Donald back in frame for All Blacks

Marc Hinton, www.stuff.co.nz | July 13, 2009 - 2:55PM

The All Blacks have pushed back their team naming for Saturday's Tri Nations and Bledisloe opener against the Wallabies by a day as they continue to ponder their options in the problem No.10 jersey.

But this time it appears that coach Graham Henry and his backline assistant Wayne Smith at least have a more positive scenario to ponder.

Both Luke McAlister, who has been battling back problems, and Stephen Donald, who has had a hamstring strain, trained at today's session at the Trusts Stadium in west Auckland, and it looks as though the coaches are taking the extra time to ponder their options.

McAlister had the greater percentage of the time in the pivot during the run, but Donald - who was originally not considered a prospect to be available for Saturday night's clash at Eden Park - also spent part of the session there and appeared to be running freely.

The All Blacks coaches were not available to speak to media after today's session, but it appears that they are taking the extra day - the team will now be named on Wednesday - to have a closer look at Donald to gauge whether he's up to a test of this magnitude.

Donald hasn't played since the second test against the French in Wellington, when he picked up the hamstring strain. McAlister started at No 10 against Italy in Christchurch, where he had a nightmare opening quarter before finally settling into the role, but has been bothered by a back complaint since then.

Halfback Brendon Leonard said it was heartening to see both of the team's five-eighth options running freely at the first hitout of the week.

"I'd say the coaches would be pretty pleased as well," said the Waikato No 9 who looks like he'll be watching Saturday night's match from the stands. "I think they're both coming on nicely and hopefully both will be available for selection on Saturday."

Leonard did not think the uncertainty over just who would start in the No 10 jersey against Matt Giteau would be unsettling for either contender.

"They were chopping and changing today, and both had a decent run. They've both been there before, so I think they'd be pretty confident that whoever steps into that jersey will be able to do the job."

You've got to figure that Donald, if he proves his fitness, will get the nod.

Henry has said he was relatively pleased with Donald's work in the two French tests, with both played in difficult conditions and behind a below-strength All Black pack still finding its feet.

The All Blacks have pushed back their team naming for Saturday's Tri Nations and Bledisloe opener against the Wallabies by a day as they continue to ponder their options in the problem No.10 jersey.

But this time it appears that coach Graham Henry and his backline assistant Wayne Smith at least have a more positive scenario to ponder.

Both Luke McAlister, who has been battling back problems, and Stephen Donald, who has had a hamstring strain, trained at today's session at the Trusts Stadium in west Auckland, and it looks as though the coaches are taking the extra time to ponder their options.

McAlister had the greater percentage of the time in the pivot during the run, but Donald - who was originally not considered a prospect to be available for Saturday night's clash at Eden Park - also spent part of the session there and appeared to be running freely.

The All Blacks coaches were not available to speak to media after today's session, but it appears that they are taking the extra day - the team will now be named on Wednesday - to have a closer look at Donald to gauge whether he's up to a test of this magnitude.

Donald hasn't played since the second test against the French in Wellington, when he picked up the hamstring strain. McAlister started at No 10 against Italy in Christchurch, where he had a nightmare opening quarter before finally settling into the role, but has been bothered by a back complaint since then.

Halfback Brendon Leonard said it was heartening to see both of the team's five-eighth options running freely at the first hitout of the week.

"I'd say the coaches would be pretty pleased as well," said the Waikato No 9 who looks like he'll be watching Saturday night's match from the stands. "I think they're both coming on nicely and hopefully both will be available for selection on Saturday."

Leonard did not think the uncertainty over just who would start in the No 10 jersey against Matt Giteau would be unsettling for either contender.

"They were chopping and changing today, and both had a decent run. They've both been there before, so I think they'd be pretty confident that whoever steps into that jersey will be able to do the job."

You've got to figure that Donald, if he proves his fitness, will get the nod.

Henry has said he was relatively pleased with Donald's work in the two French tests, with both played in difficult conditions and behind a below-strength All Black pack still finding its feet.

McAlister, who is coming off a long spell out with injury, is still making the adjustments to being back in the southern hemisphere game and clearly found the test in Christchurch a challenge.

