By TOBY ROBSON in London - Stuff.co.nz
Last updated 05:00 23/11/2009
LAWRENCE SMITH/Stuff.co.nz
DOTTING DOWN: The All Blacks created several try-scoring chances but halfback Jimmy Cowan was the only one to touch down against England.
At last the All Blacks are creating tries, but in order to gain the redemption they crave, the class of 2009 must start scoring them.
They have become a very good team. They have a great defence. Yet as they trudged off Twickenham yesterday they reflected again on the missing link.
This side lacks the killer blow of a truly world-class side and it knows it. It is why a subdued mood prevailed in the team changing room after its 19-6 win over England.
"We're not far away. We're not quite over the hump, but we can feel it coming," halfback Jimmy Cowan said before succumbing to one of his brutally honest appraisals.
"It's not a happy changing-room at the moment. We thought we could play a lot better. We'll move forward and put this behind us and look forward to Marseille.
"But I tend to be saying the same thing week-in week-out to you guys, saying we are close but not quite reaching it."
It was another solid effort, perhaps a step up from Wales, but All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and his men know they again failed to deliver the killer blow.
Great sides go for the jugular when they sense they are on top. Tries are scored when on offer, line breaks are turned into tries.
England, like Wales in Cardiff, should have been put away.
Mils Muliaina should have finished in the corner. Zac Guildford should have turned the pass inside after catching Carter's crosskick and Conrad Smith likewise, after Muliaina's electric second-half break.
The All Blacks will not be considered, or consider themselves, a complete team till they convert their opportunities.
There were positives and negatives to come out of their latest effort. Most encouraging was a renewed confidence to counter-attack.
The back three of Muliaina, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Guildford had their best tests of the year. Kick high and hope was replaced by a willingness to move the ball to the space and back up, and it blunted the effectiveness of England's kicking game.
This test was no thrill-fest, but it boded well for the future of the game as a spectacle. There were also signs the All Blacks have the ability to change their game plan within a test match.
Against England they did it several times. The attack was widened after an early assault round the fringes failed, and in the second half they went to the pick and go when England fanned their defence against their width.
The negatives were the inability to get clean ball. Cowan often had unwanted attention from the English pack as he tried to pass and too much ball continues to bobble from the back of rucks.
It should be noted that England fronted physically to their challenge and even attempted to play some rugby in the first half.
But ultimately, they simply lacked the creativity to threaten the All Blacks line and never looked like winning.
France will not carry such lowly ambition this weekend in Marseille. Nor will the All Blacks.
For them it will be the last chance to put their frustrations to rest.
They can gain revenge for the early season loss in Christchurch and keep their unbeaten tour record intact.
More importantly though, they might walk off the field without the nagging feeling they have played well, but not to their true potential.
The Big Questions
WHERE WAS IT WON? The All Blacks simply shut England out of the match, while they had more imagination on attack. Only one try, but plenty of chances created meant it never really felt like England were a chance.
WHERE WAS IT LOST? England lacked ideas on attack. For all their bulk they had the subtlety of a sledgehammer and were easy pickings for the All Blacks defensive line. Kiwi hooker Dylan Hartley didn't help his side with lineout throwing that would have made a pretzel look straight.
WHO PLAYED WELL? The All Blacks' back three of Mils Muliaina, Zac Guildford and Sitiveni Sivivatu were a constant threat and made England reluctant to kick. Richie McCaw had a big match at the breakdown, No8 Kieran Read was heavily involved early in the match and Brad Thorn tackled his heart out. Special mention for referee Jonathan Kaplan, who controlled the match with aplomb. Hardly a scrum was reset.
WHO NEEDS TO IMPROVE? Loosehead prop Tony Woodcock had a quiet match round the field and there were also a couple of shaky scrums from the All Blacks. Jimmy Cowan scored the only try of the match, but will be disappointed he got caught with the ball around the rucks at times and with some of his clearing kicks.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sloppy All Blacks struggle past Italy
By MARC HINTON in Milan - Stuff.co.nz
Last updated 05:12 15/11/2009
The occasion was delicious, the rugby atrocious as the All Blacks – very much playing second fiddle to their round-ball cousins this weekend – completed another less than satisfying test victory over Italy today at the San Siro.
The 80,000 fans who packed this wonderful stadium deserved a spectacle, but unfortunately Graham Henry's second-string All Blacks couldn't deliver one as they muddled their way to a 20-6 victory. It was, in many ways, the horror show of Christchurch revisited as the New Zealanders won the second half just 6-3, and could manage just one try in 80 minutes of rugby.
What is it about the Azzurri that seems to upset the rhythm of these All Blacks? There was a day when the New Zealanders only had to see the blue jersey of Italy and 70 points were raised on the scoreboard. This year it's been like wading through mud playing them.
Still, given that the All Blacks made 12 changes and a positional switch to their top lineup, and that most of these boys hadn't played in close to a month, maybe the disjointed performance should not have surprised.
But the performance would certainly have disappointed the coaches who put the acid on some of these fringe All Blacks to deliver. Collectively they patently failed to meet that challenge.
You have to say that if these are the guys supposedly pushing the top lineup, then there's not a heck of a lot of pressure on the big boys. It's hard to think of an All Blacks who advanced his cause on the basis of this.
The New Zealand scrum was monstered – and that's probably being kind to the backtracking black eight – and their work at the breakdown and in clearing what little ball they could get their hands on was sloppy.
Halfback Andy Ellis had a nightmare dealing with an arriving troupe of Italians about the same time as he received ball most of the game. Mike Delany had an inauspicious debut, and it was not a day for the outside backs to shine with such limited possession.
It was fitting really that the All Blacks ended the match pinned on their own line with the Azzurri camped in their red zone as they attacked from a series of scrums. Prop Neemia Tialata had been sinbinned for one to many infringements at the set piece and all you could say on the positive side was that the black defence held out under all kinds of pressure.
Still, maybe it was right that the Azzurri made the All Blacks look like plodders. The world's turned on its head, after all.
The All Whites climb their football Everest at a rugby stadium in Wellington a world away, and here are the All Blacks carving their own slice of rugby history at one of the world's great football stadiums in Milan.
It was the biggest crowd, by nearly double, to ever have watched a rugby match in this country and it was, we were told, a record attendance for the San Siro which had sold out every one of its 80,000-plus seats long ago.
The All Blacks led 14-3 at the end of a fairly undistinguished first half that featured just one try and little in the way of free-flowing, constructive rugby.
