From Stuff...
27 June 2006
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]Former captain Reuben Thorne has been named in the All Blacks rugby squad for the Tri-Nations in shock selection announced today.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]Thorne's inclusion ahead of Troy Flavell was the major surprise in the 30-man group named to contest the first three tests of the competition, starting against Australia at Christchurch on July 8. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]Thorne, 31, played the last of his 41 tests in the playoff for third at the 2003 World Cup. That was also his 22nd test as captain. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]He played against the Barbarians at Twickenham a year later when called in as an injury replacement on the All Blacks' tour of Europe. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]His chances of future selection appeared to be jeopardised last month when he was named captain of the Junior All Blacks but withdrew to undertake a "recovery and reconditioning programme". [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]Coach Graham Henry insisted then that Thorne remained in the frame and today said his selection was warranted. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]"Reuben is a proven performer. We have looked at other candidates in the last three tests, none of whom have played to Reuben's form in the Super 14," Henry said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]"Hopefully, there is a glimpse of the future in those selections but, for now, Reuben's form is the benchmark." [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]He said Thorne would be regarded as a blindside flanker. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]Flavell is expected to see a surgeon to re-examine a shoulder tear injury that the lock/flanker has carried through the first part of the international season. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]With Flavell's omission, the selectors have boosted the locking stocks by retaining Greg Rawlinson from the 39-strong squad used for tests against Ireland and Argentina. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]The mix of the loose forwards has been reduced, with a regular squad member of recent seasons, Mose Tuiali'i, omitted, along with young flanker Jerome Kaino. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]The selectors have named three halfbacks and three hookers to provide extra cover in those specialist positions. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]The most notable backline omissions are centre Casey Laulala and second five-eighth Sam Tuitupou. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]Players not considered for selection due to injury were backs Nick Evans, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Conrad Smith, and forwards Sione Lauaki, Angus Macdonald and James Ryan. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]The squad is:[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]Backs: Leon MacDonald, Mils Muliaina, Rico Gear, Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Scott Hamilton, Ma'a Nonu, Isaia Toeava, Aaron Mauger, Daniel Carter, Luke McAlister, Piri Weepu, Byron Kelleher, Jimmy Cowan. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif]Forwards: Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Reuben Thorne, Chris Jack, Ali Williams, Jason Eaton, Greg Rawlinson, Carl Hayman, Greg Somerville, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock, Anton Oliver, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore[/FONT]