He has not played much of his recent rugby in the pivot and has admitted he feels more confident at second five-eighth.

Pitching him in to face the in-form Giteau in a Bledisloe opener might be a big ask, though clearly it's one the All Blacks coaches are comfortable making if Donald is judged not quite ready for a return.

The other main talking point out of the likely test alignment that trained today was the preference for Cory Jane on the right wing ahead of Joe Rokocoko.

Jane, a fullback for the Hurricanes in the Super 14, has made the most of his two starts on the wing against France. He was originally a late call-in for Rudi Wulf in Dunedin, and looked comfortable in both outings.

Rokocoko has struggled for form of late, though he did manage to break his try drought against the Italians when he snaffled a McAlister cross-kick for a confidence-boosting touchdown.

Jimmy Cowan also looks like he'll be given the start at halfback ahead of Leonard, which will come as no surprise to those who follow the thinking of these All Blacks coaches.

Cowan came in as a starter for the equivalent fixture last year against the Wallabies in Auckland, and performed admirably as the All Blacks bounced back from consecutive defeats to secure a big win. From then on he was first choice No 9 for the remainder of the year as the New Zealanders went unbeaten through the rest of their schedule.

Cowan also has a superior kicking game to Leonard, and it's thought that his ability to relieve pressure directly from the base could be valuable given the All Blacks' limited options with the boot at No 12.

The All Black pack will be a predictable selection, with skipper Richie McCaw and veteran No 8 Rodney So'oialo back to bolster the loose trio and a fit-again Neemia Tialata set to resume at tighthead prop.

The New Zealanders will train again tomorrow at Eden Park, with Henry now set to unveil his lineup to face the Wallabies early on Wednesday morning. It seems that the question they'll be asking themselves most between now and then is this one: Luke or Stephen?

Likely All Blacks XV: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Luke McAlister or Stephen Donald, 9 Jimmy Cowan; 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (capt), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.

2009 Investec Tri Nations - First Preview

James Mortimer - allblacks.com - 07/07/2009

The Investec Tri Nations will kick off at Eden Park on July 18th with the All Blacks hosting the Wallabies. It will be the fourteenth edition of the Southern Hemisphere's premier rugby tournament.

With the Springboks losing to the British and Irish Lions, the three SANZAR powers have completed their “home series” of test matches, and it is three vastly different beasts that enter the competition.

Current Champions the All Blacks will enter as the IRB’s number one ranked nation, the newest Lion’s victors – the Springboks – will begin as the second best team in the world, with the Robbie Dean’s improving Wallabies ranked third.

Since the IRB commenced rankings in 2003, at least two of the three Southern Hemisphere superpowers have held top three spots coming into the Tri Nations.

So in terms of pure competition and difficulty, the tournament would rank as arguably the most complicated global rugby championship to win.

The All Blacks will look to defend the title and record a seemingly impossible fifth straight Tri Nations trophy and ninth overall. For all the preamble regarding New Zealand never quite fulfilling modern global rugby domination due to their failure to win a World Cup since 1987, their record at Tri Nations level is certainly a positive indicator of their reputation as a rugby power.

The Springboks and Wallabies will look to break long droughts, with the World Champions not winning the title since 2004, and Dean’s men not having tasted success way back in 2001.

Yet, despite the All Blacks recording a 15-5 win loss ratio in the four years that they have held the title, one feels that they are vulnerable to very qualified looking opposition.

The South Africans will enter the 2009 competition on July 5th, after New Zealand and Australia have commenced hostilities in Auckland. They will then host three straight home games to begin the championship, playing the All Blacks twice at Bloemfontein and Durban, before welcoming the Wallabies to Cape Town.

They probably represent the biggest unknown for the tournament.

The current World Champions have just created history, winning their first Lions series since 1980. For many of their players, the just completed tour represented the final frontier for men who will go down as some of the greatest players ever to represent the Rainbow nation.

The big question will be “what next?”, or “what now....?”

If it is “what next”, then the Springboks will represent a formidable challenge to the title, especially if they can clean sweep the opening matches at home.

