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.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
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.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Six cities get All Blacks tests in 2010
By MARC HINTON - Stuff.co.nz
Last updated 20:11 08/10/2009
IAIN McGREGOR/Stuff.co.nz
RETURN OF THE BLACK: Dunedin and New Plymouth were the big winners, being allocated June All Blacks tests in 2010.
Dunedin and New Plymouth were the big winners when the venues for the All Blacks' home tests next year were unveiled.
The All Blacks will play in New Plymouth, Dunedin, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch next year during the June internationals and Tri-Nations that follows.
The Dunedin test at Carisbrook, against Wales, is notable for two reasons - it could be the last international played at the famous old ground which is due to be phased out in 2011 for the new roofed facility; and it will be the first time the Welsh have played New Zealand in the southern city.
The All Blacks will kick off their season with a test against 2009 Six Nations champions Ireland at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth (June 12). This will be just the second international at the Taranaki venue, following last year's historic clash against Samoa.
The New Plymouth match will be followed by two tests against Wales, the first at Carisbrook on Saturday, June 19 and the second at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, on Saturday June 26.
Christchurch gets the Bledisloe Cup test in the Tri-Nations, which will be the first to be held in the fully redeveloped AMI Stadium.
The other Tri-Nations tests, both against South Africa, are being held at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday July 10 and Westpac Stadium in the capital a week later.
New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said the All Blacks' home test schedule presented some great opportunities for the regions hosting matches.
"The Dunedin, New Plymouth and Christchurch test matches will be quite special, all for different reasons, and I'm sure that rugby fans in those regions will already be looking forward to these historic events," he said.
2010 ALL BLACKS & TRI-NATIONS SCHEDULE
June International Series
June 12: All Blacks vs Ireland, Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
June 19: All Blacks vs Wales, Carisbrook, Dunedin
June 26: All Blacks vs Wales, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Investec Tri-Nations
July 10: All Blacks vs South Africa, Eden Park, Auckland
July 17: All Blacks vs South Africa, Westpac Stadium, Wellington
July 24: Australia vs South Africa, Brisbane
July 31: Australia vs All Blacks, Melbourne
August 7: All Blacks vs Australia, AMI Stadium, Christchurch
August 21: South Africa vs All Blacks, Johannesburg
August 28: South Africa vs Australia, Pretoria
September 4: South Africa vs Australia, Bloemfontein
September 11: Australia vs All Blacks, Sydney
Last updated 20:11 08/10/2009
IAIN McGREGOR/Stuff.co.nz
RETURN OF THE BLACK: Dunedin and New Plymouth were the big winners, being allocated June All Blacks tests in 2010.
Dunedin and New Plymouth were the big winners when the venues for the All Blacks' home tests next year were unveiled.
The All Blacks will play in New Plymouth, Dunedin, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch next year during the June internationals and Tri-Nations that follows.
The Dunedin test at Carisbrook, against Wales, is notable for two reasons - it could be the last international played at the famous old ground which is due to be phased out in 2011 for the new roofed facility; and it will be the first time the Welsh have played New Zealand in the southern city.
The All Blacks will kick off their season with a test against 2009 Six Nations champions Ireland at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth (June 12). This will be just the second international at the Taranaki venue, following last year's historic clash against Samoa.
The New Plymouth match will be followed by two tests against Wales, the first at Carisbrook on Saturday, June 19 and the second at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, on Saturday June 26.
Christchurch gets the Bledisloe Cup test in the Tri-Nations, which will be the first to be held in the fully redeveloped AMI Stadium.
The other Tri-Nations tests, both against South Africa, are being held at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday July 10 and Westpac Stadium in the capital a week later.
New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said the All Blacks' home test schedule presented some great opportunities for the regions hosting matches.
"The Dunedin, New Plymouth and Christchurch test matches will be quite special, all for different reasons, and I'm sure that rugby fans in those regions will already be looking forward to these historic events," he said.
2010 ALL BLACKS & TRI-NATIONS SCHEDULE
June International Series
June 12: All Blacks vs Ireland, Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
June 19: All Blacks vs Wales, Carisbrook, Dunedin
June 26: All Blacks vs Wales, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Investec Tri-Nations
July 10: All Blacks vs South Africa, Eden Park, Auckland
July 17: All Blacks vs South Africa, Westpac Stadium, Wellington
July 24: Australia vs South Africa, Brisbane
July 31: Australia vs All Blacks, Melbourne
August 7: All Blacks vs Australia, AMI Stadium, Christchurch
August 21: South Africa vs All Blacks, Johannesburg
August 28: South Africa vs Australia, Pretoria
September 4: South Africa vs Australia, Bloemfontein
September 11: Australia vs All Blacks, Sydney
All Blacks: The best deputies
5:00AM Sunday Sep 27, 2009
By Gregor Paul
If you torture statistics for long enough, they will tell the story you want to hear. Or in the case of the All Blacks and the influence wielded by Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, they will tell the story no one wants to hear - that the All Blacks can't afford to be without either player.