The Italians, well organised and committed on defence, didn't give much away but there was a distinct second-rate look about the second-string All Blacks through the first 40. They struggled for fluency off the set phases – especially at scrum where Wyatt Crockett had his moments – and looked like a combination that had never played together before.
Their best moment came around the 26-minute mark, soon after Sitiveni Sivivatu, Luke McAlister and Corey Flynn had featured in a promising sort of breakout from deep.
Off a handily placed scrum the All Blacks probed right, then won quick phase ball off a McAlister dab and good hands from Sivivatu saw Flynn over in the left corner for just his second test try to mark his first start at this level since 2003.
But that was pretty much that for the half. McAlister added a late penalty to go with his two earlier three-pointers, and the All Blacks went into the sheds with a buffer, but no sort of comfort zone. Like Christchurch in June, some stern words surely awaited them from the coaching staff.
The Italians were committed and aggressive on defence, but they continue to show such a lack of adventure when they do secure ball that you wonder about their mindset. They must surely know to ever win these big tests they are going to have to score more than a handful of points.
For these guys, though, it's clearly about respectability against a foe like the All Blacks, and their second-half effort, when they limited the New Zealanders to one or two half-chances, and precious little else, certainly did that.
No 8 Sergio Parisse led the Italians magnificently and the big front row won their battle hands down. Their defence was excellent too as the home side revelled in the arm-wrestle nature of this contest.
No All Blacks should be happy with their efforts. Ben Smith shook off a handling error with his first touch to come through a tough debut well and Sivivatu and McAlister showed glimpses of their class.
But it was a real struggle for the All Blacks up front, and as such their game never got out of second gear. It's one of those matches, from a New Zealand perspective, best filed in the ''never-to-be-watched-again'' basket.
Not so for the hosts. It was a day of celebration for Italian rugby as it drew the biggest attendance ever to a rugby match. And it ended with the applause very much ringing for a gallant, if limited, Azzurri side.
Italy 6 (Craig Gower 2 pens), New Zealand 20 (Corey Flynn try; Luke McAlister 5 pens). Ht: 3-14.
Last updated 05:12 15/11/2009
The occasion was delicious, the rugby atrocious as the All Blacks – very much playing second fiddle to their round-ball cousins this weekend – completed another less than satisfying test victory over Italy today at the San Siro.
The 80,000 fans who packed this wonderful stadium deserved a spectacle, but unfortunately Graham Henry's second-string All Blacks couldn't deliver one as they muddled their way to a 20-6 victory. It was, in many ways, the horror show of Christchurch revisited as the New Zealanders won the second half just 6-3, and could manage just one try in 80 minutes of rugby.
What is it about the Azzurri that seems to upset the rhythm of these All Blacks? There was a day when the New Zealanders only had to see the blue jersey of Italy and 70 points were raised on the scoreboard. This year it's been like wading through mud playing them.
Still, given that the All Blacks made 12 changes and a positional switch to their top lineup, and that most of these boys hadn't played in close to a month, maybe the disjointed performance should not have surprised.
But the performance would certainly have disappointed the coaches who put the acid on some of these fringe All Blacks to deliver. Collectively they patently failed to meet that challenge.
You have to say that if these are the guys supposedly pushing the top lineup, then there's not a heck of a lot of pressure on the big boys. It's hard to think of an All Blacks who advanced his cause on the basis of this.
The New Zealand scrum was monstered – and that's probably being kind to the backtracking black eight – and their work at the breakdown and in clearing what little ball they could get their hands on was sloppy.
Halfback Andy Ellis had a nightmare dealing with an arriving troupe of Italians about the same time as he received ball most of the game. Mike Delany had an inauspicious debut, and it was not a day for the outside backs to shine with such limited possession.
It was fitting really that the All Blacks ended the match pinned on their own line with the Azzurri camped in their red zone as they attacked from a series of scrums. Prop Neemia Tialata had been sinbinned for one to many infringements at the set piece and all you could say on the positive side was that the black defence held out under all kinds of pressure.
Still, maybe it was right that the Azzurri made the All Blacks look like plodders. The world's turned on its head, after all.
The All Whites climb their football Everest at a rugby stadium in Wellington a world away, and here are the All Blacks carving their own slice of rugby history at one of the world's great football stadiums in Milan.
It was the biggest crowd, by nearly double, to ever have watched a rugby match in this country and it was, we were told, a record attendance for the San Siro which had sold out every one of its 80,000-plus seats long ago.
The All Blacks led 14-3 at the end of a fairly undistinguished first half that featured just one try and little in the way of free-flowing, constructive rugby.
The Italians, well organised and committed on defence, didn't give much away but there was a distinct second-rate look about the second-string All Blacks through the first 40. They struggled for fluency off the set phases – especially at scrum where Wyatt Crockett had his moments – and looked like a combination that had never played together before.
Their best moment came around the 26-minute mark, soon after Sitiveni Sivivatu, Luke McAlister and Corey Flynn had featured in a promising sort of breakout from deep.
Off a handily placed scrum the All Blacks probed right, then won quick phase ball off a McAlister dab and good hands from Sivivatu saw Flynn over in the left corner for just his second test try to mark his first start at this level since 2003.
But that was pretty much that for the half. McAlister added a late penalty to go with his two earlier three-pointers, and the All Blacks went into the sheds with a buffer, but no sort of comfort zone. Like Christchurch in June, some stern words surely awaited them from the coaching staff.
The Italians were committed and aggressive on defence, but they continue to show such a lack of adventure when they do secure ball that you wonder about their mindset. They must surely know to ever win these big tests they are going to have to score more than a handful of points.
For these guys, though, it's clearly about respectability against a foe like the All Blacks, and their second-half effort, when they limited the New Zealanders to one or two half-chances, and precious little else, certainly did that.
No 8 Sergio Parisse led the Italians magnificently and the big front row won their battle hands down. Their defence was excellent too as the home side revelled in the arm-wrestle nature of this contest.
No All Blacks should be happy with their efforts. Ben Smith shook off a handling error with his first touch to come through a tough debut well and Sivivatu and McAlister showed glimpses of their class.
But it was a real struggle for the All Blacks up front, and as such their game never got out of second gear. It's one of those matches, from a New Zealand perspective, best filed in the ''never-to-be-watched-again'' basket.