To win the Tri Nations title this year, would see the last two years of South African rugby firmly cemented in the history books, with the title going into the cabinet with the William Webb Ellis Cup, two Rebel Sport Super 14 titles, and a Lions plaque.

But “what now” could symbolise a feeling within some Springbok elder statesmen that they have achieved it all, and could turn their minds or attention towards the playing fields of Europe or Asia.

Either way, it was not a dominant South Africa that took the Lions series, with the home team challenged by the silky backline and well marshalled co ordination that the Lions brought to the Test series.

For all of their physical intensity, and occasional prowess in areas such as the lineout, tackle and scrum, it was far from a complete performance in any test match from South Africa. But, by the same token, we could argue that man for man, it was the best Lions team seen in some time.

There is still some uncertainty in the Springboks key positions, namely fullback, first five eighth and blindside flanker.

But the strength of South African rugby is that they have some truly world class talent in the form of players such as John Smit, Victor Matfield and Fourie Du Preez. When this is combined with their immense experience, both in terms of matches but in winning championships, they will be a genuine title threat.

However, if a favourite was to be nominated, then it could go to the Wallabies.

They have won four straight at home, posting a half century on a star studded Barbarians side, then clean sweeping the Italians, and beating the French more comfortably that the All Blacks could muster.

The Australian media are gushing superlatives over the side and Robbie Deans.

But it is still too soon to determine whether this Wallabies team can scrape the heights achieved at the turn of the century by Rod McQueen’s world beating side.

With the exception of former Leinster flank and returned flank Rocky Elsom, the Australians have been at full strength, a heady blend of experience, youth, and genuine marquee players.

Captain Stirling Mortlock, first five Matt Giteau and George Smith are the pillars of the side, all easily within the top three players in their respective positions in the world – with the Brumbies fetcher set to bring up a century of test matches at Eden Park.

Old hands like Al Baxter and Nathan Sharpe have been revitalised under the new coaching regime, which appears to have meticulously taken a scalpel to the test team.

But it is the rising young talent that has so many sections of the Australian rugby community excited about the future, with Berrick Barnes, Luke Burgress, Stephen Moore and James Horwill spearheading the next generation of Australian talent.

And clearly, Deans is moulding the team in his own image.

Gone is the blockbusting Australian “inside centre”, replaced by a playmaking second five eighth, seen for so many years in Crusaders and New Zealand teams.

Gone are the structured defensive structures, long modelled on rugby league tackle systems, with the Wallabies now employing a seeming man on man/tackle the man strategy, where, as Deans has often highlighted throughout the years – the Wallabies are directed to play what is in front of them.

The only concern will be that the Australians have not been genuinely tested.

The Barbarians were disappointing, and while Italy was surprisingly competitive, never losing by more than 25 points, they were never going to genuinely threaten the Southern powers.

But the match against France, for all of the Wallabies dominance, was probably not an accurate barometer. Les Bleus made plenty of changes and did not bring the physical and mental edge that was on display against the All Blacks.

To put it simply, the All Blacks and Springboks have had their emotional energy tested confronting critics and history respectively – how the Wallabies will react will opposed with an equal, will only be known in the following weeks.

Certainly, if the Wallabies do not perform well, the Dean’s bubble may burst in Australia.

For the All Blacks, it could be said they enter the championship, despite being current trophy holders, far from being favourites, but perhaps more ominously, as dark horses.

It is difficult to recall a test team so debilitated by injuries, as the All Blacks went into the now completed Iveco home series missing nearly 10 first choice players.

Even now, with Richie McCaw, Rodney So’oialo, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith and Andrew Hore named in the Investec Tri Nations All Blacks squad, they are still missing some genuine artillery.

Ali Williams (achilles), winger 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) were all unavailable for selection.

And Stephen Donald and Isaia Toeava, named in the squad, are carrying injury concerns.

But while the re-introduction, especially of talismanic captain McCaw, will no doubt strengthen the All Blacks, there is no doubt they were a disappointing by their usual high standards in the opening three tests of the year.

One only had to hear the comments by the coaches and the players post match against Italy, who they still defeated by 21 points (vs 22 and 23 points by Australia) to understand that the expectations of the All Blacks are not demanded only by their public, but by the men themself.