Since 2003 - the year Carter made his debut - the All Blacks have lost 14 of 87 tests. No one can quibble with that. No other side gets close, not even South Africa, when viewed over the same period.
Of those 14 losses, only five have occurred when both Carter and McCaw have started. Now that's an incredible influence. The Wallabies have managed just one victory against the All Blacks when both McCaw and Carter have started. That was the 20-14 win in Melbourne before the World Cup.
The other wins in that period have been achieved when New Zealand's super pairing have been split; in the 2003 World Cup loss, Carter didn't play; in 2004, Carter played at second five and McCaw was in the stands with concussion; and in 2008, McCaw wasn't involved due to his injured ankle.
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Over the same period, the Springboks have been better able to operate against the All Blacks both generally and specifically against Carter and McCaw. The Boks beat the All Blacks in 2005, 2006 and again this year when both men started.
France, in the 2007 World Cup quarter-final, are the only other side to have beaten the All Blacks when both Carter and McCaw have started. It has come to the point where the All Blacks are two different sides; they carry a hint of vulnerability when one or both of their superstars are not involved. With them, they are a different prospect.
With Carter and McCaw, the accuracy is that little bit higher; the confidence flows, the game-plan comes together, the on-field leadership is more obvious and the All Blacks more convincing.
Last week's test in Wellington was the perfect example of the Carter/McCaw effect. The captain was in his element. After some injury troubles, he's back in top nick, his confidence restored and his performance was world class against the Wallabies.
Carter has given the All Blacks obvious stability and structure since he returned to the No 10 shirt in Sydney. His very presence has calmed jittery nerves around him, with Ma'a Nonu able to feel it is not up to him to singlehandedly destroy the opposition.
It's little wonder, on the stats alone, that the New Zealand Rugby Union made the retention of Carter and McCaw top priority last year. It's also no surprise that there is widespread concern about the lack of cover for these two invaluable soldiers.
It's not that everyone expects to have replacements of equal ability. These are once-in-a-generation players and their back-up will never be of quite the same calibre. But the back-up should at least be All Black calibre and firmly established as the second choice.
Currently neither box has been ticked, which has been the case for most of the past six years, with brief periods when there were alternative options.
Again, statistics can paint a damning picture; they can show precisely the danger of not having top class alternatives.
McCaw and Carter have played 38 tests together and the All Blacks have won 88 per cent of those. That compares with an overall win ratio since 2003 of 84 per cent.
The All Blacks have played 49 tests in the past seven years without one or both Carter and McCaw and have managed to win 40 of them - for a win ratio of almost 78 per cent. They are 10 per cent worse off without Carter and McCaw. That's a big drop and the pressure is on the selectors to fix this problem.
The end of year tour has to herald the dawn of a new age. There must be some brutal decisions made to reach agreement that no progress has been made on those fronts so far this year. Or, more accurately perhaps, progress has been made in the sense that some contenders can now be eliminated.
At the start of the test season, Adam Thomson was the great hope at openside and Stephen Donald at first five.
"We've got to be honest and say we've tried the odd thing from time to time that hasn't worked and that's probably one of them," assistant coach Steve Hansen said recently of using Thomson at No 7. "We're desperately looking for someone that can back Rich up. That was a test match where we thought we'd give that a go. We thought he'd [Thomson] displayed a lot of the skills needed but in fairness to him, he's gone back to six and he's telling us through his form that that's the position he should play in."
Having agreed Thomson is a blindside, and quite clearly the best in the country, he needs to be seen as a specialist and not swapped between the two sides of the scrum.
He's not McCaw's successor and nor, in the immediate future, is Tanerau Latimer. He's a good athlete. He possesses an admirable work-rate, good attitude and appetite for his chores.
For all that, however, he's not quite there yet. Latimer looks the kind of player who would be comfortable to back up against the likes of Italy, Canada and Fiji but out of his depth should he have to front the Boks or Wallabies in a must-win clash. Scott Waldrom looks to be in a similar position, although he does have an X-factor with his pace.
