Our men for England in 2015

Jerome Kaino (left) and Israel Dagg. Photos by Reuters.
Jerome Kaino (left) and Israel Dagg. Photos by Reuters.
This year's World Cup is almost done and dusted. But who will head to England in four years for the New Zealand challenge (or defence)? Assuming, of course, Steve Tew does not withdraw the team. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at a possible All Black team to play in 2015.

Fullback
Israel Dagg looks to have the jersey to himself for several years. But the thing about backs is they can come from anywhere. Jeff Wilson, Jonah Lomu and Andrew Mehrtens were all still at school four years before starring at the 1995 World Cup. Tasman's Tom Marshall may still be around, as may Otago's Ben Smith. Taranaki utility Beauden Barrett will also come into the equation.

Winger
This is where it gets very tricky. Wingers come and go and do not last that long.

Julian Savea was said to be the next big thing but he was awful this season. Wellington youngster Jason Woodward could be a contender. Zac Guildford?

Done his dash already. Perhaps Sean Maitland, but this is a wide open field. Rene Ranger has that X factor.

Centre
If he can stay on the field, Richard Kahui should wear the No 13 jersey. Robbie Fruean will probably flame out in the next couple of years and

Richard Kahui
Richard Kahui
Waikato's Jackson Willison has stalled. Tamati Ellison is back in the mix.

Second five-eighth
Ryan Crotty will get a chance, as will Shaun Treeby. But the way Tom Taylor looked in some rare outings for Canterbury this season, he could follow his dad into the No 12 black jersey.

First five-eighth
Will Dan the man be around in four years?

The NZRU hopes so and has paid big dollars to secure him. But his injury record is not great and no contract is watertight.

Perhaps it will be Aaron Cruden or Barrett, although Auckland pivot Gareth Anscombe has impressed in the past two seasons.

Halfback
The current crop are all getting on and may not last four more years. Manawatu's Aaron Smith is nippy but may be too small for the next level while Alby Mathewson needs to work on his passing. Much has been said about Waikato's Tawera Kerr-Barlow and if he can improve his option-taking he could be the man.

No 8
Everyone talks about Kieran Read being the next captain of the All Blacks and it is hard to see him giving up the No 8 jersey easily. Victor Vito is a candidate, as is the youngest Whitelock, Luke, although his selection may have more to do with his name than his ability.

Flanker
Can the body of a certain centurion stand four more years? There are doubts.

Better to look at Sam Cane or John Hardie. On the blindside, it is hard to see anyone usurping Jerome Kaino, although Vito would also be handy there.

Lock
Sam Whitelock and James Broadhurst look the men. But Jarrad Hoeata is still young enough to make an impact, as is Josh Bekhuis.

Prop
Owen Franks is going to have a long spell in the black jersey.

Ben Afeaki has improved.

Waikato bookend Toby Smith is a contender on the other side and let's not forget Jamie Mackintosh, even if he may become a Magpie.

Hooker
Hika Elliot has performed for years for Hawkes Bay, and the next cabs off the rank could be Dane Coles or Liam Coltman.

Coach
The coach will probably be Steve Hansen, although that depends greatly on what happens over the next two weekends. Dave Rennie could also be in the equation, with Jamie Joseph and Todd Blackadder floating around. A couple of rough chances could be Tom Coventry or Jason O'Halloran.


2015 World Cup
Hepburn's team
Israel Dagg, Jason Woodward, Richard Kahui, Tom Taylor, Rene Ranger, Gareth Anscombe, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Kieran Read (captain), Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, James Broadhurst, Owen Franks, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith.


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