Eaton, Gear get the Tri-Nations callup

By MARC HINTON - Stuff.co.nz

Last updated 14:05 04/07/2009

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GEAR RETURNS: Hosea Gear has been named in Graham Henry’s Tri-Nations squad

All Blacks

It’s always nice to get an All Black recall and no doubt Jason Eaton and Hosea Gear are feeling good about theirs. Not so much Liam Messam and Lelia Masaga who have been the principal casualties in Graham Henry’s Tri-Nations squad unveiled today.

But for all the comings and goings of a squad announcement like this - and it did also feature the much-needed returns of skipper Richie McCaw, No 8 Rodney So'oialo and wing Sitiveni Sivivatu - the focus seems set to remain on the problem No 10 position as the Tri-Nations countdown ticks along

At this stage Luke McAlister will be the first five-eighths against the Wallabies at Eden Park for July 18's competition opener, with Stephen Donald considered "unlikely" to make that match because of a hamstring strain that continues to bother him.

That alone must be a major concern given McAlister inspired little in the way of confidence after an error-ridden performance at No 10 against Italy in his first test start for the best part of two years a week ago in Christchurch.

So hesitant and off-key was he that McAlister even admitted afterwards he wasn't ready for a big-time test match at first five-eighths. Well, it looks like he's going to get one anyway.

It was little wonder then that the pivot remained the biggest talking point as Henry discussed his squad with the media in Auckland today.

Henry confirmed Donald, the preferred option at No 10 in Dan Carter's absence, had torn a tendon in one of the smaller hamstring muscles. The Chiefs and Waikato No 10 is supposedly a "fast healer" and confident of proving himself ready for Bledisloe I.

But medical advice gives Henry a more realistic picture, with the coach conceding Donald was "very doubtful for the Australia test, but hopefully will be right for Bloemfontein".

After Auckland the All Blacks head to South Africa for tests against the Springboks at Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein (July 25) and ABSA Stadium, Durban (August 1).

Henry said the All Blacks coaches still had full faith in Donald to be the principal navigator for the Tri-Nations, even if he hadn't exactly exuded confidence in his two starts against France either.

"We think Steve played pretty well against France," said Henry. "I know the media thought he was pretty poor in the second test, but you need a bit of time at international level to get your feet under the table and feel comfortable.

"He played pretty well for us last year when he didn't have the same pressures as this year. It's a transition phase and we think he's got the character and ability to handle it."

Well and good. But barring some long overdue luck on the injury front, Donald won't be there for Eden Park in just a fortnight's time. McAlister will.

"He's a very good goalkicker," said Henry, seizing on McAlister's lone bright spot from Christchurch where he was perfect. "He's played first five at test level and handled it pretty well...he's just finding the transition back from midfield to five-eighth where he becomes the navigator a bloody big ask."

McAlister's confidence appeared shot after his Italian debacle. Henry's challenge will be to restore that in time for a head to head against the world's best No 10 Matt Giteau.

"The transition for him is going from being a player who plays to a player who runs the ship for everyone else," added Henry. "He just needs a lot of help from Ma'a, whoever's going to be the 9s, and from the No 8 and Richie. You put Richie and Rodney in that mix and it's going to give him more support in running the team."

Back to the feelgood stories then.

The 25-year-old Gear gets the callup off the back of a top campaign for the Junior All Blacks; and Masaga gets the heave-ho after a lone start in a pretty average team effort against Italy.

Henry said Gear deserved his spot after proving his form and fitness over the last few weeks in the Pacific, while Masaga was probably at the other end of the scale.

"Hosea didn't play the second half of the Super 14, but we picked him in the Junior All Blacks because he had some history with us. He was their No 1 winger, scored eight tries in four games and looked good. He was strong, finished well, and he's now ready.

"Lelia played with half a leg for the second half of the Super 14, didn't play much, got back on the track against Italy and looked short of a gallop... He needs to back and play [provincial rugby], so it's sort of a reverse situation."