The pick of the contenders has to be George Whitelock, who has the size, pace, strength, rugby knowledge and leadership. In his cameo performance against Italy, he was immediately composed.
Long term, he has all he needs for test football. All he lacks is exposure. He needs to be built into a test class openside. If he's taken on tour, he'll make giant strides just by being indoctrinated into the All Black ways. Next year, he can be drip-fed into action - regular game time off the bench and the odd start against lesser nations would bring him on further.
The clock is ticking now in terms of the World Cup and the All Blacks have to make a commitment to one player and stick with it. If it's Whitelock, then back him all the way - make a two-year plan that sees him reach September 2011 as McCaw's deputy.
It's the same with first five. Much has been invested in Donald but he's not the answer. He's an intriguing bench option with his unorthodox range of skills and he has shown he can change the dynamic of the contest when he's introduced. But he's not a game manager. He's not equipped to control and dominate, a la Carter.
Luke McAlister is not in that mould either. He's a 12 who can reluctantly play 10 but that's not a solution. First five is for specialists - men who relish the responsibility and want to own the game. It's not a berth you can be shoved into.
Options are thin on the ground with Aaron Cruden screaming out as the best choice. He's young. He's still raw with flaws and areas of weakness. But he reads the game well. He understands how his role works and he wants to take it on.
He is an orthodox first five who has a few extras - like his ability to run and escape trouble. Like Whitelock, he needs commitment from the coaches. His development plan should be similar to Whitelock's and the journey needs to start next month.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Emphatic victory to All Blacks
By MARC HINTON - Stuff.co.nz
Last updated 19:25 19/09/2009
Emphatic victory to All Blacks
Crisis averted. Jobs safe. Vice-like grip on the Wallabies continued. All in a night's work for the suddenly awesome All Blacks.
But the big question we'll be asking ourselves as we digest this comprehensive 33-6 Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup victory over the Wallabies over our Sunday morning breakfast will be just what value do we place on it? Really, was it any great surprise?
The All Blacks have now won six of their last seven tests against the Wallabies over the last two seasons, since a certain Robbie Deans slunk across the Tasman to take charge of the Men in Gold.
And this latest instalment simply continued that trend. Graham Henry might not be able to buy a win over the Springboks right now; but he owns Deans.
And really as much as the All Blacks are tying themselves in knots over their inability to counter the South African game; they must feel pretty satisfied about the superiority they hold over their trans-Tasman rivals. They've now swept them 3-0 in the Tri-Nations and will surely make it a round four in Japan next month.
Really, if ever the Wallabies were going to redress the imbalance, you would have thought this match would have been it. But they simply weren't good enough as the All Blacks convincingly won the arm-wrestle through the first three quarters and then came home with a wet sail and two late tries to inflate the margin out close to embarrassing territory for the Wobberlies.
This was among the more convincing wins over the Australians over the last couple of years, too, with the All Blacks dominating most aspects of play, including that much talked-about lineout, and successfully suffocating everything and anything the visitors could throw at them on attack.
Yes, it was a performance to be proud of from the All Blacks who avoided the spectre of their first ever three home loss season, and answered their critics in fine style. This was how we expect them to play. This was how they should play.
Their set-piece work was excellent, their breakdown game top drawer and, possibly for the first time this season, the All Blacks got their attacking game going. It was a sweet response, and would have been manna from heaven for the under-siege New Zealand coaches.
Credit to them, too, to rally the troops after the defeat in Hamilton and come up with improvements in areas where they had to be made.
"I'm pretty proud of the guys, it's never easy coming off a loss and the belief among the whole group was outstanding and to put a performance out here tonight... very, very happy," said skipper Richie McCaw afterwards.
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He was rapt with the lineout response that saw the All Blacks hold firm on their own ball and even steal two straight Wallaby throws (both by supersub Jason Eaton) late in the piece.
"We kept the belief in ourselves," said McCaw. "We realised last week it was only minor things that went wrong, the boys worked hard all week and put that together which is vital to get your game going.
"It's great. When you're down it's a real test of what character you've got within the team."
Wow. What a difference a week - and a few harsh words from their critics - made. The All Blacks looked a different side in the first 40 minutes of this contest, playing with a purpose, precision and penetration that had not been there in Hamilton, nor for that matter in any of their opening salvos throughout this competition.
A strong, and accurate, opening half was punctuated by a magical period around the half-hour mark right about when it looked most ominous.
