Comments on: Where are they now?

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 23:26:34 +0000

I’m reading McCaw’s book and it sounds like Tialata’s knees weren’t up to the speed and impact of the All Blacks game. Yep, Stephen Brett would have been a good one. Even Luke McAllister is a bit of a ‘what might have been’.

By: Tim Cronin

Tim Cronin — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 22:34:55 +0000

Yeah, fair comments Mike, I have to admit my selection criteria wasn’t particularly consistent, it was just hard to find 15 Isaac Ross’s!
Tialata certainly established himself, I guess I just factored in the idea that props come of age in their 30′s, and thought that he would probably still be in the mix if he had of stayed. Would have been interesting to see whether he could have nudged out Benn Franks, Crockett and company for that third propping spot beside Owen Franks and Tony Woodcock.
Bryn Evans definitely makes the squad! (Steven Brett was another who was unlucky not to make my 15).
Toeava makes it on the back of how frustrated he made me as a rugby fan!! At times, particularly when representing the Blues, he looked like one of the very best players in the world, hence the numerous opportunities he got in the black jersey. But he really never delivered on the international scene. Agree that he was blooded too early, I don’t think he ever really recovered from a mediocre start to his test career.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:48:44 +0000

Hey Tim. It’s a shame how fate can conspire against so many of these guys. Some great calls there: Isaac Ross, Ben Atiga, Rudi Wulf, Jamie McIntosh and Matt Todd. Although as you say, we may not have seen the last of Todd – he’ll get some serious time in the Crusaders jersey while McCaw is away next year. George Whitelock should hopefully look back with pride that he got a test cap. He’s not an international blindside flanker in terms of physical credentials, and he doesn’t play openside at Super Rugby level anymore. Still, he’s carving out an impressive career for himself with what he’s got.

Toeava is a massive ‘what might have been’, right up until he left his 35 test, six year All Black career he was still showing glimpses of what he was capable of. In the end, I believe, he was good enough but injuries got the better of him. He was picked too young too, so the public had an early opinion of him that he shouldn’t be there. By the way, 35 tests and six years with the All Blacks is very impressive, but it could have been even more if he nailed a place. Still only 26, if you can believe that.

Daniel Braid also had a long career, but timing and injuries stopped him really nailing it. There was a window there where the ELVs perfectly suited his skill set. He was rushed back into the All Blacks but had not recovered from injuries and couldn’t capitalise.

Pretty tough on a few players. Richard Kahui can eventually retire a happy man in my opinion. He started in a World Cup final and won. Up until Savea and Gear turned it on over the last few weeks I thought he would still slot straight back into the wing. If he can hold his shoulders together I think he’ll be straight into the All Black 22. I’d put Ranger to the wing and put Casey Laulala at centre.

Tialata played 43 tests and arguably got the most he ever could out of his body, internationally.
Anthony Boric keeps getting injured right when he’s nailed his place. If he comes back from the latest injury, which looked career threatening at one point, I think he’ll be right back in there. I would probably swap him for Bryn Evans or Kevin O’Neill.