Henry indicated that Masaga was better off proving himself for Counties Manukau in the Air NZ Cup.

"We think he's got some real ability. He's magic with the ball, and not so good without the ball. He needs to work on that part. It's just one guy's ready right now, and the other guy is short of a gallop."

Eaton, 26, comes in as the fourth lock, with an ability to cover blindside, though the 10-test All Black could well end up leapfrogging Bryn Evans as the bench cover for the second row.

"Jase gives us ability to play at 6 at a pinch," said Henry. "He played three games in the Junior All Black campaign at 6. He's got very good anticipation, he's a good general footballer, catches and passes well and gets into the right positions. Where we've found him a bit questionable is at kickoff, and when he calls lineouts he doesn't call himself... he just needs more confidence in his own ability."

Messam is the other main casualty, though young Cantab George Whitelock was also unlucky to miss out on what Henry conceded was a close call with Tanerau Latimer as McCaw's backup. The feeling was Whitelock would be better served by a full provincial campaign.

Henry made it clear Messam was too much of a liability at test level the way he was playing now, pointing to his performance in Dunedin as a vivid example of that.

"He missed crucial tackles and turned ball over which cost us points," said Henry. "At test level you just can't afford to do that. We're saying 'Liam, you've got to fix these things up boy, you just can't turn ball over and miss crucial tackles', because he has got some of the things that win games. But he's also got things that lose games."

Henry confirmed Isaia Toeava would miss probably the first three games with a stress fracture in his foot. Tamati Ellison is the cover for him, though the Wellington player is coming off a head knock with the JABs and is also being backed up by Anthony Tuitavake.

"There's a wee bit of grey there," said Henry of Toeava's readiness for the South African trip. "Tamati has been playing outstandingly for the Junior All Blacks, he's a hell of a good leader, he knows the game, expresses himself well, and gets a lot of respect from guys he plays with. We look forward to him coming into the squad and adding something to it as well."

McCaw, So'oialo and Sivivatu were all over their injuries, Henry said, and should add plenty to an All Blacks squad that is in need of their experience and X-factor.

The squad will get together in Wellington for a two-day camp next week (Wednesday and Thursday) and will then assemble in Auckland next Sunday to begin preparations for Bledisloe I.

As well as Ellison, Crusaders and Canterbury first five-eighths Stephen Brett and 2008 All Blacks Ben Franks and Tuitavake will provide squad cover in Wellington, and beyond if needed...

Players not considered for selection due to injury include lock Ali Williams (Achilles), wing Rudi Wulf (shoulder), flanker Adam Thomson (hand), centre Richard Kahui (shoulder), lock Anthony Boric (toe), halfback Andy Ellis (ribs), hooker Corey Flynn (forearm), flanker Scott Waldrom (back) and first-five eighths Daniel Carter (Achilles).

All Blacks Tri-Nations squad: Forwards: Aled de Malmanche, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock, Jason Eaton, Bryn Evans, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Tanerau Latimer, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Rodney So'oialo.

Backs: Jimmy Cowan, Brendon Leonard, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Luke McAlister, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava, Hosea Gear, Josevata Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Cory Jane, Mils Muliaina.

Improved All Blacks win arm wrestle

Crisis averted. The All Blacks have avoided the dreaded sweep as they hit back to claim the second rugby test against France with a much-improved effort in the Wellington wet.

But, still, there was nothing in it as the New Zealanders prevailed 14-10 on a miserable Saturday night in the capital, the French producing another spirited display to claim the Dave Gallaher Trophy for the first time courtesy of points differential.

It was a night where the All Blacks had to respond after a lacklustre showing in the opening Iveco Series test in Dunedin (won 27-22 by the French), and they managed to show a lot more in some of the key effort areas to make most of the running in this match.