Centre Isaia Toeava had just been despatched to the sin-bin for a high tackle on young Wallaby fullback James O'Connor, and from the same play phase Berrick Barnes had just coolly slotted a dropped goal (under advantage) to close the Wallabies to within three, at 6-9.
Ten minutes, a man up, we all steeled for the Wallaby charge that would surely come.
Instead it was the numerically disadvantaged All Blacks who pounced. During a nice spell where they did extremely well to limit the Australian chances to expose them, wing Cory Jane snatched a try - quite literally - out of thin air.
It had looked distinctly unpromising when fullback Mils Muliaina received backtrack ball his side of halfway and sort of ran out of options for the pass. So instead he hoisted one of those middle-of-the-field high bombs that the Springboks specialise in, but are catching on like wildfire at the moment.
It could have - should have - been diffused with little discomfort by the Wallabies. Could have, schmould have. Instead Jane came flying through the air like, well, Tarzan, plucking the ball from right under the nose of startled Australian wunderkind James O'Connor and then dashing 35 metres or so for a superb try, and a 16-6 lead they would hold till the break.
Where has this man been all season? Oh, that's right, not required.
The Wallabies came out with plenty of purpose after the break, but they could still find no way through an All Black side that remained on its mettle on defence.
Carter slotted an early penalty to extend the margin to 13, the All Blacks battened down the hatches for a period of Wallaby dominance and then straight after Eaton had come in with his lineout thievery they finished with their flourish.
Ma'a Nonu had the second try six minutes from the end, with a trademark bullocking run that left a handful of Wallaby defenders looking like fools; and before it was over the All Blacks worked a couple of quick phases off a scrum before putting Josevata Rokocoko into enough space on the right to unleash one of those swan dives for his 45th test try.
And, with Carter slotting a second goal off the upright, the margin went out to 33-6, and the bleeding was well and truly stopped. The All Blacks were mostly all on top of their games. Jane was superb on the wing, and surely he's earned more starts on the back of this. Toeava had one of those tests that remind you why his coaches covet him so and there was also a much improved showing from Rokocoko. Also, wasn't it good to see Mils Muliaina playing with a lot more confidence?
Up front new chum Tom Donnelly had an excellent debut in the second row, Andrew Hore got his lineout stuff right, Adam Thomson added some much-needed mobility to a loose trio that outplayed their opposites and the set-piece stuff was, by and large, on the money. Richie McCaw was back to his best too as the All Blacks won the tackle ball area comprehensively.
The Wallabies? O'Connor had a match to forget, Giteau was again well contained by the All Blacks and the Australian backline in general found themselves running at a black wall all night.
The Wallaby forwards also could make little or no headway all night, and even failed to procure the supposedly failsafe method of possession via the All Black lineout. Pocock and Smith were non-factors.
For the All Blacks the questions were answered. For the Wallabies they start all over again across the Tasman. Deans should buckle down for another assault.
New Zealand 33 (Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko tries; Daniel Carter 4 pen, 3 con)
Australia 6 (Matt Giteau pen, Berrick Barnes dropped goal).
Halftime: 16-6.
Last updated 19:25 19/09/2009
Emphatic victory to All Blacks
Crisis averted. Jobs safe. Vice-like grip on the Wallabies continued. All in a night's work for the suddenly awesome All Blacks.
But the big question we'll be asking ourselves as we digest this comprehensive 33-6 Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup victory over the Wallabies over our Sunday morning breakfast will be just what value do we place on it? Really, was it any great surprise?
The All Blacks have now won six of their last seven tests against the Wallabies over the last two seasons, since a certain Robbie Deans slunk across the Tasman to take charge of the Men in Gold.
And this latest instalment simply continued that trend. Graham Henry might not be able to buy a win over the Springboks right now; but he owns Deans.
And really as much as the All Blacks are tying themselves in knots over their inability to counter the South African game; they must feel pretty satisfied about the superiority they hold over their trans-Tasman rivals. They've now swept them 3-0 in the Tri-Nations and will surely make it a round four in Japan next month.
Really, if ever the Wallabies were going to redress the imbalance, you would have thought this match would have been it. But they simply weren't good enough as the All Blacks convincingly won the arm-wrestle through the first three quarters and then came home with a wet sail and two late tries to inflate the margin out close to embarrassing territory for the Wobberlies.
This was among the more convincing wins over the Australians over the last couple of years, too, with the All Blacks dominating most aspects of play, including that much talked-about lineout, and successfully suffocating everything and anything the visitors could throw at them on attack.
