Luke McAlister is a bum, Game 2 preview

Luke McAlister was crap at the 07 World Cup in his last game before leaving NZ for the money, in a poor effort in an upset lose to the French - flash forward to 09, he still sucks.

When the international season starts the All Blacks are always hampered by having to remeber the rules of rugby, given the bastardised version of 'ELV' rugby played in the Super 14, and struggled. HOWEVER a win was still on the cards, if Lucky Luke hadnt thrown that pass to a Frenchman, with an overlap out wide. If he'd just held it even we would have been great.

The French fully deserved their win. Defense is attitude - the French had a better attidue.

The Side for game 2

1 - Tony Woodcock - pretty quiet game, but still New Zealands number one no.1. Look for him to improve in the scrums

2 - Kevin Mealamu - sure, best hooker available, also look for him to step up

3 - Neemia Tialata - was awesome for the AB's in his first season, but since then has been decidly average. Needs to get his shit together. Could Wyatt play 3? he needs to make his way into this squad somehow, and with Woodcock holding mortgage over the loosehead, Tighthead is probably the answer....

4 - Brad Thorn - was alright in game 1

5 - Isaac Ross - was great in debut, calling the line outs, look for him to continue from there

6 - Jerome Kaino - made great strides in the last season with the All Blacks, really looked to belong and scored that vital try vs. Aust in Brisbane in the 08 Tri-nations and Bledisloe decider

7 - Tanerau Latimer - Exciting prospect. Selectors eyes have been on him since he played at Crusdaers a couple of years ago below McCaw. Fast, good tackler, big chance for him to take over as McCaws long term back up

8 - Kieran Read - such a consistant performer, the second coming of Reuben Thorne

9 - Jimmy Cowan - Piri is breathing down his neck, but a fierce competitior

10 - Steven Donald - gotta get his shit together, had a great S14 but didnt fire any shots. Given Lucky Luke is the only other no.10 in the squad however, there is little pressure for him to perform from within the squad

11 - Corey Jane - sure, id rather see Lelia Masaga get some game time, but Corey is a solid player so no beef. Why is he on the left and joe the right? just seems weird

12 - Ma'a Nonu - shoud be a bit more settled with Conrad outside him

13 - Conrad Smith - a welcome return, should solidify the midfield D and also brings with him a pair of hands

14 - Joe Rokocoko - when was the last time he played well at any level? hopefully he can get his try on

15 - Mils Muliana - hopfully there will be better things for him in his 2nd test as captain.

16 - Aled de Malmanche - exciting selection, has been going great guns for Waikato and the Chiefs.

17 - John Afoa - sure, but wheres Wyatt? we want Wyatt

18 - Brynn Evans - who? seems to have leapfrogged Eaton and Thrush without really standing out

19 - George Whitelock - Wearing the jeresy thanks to a solid season with the Crusaders...and injuries to McCaw, Waldrom and Thomson.

20 - Piri Weepu - deserves a start, steps up his game big time for the AB's. would be a better option at 10 than lucky Luke

21 - Luke McAlister - see above comment

22 - Isaia Toeava - probably his best positon, not a bad man to bring on when the game is in the bag.

Look for the AB's to be alot better in game 2, Conrad Smith in for Isiaia 'my handling has definitivly been proved to not be up to scratch, and I'm only in the team because Graham 'judge me on the world cup' Henry decided my performances at U19 level warrant my All Black jersey' Toeva which is fantastic, and Latimer in for an injured Thompson is an exciting prospect. Only his 2nd test, but an out and out number 7, where Thompson really is a no.6 and playing him at 7 should be reserved for games against the likes of the Italians.