Not so for the hosts. It was a day of celebration for Italian rugby as it drew the biggest attendance ever to a rugby match. And it ended with the applause very much ringing for a gallant, if limited, Azzurri side.
Italy 6 (Craig Gower 2 pens), New Zealand 20 (Corey Flynn try; Luke McAlister 5 pens). Ht: 3-14.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
All Blacks call-up gun rookie
Marc Hinton, www.stuff.co.nz | November 5, 2009 - 11:13AM
All Blacks coach Graham Henry says he means "no disrespect" to Wales with his experimental lineup named today featuring six changes to the XV that started the last test in Tokyo.
There's a Test debut for Zac Guildford, a surprise promotion for Jason Eaton and a reprieve for Jerome Kaino among Henry's surprisingly new-look lineup to meet a buoyant Welsh outfit here at the Millennium Stadium.
There's also a chance for Brendon Leonard at halfback, a second test cap for Canterbury prop Wyatt Crockett and a return to No 8 for Kieran Read.
Also the injured Dan Carter, who sat out the All Blacks' first full training run in Neath, has been included subject to his calf haematoma healing in time. The classy five-eighth will be given as long as he needs to prove his fitness.
Henry and his fellow coaches have been consistent on this trip preaching a line that they aim to find out if certain players are good enough to remain on the test scene - and to that end they need to play them to discover the hard truth.
In that respect the coaches have been true to their word.
Two of the changes, of course, were forced by the suspensions of wing Sitiveni Sivivatu and prop Tony Woodcock, but four aren't, and considering that this is just second game in and the All Blacks are coming off an accomplished performance against Australia, that's an uncharacteristically high number.
"We've selected a strong side," said Henry. "The policy on this tour is to give everybody an opportunity. We need to know if all these players are up to international standard and they get opportunities to prove that.
"We're using this game for one or two of those question marks. We know we're in for a big game. It was a big game last year and it's the same this year.
"It is no disrespect to Wales... let's try to make that very clear. It's a very strong side.
"It's a selection going forward and it gives this group of players an opportunity to say 'I'm an international footballer of quality'. We can't judge them unless they play."
Starting up front, towering Canterbury loosehead prop Crockett will earn just his second test cap in the absence of Woodcock, where he'll get a crack at Welsh "bolter" Paul James at scrum time. "He's done a huge apprenticeship, he's played very well at the level below, and is a senior player in the Crusaders pack which is pretty dominant," said Henry.
Perhaps the surprise choice of the lot is in the second row where Tom Donnelly's impressive start in test rugby hits a speed bump, and he swaps places with hirsute Taranaki lock Jason Eaton who gets his first test start since August 19, 2006.
All four of Eaton's test appearances this year have been off the bench and the Welsh test will represent just a fifth start in 15 international appearances.
Donnelly could be considered unlucky after two impressive tests in which he played a major part in addressing the team's lineout problems, but Eaton very much comes into the category of "player on trial" as the coaches put the pressure on him to match the Otago lock's efforts.
"Jason's been on the fringe of international rugby for a long time," added Henry. "He needs an opportunity to prove to us he's a top quality international player."
There are two changes in the loose trio, and neither of them are massive surprises. Jerome Kaino replaces Otago's Adam Thomson on the blindside flank, with this selection also about giving a seasoned player his chance to impress, while Kieran Read is back at No 8 after veteran Rodney So'oialo got the nod in Tokyo.
The versatile Thomson has very much usurped Kaino as the first-choice No 6, but this represents Kaino's chance to shout out "don't forget me" among the cacophony at the Millennium.
Read is restored to the position he held for the second half of the Tri-Nations and the solid Cantab has a further chance to underline his status as the squad's top back-of-the-scrum man.
At halfback Brendon Leonard takes over from Jimmy Cowan in another of those selections aimed squarely at giving a down-on-form player a chance to remind the coaches of his class. No pressure, Brendon.
Perhaps the most predictable change of all is also the most exciting one out on the left wing, where gifted young Magpies flyer Zac Guildford earns what should be a memorable, and emotional, test debut at the tender age of 20.
He will go head to head against Welsh 20-year-old marvel Leigh Halfpenny, the player who said this week the time when players were in awe of the All Blacks "has gone".
Henry said Guildford was "pretty excited" by the opportunity to crown his dramatic rugby year with his first test cap.
"He's had his challenges during the year, he's met them well, he's used them as motivation and he's achieved a goals earlier than he'd expecyed I'd imagine," said Henry.
Otago's Ben Smith will also make his test debut if he's required off the bench.
NEW ZEALAND: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Brendon Leonard; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Jason Eaton, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Tom Donnelly, Adam Thomson, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Ben Smith.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry says he means "no disrespect" to Wales with his experimental lineup named today featuring six changes to the XV that started the last test in Tokyo.
There's a Test debut for Zac Guildford, a surprise promotion for Jason Eaton and a reprieve for Jerome Kaino among Henry's surprisingly new-look lineup to meet a buoyant Welsh outfit here at the Millennium Stadium.
There's also a chance for Brendon Leonard at halfback, a second test cap for Canterbury prop Wyatt Crockett and a return to No 8 for Kieran Read.
Also the injured Dan Carter, who sat out the All Blacks' first full training run in Neath, has been included subject to his calf haematoma healing in time. The classy five-eighth will be given as long as he needs to prove his fitness.
Henry and his fellow coaches have been consistent on this trip preaching a line that they aim to find out if certain players are good enough to remain on the test scene - and to that end they need to play them to discover the hard truth.
In that respect the coaches have been true to their word.
Two of the changes, of course, were forced by the suspensions of wing Sitiveni Sivivatu and prop Tony Woodcock, but four aren't, and considering that this is just second game in and the All Blacks are coming off an accomplished performance against Australia, that's an uncharacteristically high number.
"We've selected a strong side," said Henry. "The policy on this tour is to give everybody an opportunity. We need to know if all these players are up to international standard and they get opportunities to prove that.
"We're using this game for one or two of those question marks. We know we're in for a big game. It was a big game last year and it's the same this year.
"It is no disrespect to Wales... let's try to make that very clear. It's a very strong side.
"It's a selection going forward and it gives this group of players an opportunity to say 'I'm an international footballer of quality'. We can't judge them unless they play."
Starting up front, towering Canterbury loosehead prop Crockett will earn just his second test cap in the absence of Woodcock, where he'll get a crack at Welsh "bolter" Paul James at scrum time. "He's done a huge apprenticeship, he's played very well at the level below, and is a senior player in the Crusaders pack which is pretty dominant," said Henry.
