The All Blacks at the forthcoming World Cup may have an older average age than England did in 2003
© Getty Images
|
The New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue looks at the average age of the All Blacks ahead of the World Cup.
"Looking for a World Cup omen?
"Here's one - the All Blacks' top starting side might be older than the English team which won the 2003 World Cup final in Australia.
"Yes folks, Ted's Army will be older than Dad's Army, the nickname given to Clive Woodward's victorious mob. His English troops were allegedly so well aged that youngsters gave up their seats for them on the bus. Well, that was the image, if not the reality.
"By my calculations, the England team which started against Australia in the final averaged a touch over 28. The following is a lineup Graham Henry might have in mind: Mils Muliaina, Hosea Gear, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. If this team happened to start the World Cup final in late October, the average age would be close to 29."
RSS feed