Certainly the New Zealanders' work in the tackle ball area was a million miles from where they were in Dunedin, the rearranged All Blacks loose trio meeting their challenge with a much more committed and accurate display. This was more like it.

In fact the All Black forwards all round were far superior to seven days earlier, and they very much laid the foundation for this hard-earned victory, one try apiece, on a night when the rain never stopped falling at the Cake Tin. Hooker Keven Mealamu had one of his best matches in recent years, his powerful legs pumping all night to get his side going forward.

The All Blacks owned the breakdown, were once again solid in the lineout and even their much-maligned scrum seemed to steady as the match progressed. Kieran Read made a good fist of a tough night at No 8, while rookie Tanerau Latimer showed his expertise at the tackle. Jerome Kaino's physical presence was also much-needed.

Rookie Isaac Ross had another promising night in the second row and again ran the lineout expertly, while his partner Brad Thorn revelled in the rough stuff.

The All Blacks dominated the opening 40 minutes with a much-improved effort in the energy and effort stakes, though an 8-0 lead was probably not a fair indication of the dominance the home side had in terms of possession and territory.

There was still plenty of scratchy stuff from Graham Henry's men, particularly with their handling in the tricky conditions, and some of their decision-making as they built pressure. But after last week's shocking start, this was a major step in the right direction.

The New Zealanders were notably more switched on at the breakdown this week, forcing four turnovers in the opening 40 and giving none away in a vastly improved effort from seven days earlier.

There was only one try scored in the opening half, Ma'a Nonu - who was much more prominent after a largely anonymous effort in Dunedin - crossing in the 26th minute, as the All Blacks finally put the full package together on attack.

Hooker Mealamu, who had a busy opening 40, sparked the attack, and when go-forward was established, Joe Rokocoko found himself in some space on the left. The French defence was equal to the All Black wing but when he popped a nice ball off the deck to Nonu, the powerful second five was able to cross for a crucial five-pointer.

The only other score from a pretty promising opening spell for the All Blacks came when Stephen Donald finally found his range at the fourth attempt to slot a penalty just a minute before the break.
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It wasn't a pretty first 40 from Donald who had one of those halves that rugby players have nightmares about. His kicking out of hand was terrible, shots for goal possibly worse and even his normally sure handling let him down badly. You could just see his confidence disappearing as the spell went on, the rain continuing to pelt down to further add to the degree of difficulty.

Still, there was plenty to be heartened about from an All Black perspective, and even the shaky scrum, which started badly, seemed to settle down as the half wore on. They were a bit unlucky, too, when Cory Jane was denied a try via a TMO decision immediately after Nonu's score.

It had been Mealamu again who had sparked the attack and when Donald popped a pass over to his wing after doubling round only desperation French defence meant there was no clear view of the ball being forced as Jane slid over in the right corner.

But if the All Blacks had any visions of coasting home in the second half, they disappeared just five minutes after the resumption when twinkle-toed French wing Cedric Heymans produced a scintillating score to get the visitors back to within a single point.

It was magical stuff from the Toulouse flyer as he danced down the left touchline, leaving Jane, Mils Muliaina and then Kieran Read in cover flapping in the air as the French found themselves well and truly back in this contest.

From then on it was knife-edge stuff.

A Donald penalty a quarter of an hour in got the All Blacks out by four, and when his replacement Luke McAlister added another three-pointer nine minutes later the margin was a handy seven.

But still the French weren't done. Dimitri Yachvelli nailed a penalty a quarter of an hour out to get the visitors back within striking distance, and 15 years after they'd last snatched a famous victory from behind in this country they were once again charged with pulling a rabbit from the hat.

It wasn't to be, conditions reducing the likelihood of a long-range response. In fact Rokocoko, who had a mixed night once again, should have made things safe three minutes from time, but couldn't grasp Piri Weepu's pinpoint kick-through.

However the All Blacks finished the match camped in French territory, and never looked like allowing their guests a sniff of yet another brilliant victory.

