Sorry MACDUB, I went a bit overboard there!
Had they known several months out that Penney and Abercrombie werent playing then the option you mention might have had some merit if it meant they could definitely get two decent tours - one for the senior team and one for an 'emerging' team.
With those two they were a chance to make the Olympics so they had to go for it.
I dont agree re the youth development though. In previous times yes, but in recent years Pledger, Abercrombie, Loe, Anthony, Fotu, Bloxham and the two Websters have all had a chance from teens or early 20s. That compares well with pretty much any country.
It would be nice if the Prewsters, Ruscoes, Andersons etc could get more opportities, but what is really needed is another NBL team for those guys.
My only gripe with this team might be taking Kenny ahead of Te Rangi, who would have benefitted immensely from the experience assuming he was available.
Still, knowing Vucinic he has a plan in mind that builds up to the game against Angola, and in each of the lead up games he will working on various things to help them win that game and progress to the QFs. He would have no interest in just making these practice games close just to impress fans.