Yes, it was a performance to be proud of from the All Blacks who avoided the spectre of their first ever three home loss season, and answered their critics in fine style. This was how we expect them to play. This was how they should play.
Their set-piece work was excellent, their breakdown game top drawer and, possibly for the first time this season, the All Blacks got their attacking game going. It was a sweet response, and would have been manna from heaven for the under-siege New Zealand coaches.
Credit to them, too, to rally the troops after the defeat in Hamilton and come up with improvements in areas where they had to be made.
"I'm pretty proud of the guys, it's never easy coming off a loss and the belief among the whole group was outstanding and to put a performance out here tonight... very, very happy," said skipper Richie McCaw afterwards.
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He was rapt with the lineout response that saw the All Blacks hold firm on their own ball and even steal two straight Wallaby throws (both by supersub Jason Eaton) late in the piece.
"We kept the belief in ourselves," said McCaw. "We realised last week it was only minor things that went wrong, the boys worked hard all week and put that together which is vital to get your game going.
"It's great. When you're down it's a real test of what character you've got within the team."
Wow. What a difference a week - and a few harsh words from their critics - made. The All Blacks looked a different side in the first 40 minutes of this contest, playing with a purpose, precision and penetration that had not been there in Hamilton, nor for that matter in any of their opening salvos throughout this competition.
A strong, and accurate, opening half was punctuated by a magical period around the half-hour mark right about when it looked most ominous.
Centre Isaia Toeava had just been despatched to the sin-bin for a high tackle on young Wallaby fullback James O'Connor, and from the same play phase Berrick Barnes had just coolly slotted a dropped goal (under advantage) to close the Wallabies to within three, at 6-9.
Ten minutes, a man up, we all steeled for the Wallaby charge that would surely come.
Instead it was the numerically disadvantaged All Blacks who pounced. During a nice spell where they did extremely well to limit the Australian chances to expose them, wing Cory Jane snatched a try - quite literally - out of thin air.
It had looked distinctly unpromising when fullback Mils Muliaina received backtrack ball his side of halfway and sort of ran out of options for the pass. So instead he hoisted one of those middle-of-the-field high bombs that the Springboks specialise in, but are catching on like wildfire at the moment.
It could have - should have - been diffused with little discomfort by the Wallabies. Could have, schmould have. Instead Jane came flying through the air like, well, Tarzan, plucking the ball from right under the nose of startled Australian wunderkind James O'Connor and then dashing 35 metres or so for a superb try, and a 16-6 lead they would hold till the break.
Where has this man been all season? Oh, that's right, not required.
The Wallabies came out with plenty of purpose after the break, but they could still find no way through an All Black side that remained on its mettle on defence.
Carter slotted an early penalty to extend the margin to 13, the All Blacks battened down the hatches for a period of Wallaby dominance and then straight after Eaton had come in with his lineout thievery they finished with their flourish.
Ma'a Nonu had the second try six minutes from the end, with a trademark bullocking run that left a handful of Wallaby defenders looking like fools; and before it was over the All Blacks worked a couple of quick phases off a scrum before putting Josevata Rokocoko into enough space on the right to unleash one of those swan dives for his 45th test try.
And, with Carter slotting a second goal off the upright, the margin went out to 33-6, and the bleeding was well and truly stopped. The All Blacks were mostly all on top of their games. Jane was superb on the wing, and surely he's earned more starts on the back of this. Toeava had one of those tests that remind you why his coaches covet him so and there was also a much improved showing from Rokocoko. Also, wasn't it good to see Mils Muliaina playing with a lot more confidence?
Up front new chum Tom Donnelly had an excellent debut in the second row, Andrew Hore got his lineout stuff right, Adam Thomson added some much-needed mobility to a loose trio that outplayed their opposites and the set-piece stuff was, by and large, on the money. Richie McCaw was back to his best too as the All Blacks won the tackle ball area comprehensively.
The Wallabies? O'Connor had a match to forget, Giteau was again well contained by the All Blacks and the Australian backline in general found themselves running at a black wall all night.
The Wallaby forwards also could make little or no headway all night, and even failed to procure the supposedly failsafe method of possession via the All Black lineout. Pocock and Smith were non-factors.
For the All Blacks the questions were answered. For the Wallabies they start all over again across the Tasman. Deans should buckle down for another assault.
New Zealand 33 (Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko tries; Daniel Carter 4 pen, 3 con)
Australia 6 (Matt Giteau pen, Berrick Barnes dropped goal).
Halftime: 16-6.
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