The Flight of the Kiwis
Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:12
New Zealand lost at Carisbrook and found out that it was the loss of seasoned players which had contributed to the loss. Where have the seasoned players gone since the 2007 World Cup?
The kiwi is a flightless bird but it seems that some great Kiwis have flown the nest.
Not that the World Cup was a roaring success either. In fact, it was New Zealand's worst World Cup performance. But let's see who has left and who is left.
New Zealand's squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup:
Daniel Carter: still playing for New Zealand, still the All Blacks' lynch pin; preparing to fly to Perpignan.
Jerry Collins: still in New Zealand but not wanted; preparing to fly to Toulon.
Andrew Ellis: still playing for New Zealand.
Nick Evans: still in New Zealand but not wanted; about to emigrate to Harlequins.
Carl Hayman: gone; flown to Newcastle Falcons.
Andrew Hore: still playing for New Zealand.
Doug Howlett: gone; migrated to Munster.
Chris Jack: gone; flown to London to play for Saracens, an interesting change - Crusader become Saracen.
Byron Kelleher: gone; migrated to Toulouse.
Sione Lauaki: still playing for New Zealand but from the bench.
Brendon Leonard: still in New Zealand but injured.
Leon MacDonald: still playing for New Zealand, but from the bench.
Chris Masoe: still in New Zealand but not wanted.
Aaron Mauger: gone; migrated to Leicester.
Luke McAlister: gone; migrated to Manchester to play for Sale Sharks.
Richie McCaw: still in New Zealand but injured.
Keven Mealamu: still playing for New Zealand, but from the bench.
Mils Muliaina: still playing for New Zealand.
Anton Oliver: gone; migrated to Toulon on the way to retirement.
Keith Robinson: retired.
Joe Rokocoko: still in New Zealand but injured.
Conrad Smith: still playing for New Zealand.
Greg Somerville: still playing for New Zealand, but dropped.
Rodney So'oialo: still playing for New Zealand.
Reuben Thorne: ending his career and on his way to Japan.
Neemia Tialata: still playing for New Zealand, but from the bench.
Isaia Toeava: still playing in New Zealand, but not wanted.
Sitiveni Sivivatu: still playing for New Zealand.
Ali Williams: still playing for New Zealand.
Tony Woodcock: still playing for New Zealand.
So those who have flown away, with ages this year in brackets, are: Carl Hayman (29), Doug Howlett (30), Chris Jack (30), Byron Kelleher (32), Aaron Mauger (28) and Anton Oliver (33).
Keith Robinson, who has retired, will turn 32 in December, Reuben Thorne 33.