Perhaps the surprise choice of the lot is in the second row where Tom Donnelly's impressive start in test rugby hits a speed bump, and he swaps places with hirsute Taranaki lock Jason Eaton who gets his first test start since August 19, 2006.
All four of Eaton's test appearances this year have been off the bench and the Welsh test will represent just a fifth start in 15 international appearances.
Donnelly could be considered unlucky after two impressive tests in which he played a major part in addressing the team's lineout problems, but Eaton very much comes into the category of "player on trial" as the coaches put the pressure on him to match the Otago lock's efforts.
"Jason's been on the fringe of international rugby for a long time," added Henry. "He needs an opportunity to prove to us he's a top quality international player."
There are two changes in the loose trio, and neither of them are massive surprises. Jerome Kaino replaces Otago's Adam Thomson on the blindside flank, with this selection also about giving a seasoned player his chance to impress, while Kieran Read is back at No 8 after veteran Rodney So'oialo got the nod in Tokyo.
The versatile Thomson has very much usurped Kaino as the first-choice No 6, but this represents Kaino's chance to shout out "don't forget me" among the cacophony at the Millennium.
Read is restored to the position he held for the second half of the Tri-Nations and the solid Cantab has a further chance to underline his status as the squad's top back-of-the-scrum man.
At halfback Brendon Leonard takes over from Jimmy Cowan in another of those selections aimed squarely at giving a down-on-form player a chance to remind the coaches of his class. No pressure, Brendon.
Perhaps the most predictable change of all is also the most exciting one out on the left wing, where gifted young Magpies flyer Zac Guildford earns what should be a memorable, and emotional, test debut at the tender age of 20.
He will go head to head against Welsh 20-year-old marvel Leigh Halfpenny, the player who said this week the time when players were in awe of the All Blacks "has gone".
Henry said Guildford was "pretty excited" by the opportunity to crown his dramatic rugby year with his first test cap.
"He's had his challenges during the year, he's met them well, he's used them as motivation and he's achieved a goals earlier than he'd expecyed I'd imagine," said Henry.
Otago's Ben Smith will also make his test debut if he's required off the bench.
NEW ZEALAND: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Brendon Leonard; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Jason Eaton, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Tom Donnelly, Adam Thomson, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Ben Smith.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
4th Bledisloe Test in Japan
All Blacks
Story by: ARU
Graham Henry expects strong performances from both sides
15. Mils Muliaina
14. Cory Jane
13. Conrad Smith
12. Ma’a Nonu
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu
10. Dan Carter
9. Jimmy Cowan
8. Rodney So’oialo
7. Richie McCaw – Captain
6. Adam Thomson
5. Tom Donnelly
4. Brad Thorn
3. Neemia Tialata
2. Andrew Hore
1. Tony Woodcock
16. Corey Flynn
17. John Afoa
18. Jason Eaton
19. Kieran Read
20. Brendon Leonard
21. Stephen Donald
22. Tamati Ellison
All Blacks coach Graham Henry has made three changes to the starting XV from the side which beat Australia in Wellington last month.
60-Test All Blacks veteran Rodney So’oialo returns to the number eight spot, with Kieran Read moving onto the bench, while in the backs Sitiveni Sivivatu and Conrad Smith have returned from injury to take their positions on the left wing and centre respectively. On the bench, Corey Flynn comes in as reserve hooker, with the uncapped Tamati Ellison covering the outside backs.
The team will again be captained by Richie McCaw, who will be playing in his 77th Test.
All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said the side’s historic first-ever Bledisloe Cup Test in Japan would be another massive challenge between two great rugby rivals.
“Both sides will be looking to kick off their respective tours with a strong performance so, as always, we are expecting there to be a lot of intensity and a real edge to this Test,” he said.
Henry said the All Blacks were also enjoying the Test build-up in Tokyo.
“We have been welcomed with open arms by the Japanese people and the team is certainly enjoying the hospitality and culture here and looking forward to playing in front of the Japanese fans.”
Meanwhile, Daniel Carter has scored 185 points against Australia and is closing in on Andrew Mehrtens’ record of 202 points.
Courtesy NZRU
Australia v New Zealand – Historical Notes
• The Bledisloe Cup was donated by the then Governor General of New Zealand, Lord Bledisloe, for competition between the two countries in 1931.
• Australia won the trophy for the first time in 1934, beating New Zealand 25-11 in Sydney.
• This is just the second Bledisloe Cup Test, and the third game between Australia and New Zealand overall, to have been played on neutral territory. Australia beat New Zealand 16-6 at Dublin in Ireland in a 1991 Rugby World Cup semi-final. The All Blacks then beat Australia 19-14 during last year’s historic Bledisloe Cup tie in Hong Kong.
• Matt Giteau has scored 32 points from three appearances against the All Blacks this year, which has taken his career tally to 93 from 16 games. Should he score the seven he needs to raise 100 against New Zealand in Tokyo, the 27-year-old will become just the fourth player in history (& the third Australian) to surpass a century of points against the All Blacks. He would also complete a notable career double; having earlier this year become just the seventh player from any country to have surpassed a century of points in Tests against South Africa.
• Giteau also needs just one conversion to tie the record for the most by any player against New Zealand – which stands at 16 held by South African Percy Montgomery. Giteau has kicked the last 13 of his conversions against the All Blacks in succession.
• If he takes the field from the run on reserves bench, George Smith will be playing his 24th Test against the All Blacks. This would move him beyond Tim Horan, and into outright 3rd, in terms of the most caps achieved by any player against the All Blacks. Only two players from any country – and they are both Australians: David Campese (29) and George Gregan (27) – have played more Tests against New Zealand.
Story by: ARU
Graham Henry expects strong performances from both sides
15. Mils Muliaina
14. Cory Jane
13. Conrad Smith
12. Ma’a Nonu
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu
10. Dan Carter
9. Jimmy Cowan
8. Rodney So’oialo
7. Richie McCaw – Captain
6. Adam Thomson
5. Tom Donnelly
4. Brad Thorn
3. Neemia Tialata
2. Andrew Hore
1. Tony Woodcock
16. Corey Flynn
17. John Afoa
18. Jason Eaton
19. Kieran Read
20. Brendon Leonard
21. Stephen Donald
22. Tamati Ellison
All Blacks coach Graham Henry has made three changes to the starting XV from the side which beat Australia in Wellington last month.
