The suns coming out today. If its stays fine for the next three days the Poms are gonna get it.
From SMH.com
ABs blood backs as England keep faith
By Daniel Gilhooly
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
The All Blacks have plumped for speed and raw talent to counter England's power and experience in their Test at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday.
While England yesterday named a predictable team, featuring the same starting XV which beat Ireland 42-6 in their last Test to seal the Six Nations grand slam, All Blacks coach John Mitchell introduced uncapped speedsters Ma'a Nonu and Joe Rokokoco in a new-look backline.
Three other newcomers to All Blacks rugby are on the bench - powerful lock/loose forward Brad Thorn, inside back Daniel Carter and utility back Mils Muliaina.
The New Zealand team boasts an exciting appearance, in contrast to a hardened English side likely to employ the no-frills style that was so effective when their second XV beat New Zealand Maori 23-9 in New Plymouth on Monday night.
Auckland wing Doug Howlett has been shunted to fullback in the absence of the injured Leon MacDonald, and the selectors hope the combination he forged with Rokocoko in the Super 12 will help the youngster settle.
Likewise, they hope vice-captain Tana Umaga at inside centre can rekindle the same midfield spark with Nonu that proved lethal for the Hurricanes in this year's Super 12.
"The Super 12 has evolved and does bring to the table a different kind of player that we can use to exploit opportunities that we believe exist in the game," Mitchell said.
"We put faith in our players, we're that kind of team. We've got a good mix of youth and experience, we believe."
Inside back Aaron Mauger was the only All Black unavailable for selection.
Backs coach Robbie Deans said Mauger was still recovering from a foot injury that bothered him in the latter stages of the Super 12.
"We're looking to graduate Aaron's work at training. He's getting better slowly but we don't want the circumstance where he lurches from crisis to crisis," Deans said.
"We'd really like him to get his foot right before we throw him back into the contest."
The forward pack is more predictable. Former captain Anton Oliver returns at hooker while No8 Rodney So'oialo earns his first test cap on home soil.
Mitchell was pleased with the starting XV's first comprehensive training session yesterday in freezing conditions in Wellington after a week together in the relative warmth of Tauranga.
"We haven't had a lot of time in preparation and it's good to get back into Test mode. I sense today was a sign that we're heading into a Test match," Mitchell said.
"This team has come together very quickly. You can never take for granted building unity."
Woodward resisted a temptation in the World Cup year to start new players, and was unmoved by his second string team's impressive win over a New Zealand Maori team on Monday.
"I was delighted with last night's result and performance," Woodward said yesterday.
"The players were outstanding and put a lot of pressure on the 22 places for the Test team. However, I've decided to opt for the same starting XV which concluded our grand slam against Ireland at the end of March.
"The All Blacks is a massive game and I intend to take the opportunity of playing a settled side against them."
Mitchell was not surprised by the England selection, led by captain Martin Johnson, and said the performance of their second 15 only emphasised the task ahead for the All Blacks.
"England showed last night they have a lot of depth to select from," Mitchell said.
"The forward display was quite outstanding and I'd expect the back display to be even better, considering the personnel they have selected.
"They probably have more attacking threats with the backline they have named."
NEW ZEALAND: Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Ma'a Nonu, Tana Umaga, Caleb Ralph, Carlos Spencer, Justin Marshall, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw, Reuben Thorne (captain), Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville, Anton Oliver, Dave Hewett. Reserves: Mils Muliaina, Daniel Carter, Steve Devine, Jerry Collins, Brad Thorn, Carl Hoeft, Keven Mealamu.
ENGLAND: Josh Lewsey, Jason Robinson, Will Greenwood, Mike Tindall, Ben Cohen, Jonny Wilkinson, Matt Dawson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Neil Back, Richard Hill, Ben Kay, Martin Johnson (captain), Jason Leonard, Steve Thompson, Graham Rowntree. Reserves: Dan Luger, Paul Grayson, Kyran Bracken, Joe Worsley, Steve Borthwick, Phil Vickery, Dorian West.
