In that interview he said two things, first that the plan was to build the AW team around the under 23 squad because with the Olympics they were going to get much more of a chance to play together. So that's why no Keats, James, etc. However we all know what happened there. So surely that plan is out of the window?
The other thing he said was that he's using the AWs to put players in the shop window so they can get a pro contract. Nice if you're one of his favourites but surely the senior team should be selecting based on ability and not potential? That's what the age groups are for.
What's the likelyhood that one of these young guns that are being paraded around as All Whites in order to get a contract then declines to play for the team as they're trying to cement themselves in their new clubs.