60-Test All Blacks veteran Rodney So’oialo returns to the number eight spot, with Kieran Read moving onto the bench, while in the backs Sitiveni Sivivatu and Conrad Smith have returned from injury to take their positions on the left wing and centre respectively. On the bench, Corey Flynn comes in as reserve hooker, with the uncapped Tamati Ellison covering the outside backs.
The team will again be captained by Richie McCaw, who will be playing in his 77th Test.
All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said the side’s historic first-ever Bledisloe Cup Test in Japan would be another massive challenge between two great rugby rivals.
“Both sides will be looking to kick off their respective tours with a strong performance so, as always, we are expecting there to be a lot of intensity and a real edge to this Test,” he said.
Henry said the All Blacks were also enjoying the Test build-up in Tokyo.
“We have been welcomed with open arms by the Japanese people and the team is certainly enjoying the hospitality and culture here and looking forward to playing in front of the Japanese fans.”
Meanwhile, Daniel Carter has scored 185 points against Australia and is closing in on Andrew Mehrtens’ record of 202 points.
Courtesy NZRU
Australia v New Zealand – Historical Notes
• The Bledisloe Cup was donated by the then Governor General of New Zealand, Lord Bledisloe, for competition between the two countries in 1931.
• Australia won the trophy for the first time in 1934, beating New Zealand 25-11 in Sydney.
• This is just the second Bledisloe Cup Test, and the third game between Australia and New Zealand overall, to have been played on neutral territory. Australia beat New Zealand 16-6 at Dublin in Ireland in a 1991 Rugby World Cup semi-final. The All Blacks then beat Australia 19-14 during last year’s historic Bledisloe Cup tie in Hong Kong.
• Matt Giteau has scored 32 points from three appearances against the All Blacks this year, which has taken his career tally to 93 from 16 games. Should he score the seven he needs to raise 100 against New Zealand in Tokyo, the 27-year-old will become just the fourth player in history (& the third Australian) to surpass a century of points against the All Blacks. He would also complete a notable career double; having earlier this year become just the seventh player from any country to have surpassed a century of points in Tests against South Africa.
• Giteau also needs just one conversion to tie the record for the most by any player against New Zealand – which stands at 16 held by South African Percy Montgomery. Giteau has kicked the last 13 of his conversions against the All Blacks in succession.
• If he takes the field from the run on reserves bench, George Smith will be playing his 24th Test against the All Blacks. This would move him beyond Tim Horan, and into outright 3rd, in terms of the most caps achieved by any player against the All Blacks. Only two players from any country – and they are both Australians: David Campese (29) and George Gregan (27) – have played more Tests against New Zealand.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Four new faces for All Blacks
Restructure to coaching setup
By MARC HINTON - Stuff.co.nz
Last updated 10:02 18/10/2009
Photosport
ALL BLACKS CALLUP: Hawke's Bay's Zac Guildford
In-form Bay of Plenty five-eighth Mike Delany and Otago fullback Ben Smith were the bolters in Graham Henry's 33-strong All Blacks squad to tour Japan, the UK and Europe.
Henry this morning named four uncapped players in his squad that will play tests against the Wallabies, Wales, Italy, England and France and then close a six-week tour with a fixture against the Barbarians at Twickenham.
He also confirmed a restructure of the coaching setup, with the main feature being Henry taking over responsibilities for the forwards, Hansen moving into the position of attack coach (previously occupied by Wayne Smith) and Smith taking over defensive responsibilities (hitherto Henry's domain).
Henry described the reshuffling of the coaching portfolios as "exciting" and said it had been done with the blessing of the senior player group in the squad. "I'm a bit apprehensive to tell the truth, I haven't coached the forwards for a while... but I think getting a bit nervous about it brings the best out in you," he added.
"It's good for me to have that challenge, and I'll be using a lot of knowledge from the forward pack which I think will be good for them."
Delany, 27, who has had an outstanding season with Bay of Plenty in the Air NZ Cup, is one of three specialist five-eighths chosen for the tour; Smith, the 23-year-old standout Otago player in a largely disappointing season in the south, has been included as one of four wings, though both he and 26-year-old Cory Jane also cover fullback, as does Delany; and the other new caps are 20-year-old Hawke's Bay winger Zac Guildford and Wellington utility back Tamati Ellison who has been with the national squad for much of the season.
Both Guildford and Ellison were widely tipped to make the tour, but Delany and Smith definitely come into the bolter category. Smith has played mostly at fullback for Otago this season but Henry said he was chosen essentially as a winger.
They have both been picked on the strength of outstanding provincial campaigns which Henry spoke about at today's team announcement. It is unusual, though, that the coaches have included three five-eighths for the tour (four if you throw Luke McAlister into the mix), and just two hookers.
Smith makes the All Blacks after just his third season of provincial rugby, and just one Super 14 campaign with the Highlanders this year. He also played alongside fellow All Black Owen Franks in the 2007 New Zealand Under-21 side.
Delany made his provincial debut in 2005 and his Super 14 breakthrough last year. He has played 52 matches for Bay of Plenty and is the leading scorer in this year's Air NZ Cup.
Guildford has had a stellar season, playing for the Hurricanes, the world champion New Zealand Under-20 team and Hawke's Bay. He has scored a competition-leading 13 tries in this year's provincial championship.
There is no room in the touring troupe for long-serving, but out of form wing Josevata Rokocoko, seldom-used wing Hosea Gear, hooker Aled de Malmanche and lock Isaac Ross who was singled out by Henry as a special case who needed a spell out of the game. All four featured through this year's international campaign.
There is also a return to international duty for Waikato loose forward Liam Messam who was dropped from the All Blacks after the Iveco Series and given a stern message about improvements needed in his game. Veteran No 8 Rodney So'oialo also survives, while Bay of Plenty's Tanerau Latimer won a tight three-way battle against George Whitelock and Karl Lowe as Richie McCaw's openside backup.
Cantabs Corey Flynn and Andy Ellis - who were both invalided out of last year's tour - and North Harbour's Anthony Boric also make returns to the All Blacks after spells away with injury. Flynn will have extra responsibility as the only specialist hooker backup for Andrew Hore in a clear selection gamble that was undertaken to allow an extra loose forward into the mix.
The coaches confirmed that if there was a late injury to one of their specialist hookers prop John Afoa would cover the position on the field and either he or Tony Woodcock would deputise as lineout thrower.