From SMH.com
ABs blood backs as England keep faith
By Daniel Gilhooly
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
The All Blacks have plumped for speed and raw talent to counter England's power and experience in their Test at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday.
While England yesterday named a predictable team, featuring the same starting XV which beat Ireland 42-6 in their last Test to seal the Six Nations grand slam, All Blacks coach John Mitchell introduced uncapped speedsters Ma'a Nonu and Joe Rokokoco in a new-look backline.
Three other newcomers to All Blacks rugby are on the bench - powerful lock/loose forward Brad Thorn, inside back Daniel Carter and utility back Mils Muliaina.
The New Zealand team boasts an exciting appearance, in contrast to a hardened English side likely to employ the no-frills style that was so effective when their second XV beat New Zealand Maori 23-9 in New Plymouth on Monday night.
Auckland wing Doug Howlett has been shunted to fullback in the absence of the injured Leon MacDonald, and the selectors hope the combination he forged with Rokocoko in the Super 12 will help the youngster settle.
Likewise, they hope vice-captain Tana Umaga at inside centre can rekindle the same midfield spark with Nonu that proved lethal for the Hurricanes in this year's Super 12.
"The Super 12 has evolved and does bring to the table a different kind of player that we can use to exploit opportunities that we believe exist in the game," Mitchell said.
"We put faith in our players, we're that kind of team. We've got a good mix of youth and experience, we believe."
Inside back Aaron Mauger was the only All Black unavailable for selection.
Backs coach Robbie Deans said Mauger was still recovering from a foot injury that bothered him in the latter stages of the Super 12.
"We're looking to graduate Aaron's work at training. He's getting better slowly but we don't want the circumstance where he lurches from crisis to crisis," Deans said.
"We'd really like him to get his foot right before we throw him back into the contest."
The forward pack is more predictable. Former captain Anton Oliver returns at hooker while No8 Rodney So'oialo earns his first test cap on home soil.
Mitchell was pleased with the starting XV's first comprehensive training session yesterday in freezing conditions in Wellington after a week together in the relative warmth of Tauranga.
"We haven't had a lot of time in preparation and it's good to get back into Test mode. I sense today was a sign that we're heading into a Test match," Mitchell said.
"This team has come together very quickly. You can never take for granted building unity."
Woodward resisted a temptation in the World Cup year to start new players, and was unmoved by his second string team's impressive win over a New Zealand Maori team on Monday.
"I was delighted with last night's result and performance," Woodward said yesterday.
"The players were outstanding and put a lot of pressure on the 22 places for the Test team. However, I've decided to opt for the same starting XV which concluded our grand slam against Ireland at the end of March.
"The All Blacks is a massive game and I intend to take the opportunity of playing a settled side against them."
Mitchell was not surprised by the England selection, led by captain Martin Johnson, and said the performance of their second 15 only emphasised the task ahead for the All Blacks.
"England showed last night they have a lot of depth to select from," Mitchell said.
"The forward display was quite outstanding and I'd expect the back display to be even better, considering the personnel they have selected.
"They probably have more attacking threats with the backline they have named."
NEW ZEALAND: Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Ma'a Nonu, Tana Umaga, Caleb Ralph, Carlos Spencer, Justin Marshall, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw, Reuben Thorne (captain), Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville, Anton Oliver, Dave Hewett. Reserves: Mils Muliaina, Daniel Carter, Steve Devine, Jerry Collins, Brad Thorn, Carl Hoeft, Keven Mealamu.
ENGLAND: Josh Lewsey, Jason Robinson, Will Greenwood, Mike Tindall, Ben Cohen, Jonny Wilkinson, Matt Dawson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Neil Back, Richard Hill, Ben Kay, Martin Johnson (captain), Jason Leonard, Steve Thompson, Graham Rowntree. Reserves: Dan Luger, Paul Grayson, Kyran Bracken, Joe Worsley, Steve Borthwick, Phil Vickery, Dorian West.
