall calls it quits, the next in line will be ready.

"I also applaud the decision to rest Mehrts only because Henry can see what his future no.10 in Dan Carter has to offer, and probably what his future no.12 in Sam Tuitupou has to offer. In all, it is a good team picked on form, with a good blend of experience and youth."
- Brian Kolia, Sydney

"This new All Black team is an excellent mix of youth and experience. Dave Hewett and Craig Newby must count themselves unlucky. Steve Bates is a gamble."
- Pete, Dubai

"Henry and his selectors has gotten it 85% right, some selections which raise an eye-brow are those of Mose Tu'iali and Ali Williams, both have had very limited game time in the NPC, Williams especially has proven to be a bit of a hot head, (also read penalty magnet), and seriously needs to sort out his discipline.

"The inclusion of Saimone Taumoepeau also does not go down very well, Neemia Tialata of the Wellington Lions had a very strong season and can play on either side of the scrum, he should be traveling to the UK. Other than that, all seems ok, especially the inclusion of McAlister, Nonu, Smith, Bates, Weepu and Cowan who have been rewarded for good form during the NPC."
- Administrator