Imagine if an experienced and loyal All Black in a position where they are weak was suddenly dropped without explanation...
I hate to compare football to rugby but if the Graham Henry did similar journo's would be questioning him left right and centre.
It was similar in 1982, when perhaps even more of the country's top players were omitted from the World Cup qualifying and Finals squads. It's not always the most talented players who get chosen- often it's to do with players' attitudes, whether they fit with the particular team environment, get on with the coaches etc.
Case in point: Clive Campbell, one of NZ's most talented players of the initial 1981 squad, dropped for ill discipline (breaking a curfew) after a handful of qualifiers.
Arguably two of the best National League strikers of the day, Keith Nelsen and Johan Verweij didn't make the side. Scottish-born Nelsen was top-scorer in the National League for several seasons before the 1981-82 qualifiers and an established All White. He even played for NZ again after Adshead's time as coach.
Verweij was National League top-scorer here in 1979 after returning to his hometown Christchurch after winning the Dutch Youth Cup with Feyenoord. He'd already played for the All Whites but was dropped by Adshead. He had scored a memorable goal against England B in London in 1979. He has told me he never got on with Fallon.
South African-born Peter Henry was a wayward genius in the George Best mold who was also ignored by Adshead and Fallon.
Yes, it's a real shame about Duncan, because he would have added to the squad, experience and ability- wise. Yet, as in 1982, if the team's ultimately successful, who can argue with the tough choices coaches have to make? For example, Johan Verweij has always told me how much he repects that 1982 side, even though he was omitted.
Big Pete 65, Christchurch