I thought McWhannel was taller than 1.98 m.

Charles Alaimalo : wasn't he playing last year for the NZ Schools XV ?

Coles, Fifita and Laumape for me (though I am not a Hurricanes fan). I did not go for Jordie because he had just to run in three of his four tries.
Fifita was better than expected but it was only Italy.

Is Owen Franks still the best THP in NZ ?
From what I have seen this year's competitions and EOYT, Laulala, Tu'ungafasi and Ta'avao look better.

Though I am not a fan, I think a player like Tuipolutu could have been useful during the last minutes.

Savea was the best NZer on the paddock. Read, though not influential, was everywhere.
Ben Smith did the maximum with the few and poor munitions he got.

@bovidae said in Let's talk about six, baby:

@cgrant said in Let's talk about six, baby:

I would add Seu as well. It's a shame he was injured this year and so missed most of the SR season. I found him outstanding during the last stages of the Mitre 10 Cup.

Seu looks best at 6 or lock but I fear Cooper will play him at no.8 again. He has the athleticism of Fifita but doesn't neglect his work in tight.

I rate him higher than Fifita and Frizell. He is much stronger than his lean frame may let it think and he's got genuine speed too. Standing at 2.01m, he is a good lineout target. Questions could be asked about his defense against big, powerful forwards running at him. I have never seen him make offensive tackles.

@kiwimurph said in Let's talk about six, baby:

Evans and Hemopo are other names you could throw in the mix.

Be interesting who gets the 6 shirt against Italy.

I would add Seu as well. It's a shame he was injured this year and so missed most of the SR season. I found him outstanding during the last stages of the Mitre 10 Cup.

He will bring a lot of experience to the young Blues backline (I do not consider SBW among the youngs), especially to Tele'a, TJ Faiane and even Perofeta. I can only see positives in his selection. As far as All Blacks are concerned, I am more dubious as he seems to have lost his 2015 pace. However, none of the current AB 2nd Fives have his passing and tactical kicking.

NZ have been blessed with half backs with an outstanding pass. Loveridge, Donaldson, Bachop and now Smith. Australia were fine too with Hipwell (he did impress me when I was a young kid and was my model when I began to play half back), Farr-Jones and Gregan.