Nonu had a big game in the All Black backline, and was the standout figure on an awful night for the skill-merchants.

But really it was an evening, and a match, purely about the result. And as All Blacks coach Wayne Smith said afterwards, "we did just enough".

New Zealand 14 (Ma'a Nonu try; Stephen Donald 2 pen, Luke McAlister pen)

France 10 (Cedric Heymans try; Dimitri Yachvili pen, Julien Dupuy con).

Halftime: 8-0.

By Marc Hinton

Kiwis Face their Wellington Waterloo

June 19, 2009

Wellington: France will attempt to become only the sixth team to win a rugby Test series in New Zealand when they take on the All Blacks in the second Test here on Saturday.

France's 27-22 victory in last week's first Test in Dunedin leaves Les Bleus poised to join the 1937 Springboks, 1949 Wallabies, 1971 British Lions, 1986 Wallabies and the French squad of 1994 in beating New Zealand on their home turf.

While the All Blacks have been scrambling in the past week to correct deficiencies highlighted in the first Test, France have been basking in the rare experience of a first-Test win and second-Test favouritism.

"For the All Blacks, it is like a tragedy when you've lost a game - for them and for the country," French assistant coach Emile Ntamack said. "I'm sure the reaction next Saturday will be terrible."

All Blacks coaches Graham Henry, Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen have been forced to defend their team against a barrage of criticism after an inept first performance, partly disguised by a flattering scoreline.

The coaches blamed the performance on injuries, inexperience and a disrupted preparation but public opinion has laid the blame on poor selection and a lack of physical toughness.

France outmuscled New Zealand in the Carisbrook match, setting a rigid defensive line the All Blacks were hard-pressed to breach. The tourists won the scrum battle, worried the All Blacks into errors in possession and gained an upper hand through physicality at the breakdown.

The All Blacks coaches have promised a better performance in Wellington, given four team changes and a longer preparation, but France will also be significantly improved. The tourists have been able to draft in leading players who missed the first Test, and are now confident of a series sweep.

"We want to repeat what we did last week," said rugged forward Sebastien Chabal, who has been promoted from the bench to the starting XV. "We want to win. We are really focused on our game, not on the All Blacks' game. I think that is why we won last Saturday.

"We were really aggressive in the combat area, and that was the key to the game. We know this game will be much more physical than last week's."

Ted: Give Luke some space

By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE - Rugbyheaven
Last updated 18:02 08/06/2009





BACK IN BLACK: Luke McAlister rips into his first All Blacks training session in two years after being called in for the test series against France and Italy.


BACK IN BLACK: Luke McAlister rips into his first All Blacks training session in two years after being called in for the test series against France and Italy.
Ma'a Nonu keeps his head warm as the All Blacks training in a chilly Dunedin ahead of the first test against France this weekend.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has pleaded for Luke McAlister to be given some space as the team prepares to open their test season against France in Dunedin this weekend.

McAlister has been rushed back into the squad to help cover off the injury problems in the backline created by Richard Kahui's season-ending shoulder injury.

But while McAlister made a solid return Down Under with his performance for the British Barbarians in their heavy loss to the Wallabies last weekend, it's unlikely he will start against France with Isaia Toeava expected to be wearing the No 13 jersey.

McAlister, who played at 10 and 12 in Sydney last Saturday night but has spent most of his two years with English club Sale at centre, joined the All Blacks in Dunedin for the first training run on Monday. It seems a bench role could be a possibility this weekend.

Henry, who watched the game live in Sydney, felt McAlister was the most creative Barbarians back but stressed some reality needed to be placed into his return to the test scene where he hasn't played since the 2007 World Cup loss.

His final few months at Sale were also wrecked by knee and hamstring injuries, meaning he is light on action at the moment.

"I think he is going to take time. Let's take the pressure off a wee bit," said Henry in a chilly Dunedin where he rated the All Blacks training a rusty six out of 10.

