Weepu “struggling” with All Blacks pace

Star scrumhalf Piri Weepu has been excluded from the 28-man All Blacks squad after the 71-test veteran failed to adapt to the fast pace of the All Blacks game plan.

“We just felt that how we are trying to play the game, the speed of the game we are trying to play, Piri is just struggling with that,” said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

“His last game really confirmed what our thoughts were,” added Hansen, referring to the third test against France in June. “The speed of the game getting from A to B to C (has increased) and because of that his skill set is not flourishing.”

Hansen added that while Weepu hasn’t reached the demands of the squad, the 29-year old understood what was needed of him and he worked hard towards the goal.

“When we sat down and talked to him he understood what we were talking about,” Hansen said.

“He has been an outstanding contributor to New Zealand rugby and his greatest hour was through that World Cup in 2011 when he really stood up and played particularly well.”

“He has been a great servant to the All Blacks and been an important part of our team for a long time both on and off the field. Like all of us there will be a time when it is time to make the change and the three selectors as a group feel this is the time.”

New Zealand squad for Rugby Championship:

Forwards: Dane Coles, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane, Steven Luatuam, Richie McCaw, Liam Messam, Kieran Read.
Backs: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, T.J. Perenara, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Daniel Carter, Aaron Cruden, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Israel Dagg, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea, Ben Smith.

Source: AFP