New Zealand Rugby Team for the 2009 Tri Nations
Key Players Including Captain Richie McCaw Return to the All Blacks
Despite the return of McCaw, long-serving Number Eight, Rodney So'oialo, and star winger Sitiveni Sivivatu a long list of injuries has limited coach Graham Henry’s options when naming a 30 strong squad of 17 forwards and 13 backs.
Henry’s Options Limited by Injuries
Players unavailable for selection because of injury include star first-five eighths Daniel Carter (Achilles tendon injury).lock Ali Williams (Achilles tendon), centre Richard Kahui (shoulder), wing Rudi Wulf (shoulder), halfback Andy Ellis (ribs), flanker Adam Thomson (hand), lock Anthony Boric (toe), hooker Corey Flynn (forearm), and flanker Scott Waldrom (back).
Eaton and Gear Recalled
After the team’s indifferent performances in recent tests against France and Italy, Henry has omitted Liam Messam and Lelia Masaga and recalled Lock Jason Eaton and wing Hosea Gear, who both last played for the All Blacks on the 2008 Grand Slam tour.
Four players will join the squad as cover -- Hurricanes utility back Tamati Ellison, Crusaders first five-eighths Stephen Brett, and 2008 All Blacks Ben Franks and Anthony Tuitavake, who were all members of the successful Junior All Blacks squad.
While the return of McCaw and So'oialo will bolster the forwards, the first five-eighths position remains Henry’s biggest headache with both Luke McAlister and Stephen Donald having sub-par performances against Italy and France.
Henry Confident of Donald's Ability
At a press conference in Auckland Henry indicated that the All Blacks coaches were confident of Donald’s ability in the pivot role for the the Tri-Nations.
"We think Steve played pretty well against France," said Henry. "I know the media thought he was pretty poor in the second test, but you need a bit of time at international level to get your feet under the table and feel comfortable.
"He played pretty well for us last year when he didn't have the same pressures as this year. It's a transition phase and we think he's got the character and ability to handle it."
All Blacks Tri-Nations Squad:
Forwards: Aled de Malmanche, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock, Jason Eaton, Bryn Evans, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Tanerau Latimer, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Rodney So'oialo.
Backs: Jimmy Cowan, Brendon Leonard, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Luke McAlister, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava, Hosea Gear, Josevata Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Cory Jane, Mils Muliaina.
The All Blacks Itinerary
The All Blacks first match in the Tri Nations is against Australia in Auckland on 18 July, which also doubles as the first Bledisloe Cup match.
Their next two matches are against the Springboks in South Africa, the first in Bloemfontein on the 25 July then in Durban on the 1 August.
Finally they have two home games, the first against the Springboks in Hamilton on 12 September and the second against the Wallabies in Wellington on 19 September.
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