Ellis gets the third halfback spot in preference to Wellington's Piri Weepu who was ruled out because of his long-term ankle injury. "I spoke to him yesterday," said Henry. "He's struggling with his ankle and fitness and we believe he needs time to get that operated on so he can come back and be a candidate for the No 1 halfback in New Zealand."
And Boric is one of four specialist second-rowers chosen for the trip after he spent much of the year recovering from a broken toe suffered near the end of the Super 14 season.
The All Blacks coaches went for a mix of 18 forwards and 15 backs for the trip. There are five props, two hookers, four locks and seven loosies among the forwards, while in the backs there are three halfbacks, three five-eighths, four midfielders, four wings and the one specialist fullback, with cover from Jane, Smith and Delany.
"It was a difficult side to select," said Henry at today's announcement press conference. "There are a lot of good players who haven't been selected. A number of young players put their hands up and that's good for our future as an international team. So depth is returning, and that's good."
Henry said the new caps had demanded selection through form in the Air NZ Cup that could not be ignored.
"Zac Guildford has had a great year, and he and Ben Smith have got the skill-set that we believe is needed in the modern game. They're good under the high ball, good at the kicking game, good at the kick-chase game and also can counter-attack from the back three. That was very important in their selection.
"Tanerau Latimer has been in the group for some time and we've been very impressed with him. He's come back from injury and played well for Wellington.
"Mike Delany gets selected on form. He's a late developer and we like his real positiveness when he plays, he's a good kicker of the ball and has got the ability to counter-attack as well."
Henry also spelt out the special circumstances of Ross' absence after the talented Cantab had been a first-choice lock for most of the test year.
"We believe he's got things he needs to work on to become a better player," said Henry. "If he's going to be a strong scrummager and better at the breakdown he needs some time out of the game to develop the strength to be able to do that. So he'll come back a better player."
Henry also spoke about the two wings who had been part of his squad all season who missed selection.
"Joe Rokocoko will be disappointed, and he and Hosea Gear are similar really. We're looking for players in the back three who are good under the high ball and can counter-attack. Those are things they need to work on."
Henry stated the obvious when he said de Malmanche had missed out because "he needs to work on his throwing ability", but clearly there's a gamble in the call to go with just the two hookers, especially with Flynn's injury record.
Harbour wing Rudi Wulf was another initial selection who had missed the touring squad, with Henry saying "he hasn't played sufficient football in one position". Sitiveni Sivivatu is judged fit to tour despite not playing a provincial game since he picked up a groin strain late in the Tri-Nations campaign.
Henry said form in the national provincial championship had been the key factor in the selection of three of the new caps.
"Delany, Guildford and Smith, the new All Blacks, have put their hands up consistently through the tournament. Mike Delany you would say is in the top-three in-form players in this Air NZ Cup, Zac the same and Ben the same. Form for the new caps was critical obviously."
The All Blacks squad will assemble in Auckland for a training camp this week before flying out to Tokyo next Sunday, October 25.
Players not considered for selection due to injury include: Piri Weepu (ankle), Isaia Toeava (pelvis), Lelia Masaga (shoulder), Keven Mealamu (chest), Bryn Evans (back), Richard Kahui (shoulder) and Ali Williams (Achilles).
All Blacks touring squad
Forwards:
John Afoa Auckland (20 test caps)
Anthony Boric North Harbour (10)
Wyatt Crockett Canterbury (1)
Tom Donnelly Otago (1)
Jason Eaton Taranaki (13)
Corey Flynn Canterbury (5)
Owen Franks Canterbury (6)
Jerome Kaino Auckland (22)
Tanerau Latimer Bay of Plenty (3)
Andrew Hore Taranaki (43)
Richie McCaw Canterbury (76) - captain
Liam Messam Waikato (2)
Rodney So'oialo Wellington (60)
Kieran Read Canterbury (12)
Adam Thomson Otago (12)
Brad Thorn Canterbury (33)
Neemia Tialata Wellington (37)
Tony Woodcock North Harbour (58)
Backs:
Dan Carter Canterbury (62)
Jimmy Cowan Southland (28)
Mike Delany Bay of Plenty *
Stephen Donald Waikato (16)
Andy Ellis Canterbury (11)
Tamati Ellison Wellington*
Zac Guildford Hawke's Bay *
Cory Jane Wellington (8)
Brendon Leonard Waikato (12)
Luke McAlister North Harbour (28)
Mils Muliaina Waikato (77)
Ma'a Nonu Wellington (42)
Sitiveni Sivivatu Waikato (39)
Ben Smith Otago *
Conrad Smith Wellington (29)
* denotes new cap
All Blacks tour schedule
Saturday 31 October, All Blacks vs Australia, National Olympic Stadium, Tokyo
Saturday 7 November, All Blacks vs Wales, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Saturday 14 November, All Blacks vs Italy, San Siro Stadium, Milan
Saturday 21 November, All Blacks vs England, Twickenham, London
Saturday 28 November, All Blacks vs France, Stade Velodrome, Marseille
Saturday 5 December, All Blacks vs Barbarians, Twickenham, London
By MARC HINTON - Stuff.co.nz
Last updated 10:02 18/10/2009
Photosport
ALL BLACKS CALLUP: Hawke's Bay's Zac Guildford
In-form Bay of Plenty five-eighth Mike Delany and Otago fullback Ben Smith were the bolters in Graham Henry's 33-strong All Blacks squad to tour Japan, the UK and Europe.
Henry this morning named four uncapped players in his squad that will play tests against the Wallabies, Wales, Italy, England and France and then close a six-week tour with a fixture against the Barbarians at Twickenham.
He also confirmed a restructure of the coaching setup, with the main feature being Henry taking over responsibilities for the forwards, Hansen moving into the position of attack coach (previously occupied by Wayne Smith) and Smith taking over defensive responsibilities (hitherto Henry's domain).
Henry described the reshuffling of the coaching portfolios as "exciting" and said it had been done with the blessing of the senior player group in the squad. "I'm a bit apprehensive to tell the truth, I haven't coached the forwards for a while... but I think getting a bit nervous about it brings the best out in you," he added.
"It's good for me to have that challenge, and I'll be using a lot of knowledge from the forward pack which I think will be good for them."