"He hasn't played for three and a half months and I don't think we can expect too much too quickly.

"But I think the basic qualities are there."

McAlister said he was excited at getting the call-up but felt it would take some time to get up to speed with the team's moves and calls.

The All Blacks, as expected, ruled Wellington centre Conrad Smith out of consideration for the opening test against France because of a hamstring injury that has complicated the midfield mix.

McAlister was meant to be making his way back into the New Zealand scene via the Junior All Blacks with Henry insisting his role there would have been at first five-eighths.

The Juniors have called in Canterbury No 10 Stephen Brett because of McAlister's rapid elevation.

Wellington backline utility Tamati Ellison as been named as captain of the Junior All Blacks for their IRB Pacific Nations Cup campaign.

The All Blacks starting XV will be named on Tuesday and it could be as follows: 15 Mils Muliaina (c), 14 Rudi Wulf, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Liam Messam, 7 Adam Thomson, 6 Kieran Read, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
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Underestimate the All Blacks at your own peril

Coach Graham Henry has named his first squad of the year, notable more for the omissions rather than the squad itself.

Well over 200 test caps are absent, a swathe of players who are considered – on their best form – among World XV quality players.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw; his stand in captain last year, Rodney So’oialo; Sitiveni Sivivatu, probably the Super 14’s form winger; and Dan Carter, who finished last year as the best first five eighth in world rugby.

So despite a standout 2008 Test season, the All Black’s still continue to rebuild after losing a massive number of first choice and fringe Test players between the end of the most recent World Cup and the middle of last year such as Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, Chris Jack, Keith Robinson, Marty Holah, Jerry Collins, Chris Masoe, Moses Tuiali’i, Byron Kelleher, Nick Evans, Aaron Mauger, Luke McAlister and Doug Howlett.

So would the All Blacks be prepared to effectively concede the home series, Bledisloe and Tri Nations, as they wait out the absence of key players - to break their trend of their traditional period of “mid World Cup” dominance in view of the 2011 tournament, especially when considering the strength of Springbok rugby, and the apparent rising force of Robbie Deans Wallabies?

Not at all.

This is against the ethos of New Zealand rugby, a code that demands consistent success.

But think of the following players, who injury permitting, will be likely back in black by the end of the year: Richie McCaw (70 tests), Dan Carter (59 tests), Sitiveni Sivivatu (34 tests), Luke McAlister (22 tests), Rodney So’oialo (55 tests) and Chris Jack (67 tests).

That is 307 test caps.

Add that to the current named team, give or take a few matches, and that is a squad of over 850 Test match appearances, with the average age of 28-29 years.

Far beyond any other side in the world.

That would allow the New Zealand Test team to approach the next World Cup with the same foundation that Australia, England and South Africa had in their most recent William Webb Ellis triumphs - oerwhelming experience.

But for now the All Blacks look set to welcome Les Bleus and the Azzuri. The French were the last team to defeat New Zealand twice in consecutive matches at home.

To put this into perspective, since that series was held in 1994, the All Blacks have lost only six times in New Zealand. That almost averages to just one loss every three years in their backyard.

The Tricolours will mount a formidable challenge, though, with only players from Clermont and Perpignan being absent from the first Test in Dunedin on June 13th.

Equally Italy, while they are essentially no chance of downing the All Blacks at home, will provide a welcome challenge to the home team’s forward structures.

But it will be the Tri Nations that will have the most intrigue.

Numerous “experts” are already talking up the Springboks to a huge degree, basing a large amount of this conjecture on the Bulls‘ Super 14 win over the Chiefs.

But only once has a non-New Zealand team taken their Super rugby form to Tri Nation’s success - the Brumbies in 2001 - whereas the Blues’ three Super rugby wins led to New Zealand Tri Nations titles and five of the Crusaders wins led to the same.

Form aside, the Springboks or Wallabies will have to conquer history to wrest the Tri Nations title out of the All Blacks hands.

