All Blacks announce team to play Canada

[Nick]

All Blacks:

Lock Ross Filipo will make his All Blacks debut after being called in to the squad on Sunday. His call-up and that of fellow lock Greg Rawlinson follows injuries to Keith Robinson and Ali Williams. Prop John Schwalger will also debut against the Maple Leafs.

Meanwhile wing Rico Gear has joined the All Blacks and Ma’a Nonu has been released to join the Junior All Blacks in Dunedin. The return of Gear, who has played in 17 Tests for the All Blacks, is prompted by impending paternity leave for wing Doug Howlett, who will not travel to South Africa.

Similarly, lock Chris Jack is unavailable for the Iveco Series Test against Canada or the Philips Tri Nations opener in Durban because of paternity leave.

“The guys need to put their families first,” noted All Blacks coach Graham Henry, ”and we support their decision to be with their partners. Ross will start this weekend’s Test and Rico has plenty of experience in our environment. So they will be up to speed before we start the Philips Tri Nations.”

“We’ve got some new combinations for the Test in Hamilton which is a chance to further our depth and options, and gives us something of a fresh challenge.”

The team is:

Mils Muliaina
Doug Howlett
Conrad Smith / Luke McAlister
Aaron Mauger
Sitiveni Sivivatu
Dan Carter
Byron Kelleher
Jerry Collins
Chris Masoe
Reuben Thorne (c)
Ross Filipo
Troy Flavell
Neemia Tialata
Andrew Hore
John Schwalger

Reserves:

Keven Mealamu
Carl Hayman
Rodney So’oialo
Richie McCaw
Piri Weepu
Luke McAlister / Rico Gear
Leon MacDonald

The trick is now not to lose anymore props but I think the boys are in for a nice little run before the Bledisloe/tri nations. Schwalger and Filipo both are quality players so its good to see them have a run even if it's not a huge match.

[chook]

RICO GEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Best Rugby Player in the Known Universe

Canadians are going down 79 to Nil. That is all.

The article says his name but the list doesn't show it. Thats how fast he is.

[joblot]

If this is a "Junior" team then I am Mary Magdalene

[chook]

Greetings Mary, like the dress.

[Nick]

Hey chook,

Rico's fast but not that fast he's on the list bracketed next to McAlister in the reserves, who is now in the run on team as Smith is unavailable for the centre position. Although McAlister has recently stated he prefers the 2nd 5/8position more then centre - more time to read the opposition.

[chook]

Nah, you're wrong unfortunately. Rico is both the fastest and the best rugby player ever. Ever. Ever. Full Stop. With the possible exception being his younger brother and maybe a few other players around the world. But he's still the bestest player ever.

[Burgs]

You can be Madame Mary if you wish but this is the Test Team joblot.
The Juniors are in Dunedin to play Australia A.

[Nick]

You can be Madame Mary if you wish but this is the Test Team joblot.
The Juniors are in Dunedin to play Australia A.

I have listed the Junior All Blacks Squad in the Pacific Cup thread, they hadn't released there 22 last time I looked. But with the amount of top line players left out of the AB's to face Canada and Rueben Thorne Running on a Captain I can understand the confusion

I wonder which game the NZRFU and Selectors are taking more seriously the Canada game or the Junior AB's game down in the House of Pain...