Delany, 27, who has had an outstanding season with Bay of Plenty in the Air NZ Cup, is one of three specialist five-eighths chosen for the tour; Smith, the 23-year-old standout Otago player in a largely disappointing season in the south, has been included as one of four wings, though both he and 26-year-old Cory Jane also cover fullback, as does Delany; and the other new caps are 20-year-old Hawke's Bay winger Zac Guildford and Wellington utility back Tamati Ellison who has been with the national squad for much of the season.
Both Guildford and Ellison were widely tipped to make the tour, but Delany and Smith definitely come into the bolter category. Smith has played mostly at fullback for Otago this season but Henry said he was chosen essentially as a winger.
They have both been picked on the strength of outstanding provincial campaigns which Henry spoke about at today's team announcement. It is unusual, though, that the coaches have included three five-eighths for the tour (four if you throw Luke McAlister into the mix), and just two hookers.
Smith makes the All Blacks after just his third season of provincial rugby, and just one Super 14 campaign with the Highlanders this year. He also played alongside fellow All Black Owen Franks in the 2007 New Zealand Under-21 side.
Delany made his provincial debut in 2005 and his Super 14 breakthrough last year. He has played 52 matches for Bay of Plenty and is the leading scorer in this year's Air NZ Cup.
Guildford has had a stellar season, playing for the Hurricanes, the world champion New Zealand Under-20 team and Hawke's Bay. He has scored a competition-leading 13 tries in this year's provincial championship.
There is no room in the touring troupe for long-serving, but out of form wing Josevata Rokocoko, seldom-used wing Hosea Gear, hooker Aled de Malmanche and lock Isaac Ross who was singled out by Henry as a special case who needed a spell out of the game. All four featured through this year's international campaign.
There is also a return to international duty for Waikato loose forward Liam Messam who was dropped from the All Blacks after the Iveco Series and given a stern message about improvements needed in his game. Veteran No 8 Rodney So'oialo also survives, while Bay of Plenty's Tanerau Latimer won a tight three-way battle against George Whitelock and Karl Lowe as Richie McCaw's openside backup.
Cantabs Corey Flynn and Andy Ellis - who were both invalided out of last year's tour - and North Harbour's Anthony Boric also make returns to the All Blacks after spells away with injury. Flynn will have extra responsibility as the only specialist hooker backup for Andrew Hore in a clear selection gamble that was undertaken to allow an extra loose forward into the mix.
The coaches confirmed that if there was a late injury to one of their specialist hookers prop John Afoa would cover the position on the field and either he or Tony Woodcock would deputise as lineout thrower.
Ellis gets the third halfback spot in preference to Wellington's Piri Weepu who was ruled out because of his long-term ankle injury. "I spoke to him yesterday," said Henry. "He's struggling with his ankle and fitness and we believe he needs time to get that operated on so he can come back and be a candidate for the No 1 halfback in New Zealand."
And Boric is one of four specialist second-rowers chosen for the trip after he spent much of the year recovering from a broken toe suffered near the end of the Super 14 season.
The All Blacks coaches went for a mix of 18 forwards and 15 backs for the trip. There are five props, two hookers, four locks and seven loosies among the forwards, while in the backs there are three halfbacks, three five-eighths, four midfielders, four wings and the one specialist fullback, with cover from Jane, Smith and Delany.
"It was a difficult side to select," said Henry at today's announcement press conference. "There are a lot of good players who haven't been selected. A number of young players put their hands up and that's good for our future as an international team. So depth is returning, and that's good."
Henry said the new caps had demanded selection through form in the Air NZ Cup that could not be ignored.
"Zac Guildford has had a great year, and he and Ben Smith have got the skill-set that we believe is needed in the modern game. They're good under the high ball, good at the kicking game, good at the kick-chase game and also can counter-attack from the back three. That was very important in their selection.
"Tanerau Latimer has been in the group for some time and we've been very impressed with him. He's come back from injury and played well for Wellington.
"Mike Delany gets selected on form. He's a late developer and we like his real positiveness when he plays, he's a good kicker of the ball and has got the ability to counter-attack as well."
Henry also spelt out the special circumstances of Ross' absence after the talented Cantab had been a first-choice lock for most of the test year.
"We believe he's got things he needs to work on to become a better player," said Henry. "If he's going to be a strong scrummager and better at the breakdown he needs some time out of the game to develop the strength to be able to do that. So he'll come back a better player."
Henry also spoke about the two wings who had been part of his squad all season who missed selection.
"Joe Rokocoko will be disappointed, and he and Hosea Gear are similar really. We're looking for players in the back three who are good under the high ball and can counter-attack. Those are things they need to work on."
Henry stated the obvious when he said de Malmanche had missed out because "he needs to work on his throwing ability", but clearly there's a gamble in the call to go with just the two hookers, especially with Flynn's injury record.
Harbour wing Rudi Wulf was another initial selection who had missed the touring squad, with Henry saying "he hasn't played sufficient football in one position". Sitiveni Sivivatu is judged fit to tour despite not playing a provincial game since he picked up a groin strain late in the Tri-Nations campaign.
Henry said form in the national provincial championship had been the key factor in the selection of three of the new caps.
"Delany, Guildford and Smith, the new All Blacks, have put their hands up consistently through the tournament. Mike Delany you would say is in the top-three in-form players in this Air NZ Cup, Zac the same and Ben the same. Form for the new caps was critical obviously."
The All Blacks squad will assemble in Auckland for a training camp this week before flying out to Tokyo next Sunday, October 25.
Players not considered for selection due to injury include: Piri Weepu (ankle), Isaia Toeava (pelvis), Lelia Masaga (shoulder), Keven Mealamu (chest), Bryn Evans (back), Richard Kahui (shoulder) and Ali Williams (Achilles).