Since 1996, the All Blacks have won nine titles and lost only four, and currently sit on a four year title streak, the longest in its short history. They have won 39 matches and lost only 17.

Their two opponents have lost nearly twice that number, and between them have won only 44 games.

There is popular conjecture that the All Blacks have arguably the weakest team of all the Tri Nations teams this year.

But isn’t that what was said in 2008?

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Muliaina to captain All Blacks

'He has a great deal of respect and mana'
Stuff.co.nz
Last updated 14:07 31/05/2009
photo
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INJURED: Rodney So'oialo was among those not considered for All Blacks selection because of neck problems.
All Blacks squad named


Three new caps, a rookie skipper and the absence of an "injured" Rodney So'oialo are the features of Graham Henry's squad of 26 for the Iveco Series named in Auckland today.

Chiefs openside flanker Tanerau Latimer, and form Crusaders pair lock Isaac Ross and prop Wyatt Crockett are the three newcomers to international rugby named in a squad that is missing a who's who of New Zealand rugby, including regular skipper Richie McCaw and playmaking ace Daniel Carter.

And coach Graham Henry revealed today that his regular No 8 So'oialo was among those not considered for selection because of neck problems. There had been widespread speculation that the Hurricanes captain would not be named after struggling to find his best stuff in the Super 14, but Henry confirmed the 29-year-old, 55-test forward would use the next month to get himself back into optimum physical shape before rejoining the squad for the Tri-Nations.

The group for the first three tests of the year also features, in the absence of regular leader McCaw, a new captain in the shape of in-form Chiefs skipper Mils Muliaina.

Muliaina has played 68 tests in the black jersey but the opening international against France in Dunedin on June 13 will be the first in which he has led his country. It's a richly deserved honour, with Muliaina's form, respect and nous combining to make him the obvious choice in the absence of both McCaw and So'oialo.

"He's a highly respected guy within the squad, he's got a lot of mana with the troops, and we think he's done an outstanding job with the Chiefs this year," said Henry of his new skip.

"I spoke to him earlier this morning and obviously he was a bit disappointed with the result in South Africa but was delighted and feels very privileged to be able to captain the All Blacks."

Muliaina was one of six Chiefs - well beaten overnight in the Super 14 final in Pretoria - to make the 26-strong squad. The Blues have the strongest representation with eight, while the Hurricanes also have six, the Crusaders four and the Highlanders two.

McCaw (knee) and So'oialo (neck) are part of an experienced group not considered because of injury. That also includes Chiefs wing Sitiveni Sivivatu (shoulder), Blues lock Anthony Boric (toe), Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis (ribs), Crusaders hooker Corey Flynn (forearm), Hurricanes loose forward Scott Waldrom (back), as well as the France-based Daniel Carter (Achilles tendon).
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Other features of the squad include the selection of just two specialist wings (Joe Rokocoko and Rudi Wulf), the decision to go with three halfbacks (Jimmy Cowan, Piri Weepu and Brendon Leonard), the designation of Weepu as the official backup at No 10 and confirmation that Chief Liam Messam is the frontrunner to succeed So'oialo as the test No 8.

There was also a dramatic promotion up the rankings for Hawke's Bay lock Bryn Evans who is the designated cover out of the Junior All Blacks for Ali Williams and could well end up in the match 22 for the Dunedin test.

Henry confirmed that Williams and Leonard had both been selected with the expectation they may not be quite right to start in Dunedin. He said there would be no risks taken with either player. Williams has been struggling with an Achilles tendon problem and Leonard is shaking off a hamstring tear.

Evans and Crusaders prop Owen Franks will join the All Blacks squad in Auckland this week as training camp cover, and Henry admitted there was a strong chance Evans could find himself in the test squad to face France in Dunedin.

Henry described Williams as "pretty perky" but admitted the coaches were "not 100 percent sure" about the experienced lock who missed a large chunk of the Super 14 with his Achilles injury.

