Lets pick the All Blacks

The All Blacks side is due to be named on Sunday.Lets try and get in to the minds of the 3 wise men and choose the side that THEY will pick,not what WE want!

Fullback.Graham Henry was heard this morning saying he will pick "experience" for this test.Does that mean that if Mils Muliaina is fit that he will start?I doubt it.He simply hasnt had the game time and I'm sure Henry and co wont throw him in against a strong Irish side.Isaiah Toeva may have got the nod with his good form prior to his injury,but Straight Shooter thinks that Wellingtons Corey Jane will wear the number 15 jersey.

Wingers.Welcome return to form for both Hosea Gear and Jo Rocokoco could well see both these men on the wings.Rudi Wulf has been in great form and is a real workaholic and likewise Sean Maitland for the Crusaders.I believe that Zac Guildford will tie up the number 11 jersey which leaves the number 14 slot wide open.I think 'Smokin' Jo Rock will get another crack at it.

Centre.No Brainer.Conrad Smith has been in superb form,he is experienced, reliable and dependable.Rene Ranger and Robbie Fruean may get reserve spots with their abilities to play both Centre and Wing,but my pick is Richard Kahui now that I hear he is flying to Christchurch purely for a fitness test.Smith to start.

2nd 5.Tough now that the certainty selection in Ma'a Nonu has been ruled out.My choice would be Benson Stanley,but I believe that the spot will go to Luke McAlister.He offers the experience,he knows the plays and systems and has an educated boot to complement D.C.

1st 5.Dan Carter.Daylight is next.Look for Colin Slade as his back up.Aaron Crudens time will come but not now.I seem to think that the days of Stephen Donald are well and truly numbered.

Halfback.Jimmy Cowan will wear 9 with back up from Alby Mathewson.I think Kahn Fotuali'i may have been in with a shot until his discrepancy overseas with the Crusaders.Piri Weepu wont let the jersey down but I just think he is down on fitness and the 3 wise men know it.

Number8.Kieran Read has really stood up when it counted towards the end of the campaign and will start at 8.Vili Maafu has been a standout for the Blues but is ineligible.Colin Bourke is one to keep an eye on also,and sadly,with the release of Rodney So'iolo to the Barbarians overseas for 3 weeks that signals the end of his test career.

Openside.Captain Fantastic Richie McCaw will again lead the side.There was some talk about him being at 6 but forget about it.The new laws may have given rise to the fact that McCaw was 'too quick' to the ball and may have been better suited to the 'second arrival' but that theory has been put to bed.No other back up opensides stand out,so Adam Thompson will be the logical loose forward reserve.Daniel Braid cant get back soon enough!

Blindside.Two way battle here between Jerome Kaino,who I think wins hands down,and Adam Thompson.Michael Paterson will probably make the named 26 as a back up lock/loosie and special mention goes to Victor Vito,whose time will come but not right now.

Locks.Brad Thorn demands one lock selection.His backup will probably come from the proven Anthony Boric,although Sam Whitelock wont disgrace himself.It all depends on whether Henry and co decide to throw him in against the Irish,but as I said I dont believe the 3 wise men will make too many radical selections in this first test match.Tom Donnelly is back from injury but wont make the 22,but will be in the 26.Thorn and Boric for mine.

Props.Tony Woodcock has been way below his best in a misfiring Blues pack but I believe that being back in the All Black environment will see him back to form pretty quickly.The selectors know what he is capable of and wont be keen to discard him so quickly.The other prop should be Owen Franks at tighthead,although Neemia Tialata seems to be a favorite with Steve Hansen.Woodcock and Franks to start for mine.

Hooker.The injury to Andrew Hore has been a major blow,as he had certainly established himself as the go to man in the middle of the All Black front row.On form,Jason Rutledge must go close,but you'll see Keven Mealamu named to start at hooker,and judging by Aled De Malmanche being fitness tested in Christchurch tomorrow with Kahui,you can bet that he will be the back up.

Straight Shooters starting 15.

15-Corey Jane
14-Josevata Rocokoco
13-Conrad Smith
12-Luke McAlister
11-Zac Guildford
10-Dan Carter
9-Jimmy Cowan
8-Kieran Read
7-Richie McCaw (C)
6-Jerome Kaino
5-Anthony Boric
4-Brad Thorn
3-Owen Franks
2-Keven Mealamu
1-Tony Woodcock


Straight Shooter-telling it like it is