All Blacks touring squad
Forwards:
John Afoa Auckland (20 test caps)
Anthony Boric North Harbour (10)
Wyatt Crockett Canterbury (1)
Tom Donnelly Otago (1)
Jason Eaton Taranaki (13)
Corey Flynn Canterbury (5)
Owen Franks Canterbury (6)
Jerome Kaino Auckland (22)
Tanerau Latimer Bay of Plenty (3)
Andrew Hore Taranaki (43)
Richie McCaw Canterbury (76) - captain
Liam Messam Waikato (2)
Rodney So'oialo Wellington (60)
Kieran Read Canterbury (12)
Adam Thomson Otago (12)
Brad Thorn Canterbury (33)
Neemia Tialata Wellington (37)
Tony Woodcock North Harbour (58)
Backs:
Dan Carter Canterbury (62)
Jimmy Cowan Southland (28)
Mike Delany Bay of Plenty *
Stephen Donald Waikato (16)
Andy Ellis Canterbury (11)
Tamati Ellison Wellington*
Zac Guildford Hawke's Bay *
Cory Jane Wellington (8)
Brendon Leonard Waikato (12)
Luke McAlister North Harbour (28)
Mils Muliaina Waikato (77)
Ma'a Nonu Wellington (42)
Sitiveni Sivivatu Waikato (39)
Ben Smith Otago *
Conrad Smith Wellington (29)
* denotes new cap
All Blacks tour schedule
Saturday 31 October, All Blacks vs Australia, National Olympic Stadium, Tokyo
Saturday 7 November, All Blacks vs Wales, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Saturday 14 November, All Blacks vs Italy, San Siro Stadium, Milan
Saturday 21 November, All Blacks vs England, Twickenham, London
Saturday 28 November, All Blacks vs France, Stade Velodrome, Marseille
Saturday 5 December, All Blacks vs Barbarians, Twickenham, London
NZ should harness Lomu's star power
NZ should harness Lomu's star power
By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE - Stuff.co.nz
Last updated 12:06 12/10/2009
Reuters
BIG WIN: Rugby legend Jonah Lomu is embraced by a supporter after rugby's acceptance as an Olympic sport for 2016 and 2020.
OPINION: How refreshing to see a rugby organisation using the power of Jonah Lomu to get their message across.
Lomu was a key figure as rugby persuaded the Olympic movement to include Sevens in their ranks for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
It's not too often we dish out praise to the International Rugby Board but they need a double dose of "well done" for their efforts last week.
First of all, great work in getting rugby on to arguably the grandest stage of all.
Sevens, with its high speed game and quick-fire tournament format, is well suited to the Olympics and there will be no arguments from Kiwis who will sniff a genuine chance of a rare medal at this level.
Secondly, well done to the IRB for enlisting the help of Lomu to get their message across when it mattered most.
With the finish line in sight after gaining a nomination along with golf to be added to the programme for Rio, Lomu helped rugby get rubber-stamped.
There he was as the good news was delivered to the rugby delegation hugging the likes of IRB president Bernard Lapasset and chief executive Mike Miller.
Lomu made his name in Sevens before going on to be an All Blacks superstar.
But he never lost his appetite for the abbreviated game, winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal and a Sevens World Cup in amongst his test duties.
A World Cup win in 15s eluded him in 1995 and 1999 but he still did enough in both of those tournaments to be the individual star of two glittering occasions.
That was never lost on the IRB. They realised his standing as the game's biggest name with his ability to transcend sporting stages and simply be a global sportsman, a name known to fans other than followers of rugby.
To their credit adidas have also stood by Lomu - being at his side for some of his greatest triumphs and his biggest struggles both on and off the field.
He remains one of their few sporting ambassadors.
It should be an embarrassment to New Zealand rugby that we have done so little to acknowledge his presence beyond his All Blacks achievements.
If ever there was an ambassadorial figure for the modern age it is Lomu.
Yet he has been used little if not at all to promote the game in this country or promote the New Zealand rugby cause overseas.
Lomu has matured into a fine man, comfortable to operate in the corporate surroundings as well as athletic environments.
Sadly or bravely, whatever way you look at it, he is still trying to have another crack at playing rugby again, this time in the lower divisions of the French club scene.
That's a clear mark of the passion he still possesses for the game.
It's just a pity that at times he isn't rewarded with the same sort of passion for his standing or powers on these shores.
New Zealand has a World Cup beckoning in less than two years. Who better to spread the word before and during that event than Lomu?
If he's good enough for the IRB he should be good enough for the NZRU. If he's good enough for the Olympics, he should be good enough for the World Cup.
By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE - Stuff.co.nz
Last updated 12:06 12/10/2009
Reuters
BIG WIN: Rugby legend Jonah Lomu is embraced by a supporter after rugby's acceptance as an Olympic sport for 2016 and 2020.
OPINION: How refreshing to see a rugby organisation using the power of Jonah Lomu to get their message across.
Lomu was a key figure as rugby persuaded the Olympic movement to include Sevens in their ranks for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
It's not too often we dish out praise to the International Rugby Board but they need a double dose of "well done" for their efforts last week.
First of all, great work in getting rugby on to arguably the grandest stage of all.
Sevens, with its high speed game and quick-fire tournament format, is well suited to the Olympics and there will be no arguments from Kiwis who will sniff a genuine chance of a rare medal at this level.
Secondly, well done to the IRB for enlisting the help of Lomu to get their message across when it mattered most.
With the finish line in sight after gaining a nomination along with golf to be added to the programme for Rio, Lomu helped rugby get rubber-stamped.
There he was as the good news was delivered to the rugby delegation hugging the likes of IRB president Bernard Lapasset and chief executive Mike Miller.
Lomu made his name in Sevens before going on to be an All Blacks superstar.
But he never lost his appetite for the abbreviated game, winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal and a Sevens World Cup in amongst his test duties.
A World Cup win in 15s eluded him in 1995 and 1999 but he still did enough in both of those tournaments to be the individual star of two glittering occasions.
That was never lost on the IRB. They realised his standing as the game's biggest name with his ability to transcend sporting stages and simply be a global sportsman, a name known to fans other than followers of rugby.
To their credit adidas have also stood by Lomu - being at his side for some of his greatest triumphs and his biggest struggles both on and off the field.
He remains one of their few sporting ambassadors.
It should be an embarrassment to New Zealand rugby that we have done so little to acknowledge his presence beyond his All Blacks achievements.
If ever there was an ambassadorial figure for the modern age it is Lomu.
Yet he has been used little if not at all to promote the game in this country or promote the New Zealand rugby cause overseas.
Lomu has matured into a fine man, comfortable to operate in the corporate surroundings as well as athletic environments.
Sadly or bravely, whatever way you look at it, he is still trying to have another crack at playing rugby again, this time in the lower divisions of the French club scene.
That's a clear mark of the passion he still possesses for the game.
It's just a pity that at times he isn't rewarded with the same sort of passion for his standing or powers on these shores.
New Zealand has a World Cup beckoning in less than two years. Who better to spread the word before and during that event than Lomu?
If he's good enough for the IRB he should be good enough for the NZRU. If he's good enough for the Olympics, he should be good enough for the World Cup.
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