"Our medical staff think he'll be right during the Iveco Series, but whether he's right for the first test is debatable," said the coach.

Later he admitted the strong likelihood was that Ross would start his first test against France in Dunedin alongside his Crusaders second-row team-mate Brad Thorn. In that case, forwards coach Steve Hansen said Evans would take the bench spot.

"It's a specialist position, something we think requires a specialist person at this level," said Hansen, confirming they would not look to cover the second row with one of the loose forwards.

"Evans comes with the skillset we're after. He's very good in the lineout, at kickoffs he's very strong, and he's got a very good aerial game. He's a tidy scrummager, and a good athlete. With experience we see him having a future in the All Black jersey, so we're comfortable bringing him in now."

Henry made it clear So'oialo's omission was on fitness issues alone, despite media speculation his form had contributed to the decision to stand him down.

"Rodney has not been dropped," said Henry. "He will be selected for the Tri-Nations. Rodney has played a huge amount of rugby, and he needs some time to rehab the neck and get himself into good nick."

Henry said Messam and Kieran Read were the contenders at No 8, and both he and Hansen appeared to give the Chiefs loose forward the inside running when they spoke of seeing him more as a back-of-the-scrum merchant than at No 6 where he appeared primarily in the Super 14.

Backs coach Wayne Smith said he saw the fullback and wing spots as being pretty much interchangeable within the squad, and confirmed that both Cory Jane and Isaia Toeava would be contenders on the wing as well as at fullback in the squad.

"We've tried to pick fullbacks with the pace of wingers and wingers with the skills of fullbacks," said Smith. "Our fullbacks can all play on the wing and our wings could predominantly play fullback because they've got the same skill levels."

It was those aerial and kicking skills that had, in the end, counted against Chiefs wing Lelia Masaga who had been arguably the surprise omission based on Super 14 form.

Others perhaps unlucky, or disappointed, to miss out on the All Blacks and have to settle for second-team (Junior ABs) selection, include: Sione Lauaki, Jamie Mackintosh and Anthony Tuitavake who all featured in last year's All Blacks.

Smith said the All Blacks coaches remained enamoured of Masaga, but "we've gone for a special skillset for the back three. We think at international level it's really important to take the high ball and kicking skills are critical. That's an area of the game he's working hard on and has just got to keep making progress on".

Hansen said Crockett had made his big improvements this year on his "core strength" and this had enabled him to surpass Mackintosh as the backup loosehead prop. He also felt livewire Highlanders loosie Adam Thomson would strongly challenge Latimer for the No 7 jersey against France.

"We think his skillset is tailor-made for No 7," said Hansen. "He's played a couple of test matches already for us and we're very happy how he went there. This season he's been in top form... he was one of the busiest tacklers, and one of the best turnover players in the [Super 14] tournament."

The All Blacks will have a training camp in Auckland from Wednesday to Friday this week and will assemble in Dunedin next Sunday to prepare for the June 13 test against France. After that they will play France, June 20 in Wellington, and Italy, June 27 in Christchurch.

All Blacks squad for Iveco series:

John Afoa (Auckland), Jimmy Cowan (Southland). Wyatt Crockett* (Canterbury), Stephen Donald (Waikato), Andrew Hore (Taranaki), Cory Jane (Wellington). Richard Kahui (Waikato), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Tanerau Latimer* (Bay of Plenty), Brendon Leonard (Waikato), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Liam Messam (Waikato), Mils Muliaina (Waikato), Ma'a Nonu (Wellington), Kieran Read (Canterbury), Josevata Rokocoko (Auckland), Isaac Ross* (Canterbury), Conrad Smith (Wellington), Adam Thomson (Otago), Brad Thorn (Canterbury), Neemia Tialata (Wellington), Isaia Toeava (Auckland), Piri Weepu (Wellington), Ali Williams (Auckland), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour), Rudi Wulf (North Harbour).
* denotes new cap