France, who reserves their best performances for the All Blacks, came hard at New Zealand, and even Italy, who were well organised tactically in Christchurch, disturbed the rhythm of the home side.

It is here that they deserve their dark horse status. After winning 13 of 15 test matches last year, one feels that surely, considering the form of the New Zealand teams in the Rebel Sport Super 14 this year; that the somewhat mediocre performances put together by the most inexperienced All Black team in the professional era, will be arrested come the Tri Nations.

And of course, there are the benefits, with coach Graham Henry forced to blood numerous players to the test arena, and the reality check of an early speed bump, as the All Blacks went through last year in the opening matches of the Tri Nations.

If a barometer of performance is assessed on how much a team could improve, then surely the All Blacks would enter the 2009 championship as leading contenders. But it looks to be the most open Investec Tri Nations ever, with the All Blacks facing a torrid time to maintain their grip on the title.

Tri Nations roll of honour

1996 - New Zealand
1997 - New Zealand
1998 - South Africa
1999 - New Zealand
2000 - Australia
2001 - Australia
2002 - New Zealand
2003 - New Zealand
2004 - South Africa
2005 - New Zealand
2006 - New Zealand
2007 - New Zealand
2008 - New Zealand

All Blacks Investec Tri Nations squad

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

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

McCaw, Sivivatu back for Auckland Test

Greg Growden | July 6, 2009

THE Wallabies are bracing for the return of injured All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and New Zealand's most dangerous speedster, Sitiveni Sivivatu, for the opening Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland on July 18.

While the Wallabies, who assemble in Sydney tomorrow for a training camp, are expected to make just one change with Wycliff Palu scheduled to regain his No.8 Test spot, they are anticipating the return of numerous notable All Blacks for the Tri Nations opener.

While McCaw missed the three recent Tests against France and Italy with a right knee injury, he explained yesterday that he was now primed for the Tri Nations, and his two-month absence would not be a liability.

"I've had a good couple of weeks of actual fitness stuff," McCaw said.

"As long as you know exactly what you have to do out on the field, after a couple of games you come right."

McCaw's return will have him against George Smith, who at Eden Park will become the fourth Australian player to reach the 100-Test milestone.

The All Blacks have also begun to ensure that one of their most penetrating attacking players, Sivivatu, is fit for the match, involving him in two club games at the weekend.

Sivivatu had not played since the Super 14 finals series where he dislocated his shoulder, but he was one of 10 All Blacks who appeared for their clubs on Saturday, doubled up in reserve and first grade. The All Blacks selectors take the view that if Sivivatu is fit, he will play, knowing that the Wallabies are wary of his attacking danger.

While Luke McAlister will be the Test five-eighth because Stephen Donald is unavailable, there is uncertainty who out of Jimmy Cowan and Brendon Leonard will be the New Zealand halfback. While Leonard is the more talented playmaker, Cowan is the better scrapper and is well attuned to what is required in tense Bledisloe Cup fixtures.

The Wallabies are anticipating that Cowan will be in the run-on team, knowing how much he loves antagonising Australians.

The Wallabies are also set to take to Auckland the bulk of the team that travelled there last August and failed to make an impact when thrashed 39-10.

There is a sense of deja vu about the Eden Park Test because the All Blacks are again under threat, because of poor form, and the Wallabies are supposedly on the rise.

It will become a true gauge of where the Wallabies are, and how much they have learnt in the interim because at least 12 Australian players who were in last year's starting XV are scheduled to run on again. The only change to the pack should be Richard Brown as the blindside breakaway for Phil Waugh, while Lachie Turner and Drew Mitchell are expected to be the wingers.

LIKELY TEAMS

WALLABIES

Adam Ashley-Cooper; Lachie Turner, Stirling Mortlock (c), Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell; Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess; Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Richard Brown, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.

ALL BLACKS

Mils Muliaina; Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko; Luke McAlister, Jimmy Cowan; Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (c), Jerome Kaino, Brad Thorn, Isaac Ross, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.

Eaton, Gear get the Tri-Nations callup

By MARC HINTON - Stuff.co.nz

Last updated 14:05 04/07/2009

Photosport

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."