Nonu back for Blacks
6 Jul 2010
Graham Henry has made four changes to his run-on side for the All Blacks’ Tri-Nations opener against the Springboks in Auckland on Saturday.
The All Blacks head coach has selected Ma’a Nonu, who will make his first international appearance of the season, and Conrad Smith as his centre pair as they replace Benson Stanley and Richard Kahui respectively.
Both Nonu (knee) and Smith (eye) have recovered from injuries. Only Kahui is retained in the match 22 as he features on the bench with Rene Ranger falling out.
Wing Joe Rokocoko gets his starting spot in place of discarded Zac Guildford while there’s only one change to the pack as Owen Franks will wear the No 3 jersey with Neemia Tialata axed.
There are another three changes amongst the reserves as hooker Corey Flynn, prop Ben Franks and flank Liam Messam are drafted into the All Blacks’ match 22.
Henry’s selection can easily be perceived as conservative, especially with a couple of young bucks having proven their aptitude in the Super 14 and June internationals. He, however, stressed that experience would be key against the Springboks.
‘We’ve selected proven test performers,’ said Henry. ‘There are a lot of young guys who are knocking on the door and they’ll get their opportunity in time, just like the guys who are taking the field have had to wait in the wings to get their opportunity.’
Henry was acutely aware of the magnitude of the Test.
‘It’s great isn’t it. It’s great to have these sort of games. I think you need these sort of games. It’s a great measuring stick to see where we’re at,’ he said.
‘We’ve had a pleasing start to the year, the guys have pulled together well, have prepared well, and what we really need now is a defining game and then we’ll know where we’re at. We’re certainly going to get one on Saturday.
‘I think everybody knows the score, they don’t need me to tell them. They gave us a hiding last year, when we were clearly second. The guys understand that very clearly.’
The weekend clash will mark a special milestone at Eden Park as it will be 90 years to the day since the All Blacks’ first match at the ground. The All Blacks and Auckland played to an 11-11 draw in front of 9000 people on 10 July 1920.
All Blacks – 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Subs: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Richard Kahui.
71 Comments
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6 Jul 2010, 12:31 pm
@Panzer Chief(cane)-46: There’s always a first time.
Whispers of Dunedin…
6 Jul 2010, 12:39 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-49:
True………………….but we did win the 1st WC played among all Democratic Non-Priah Nations, on this Great Green Earth.
SA are now welcome to the Club. Thank goodness.
But praise all, that you didn’t turn up in 87. That’s the way it WAS. A different time and different place.
6 Jul 2010, 12:43 pm
@Panzer Chief(cane)-52:
As a matter of interest, any idea how many times the Boks have played the ABs at Eden Park?
6 Jul 2010, 12:44 pm
@Panzer Chief(cane)-52: North Korea played at FIFA WC 2010.
I suppose any avantage to the “No 1.” ranked side…
6 Jul 2010, 13:07 pm
I just voted on the Keo Poll:
How many games will SA win on Tour?
I am one of the 4% who think they will win Zero.
After the AB’s are finished with you lot…………….Dingo’s Mob will only have bones to chew on.
8) bring it on.
6 Jul 2010, 13:09 pm
@Panzer Chief(cane)-55: Ergo ego…
6 Jul 2010, 13:13 pm
NZ are so k@k at the momment, we can play the Bulls 15 one week and the Stormers 15 the next (half of the Bok team will have a rest)
6 Jul 2010, 13:13 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-54:
It was reported here in NZ by Reuters,
that North Korea hired random Local Chinese Saffas,
to act as North Korean supporters.
Believe me in 87, there would have been random supporters of a different kind.
8)
6 Jul 2010, 13:18 pm
@Soccer_World_Cup_a_Flop(Transf0rmation)-57:
70 billion Rand flushed down the toilet. And you people think you are smarter than the average Village Idiot.
8)
(Actually I am enjoyingbthe show.)
6 Jul 2010, 13:26 pm
@Panzer Chief(cane)-55:
Just looking at the team, do the players have to produce their pension cards to qualify for selection?
6 Jul 2010, 13:35 pm
@David(David)-60:
This Saturday it’s NZ vs SA.
You send out the best you can.
If they be experienced, so be it.
This is not a time to blood Newbies. (Maybe off the bench.)
This is the real deal. A TEST MATCH. It is not a job for boys.
6 Jul 2010, 14:07 pm
@Panzer Chief(cane)-61:
6 Jul 2010, 14:34 pm
Very unlike GH to make changes!
6 Jul 2010, 14:56 pm
@KWAS(KWAS) YEs but the experience they build playing together is going to help them. They will be better I can tell you that.
We are going to have to play well to beat them.
6 Jul 2010, 19:24 pm
I still can’t believe GH picked joe over Gilford or Gear, Joe has lost it, he speed is gone and that great try scoring ability he once had is now gone.
I hope to see Ranger at 11 next week or even Kahui who should a bit of pace against the welsh. Going to be a cracker abs by 5
7 Jul 2010, 01:59 am
Some guys are saying the Boks haven’t won in Auckland for a very long time as if to say that this time won’t be any different.
I actually think it’s a good opportunity for the Boks to rewrite the history books and there’s nothing arrogant about saying that.
It’s funny how guys pull out the ol’ arrogance card once they feel a bit threatened or realise there’s some truth in it.
7 Jul 2010, 03:18 am
@Kiwisamoan(Kiwisamoan)-65: You and all of NZ, what has the Gear family done to offend the NZRU? I still reckon Rico was even better than Hosea but was always on the outer
7 Jul 2010, 03:31 am
Nonu needs to make a few hard tackles on steyn then you will se how the bok game goes to custard
7 Jul 2010, 03:34 am
@ET69(ET69)-68: True as, I want to see Morne cry like a *****
7 Jul 2010, 04:05 am
@ET69(ET69)-68:
Mate, just give Butch a run and Carter will be dropping balls again and his black pants will turn brown.
7 Jul 2010, 04:17 am
Carters form this year has been pretty much like his business skills………… in the gutter. But then I suppose any metrosexual rugger player that wants a clothing line and store has his eye on the wrong ball?
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