All Blacks make seven changes for Italy Test
By AFP, 24 Jun 2009 AFP is a Roar Pro
The All Blacks have made seven changes in the side that will play Italy in a one-off Test on Saturday, with winger Lelia Masaga and prop Wyatt Crockett making their Test debuts in the starting line-up.
Following a drawn two-Test series against France, All Black coach Graham Henry on Tuesday named a slightly more experimental lineup for the Test in Christchurch.
The 22-year-old Waikato Chiefs winger Masaga made his name in this year’s Super 14 series and takes the place of Cory Jane, who goes to the bench despite being one of the standout backs against France.
Canterbury Crusaders loosehead prop Crockett will join Keven Mealamu and John Afoa in the front row, with Tony Woodcock going into the reserves.
Scrumhalf Brendon Leonard makes his first appearance for the All Blacks in more than a year after being plagued by injuries.
Luke McAlister replaces Stephen Donald – who has a hamstring strain – at flyhalf in his first start for the All Blacks since joining English club Sale for an 18-month stint after the 2007 World Cup.
Henry believed he and Leonard should swiftly form a potent combination.
“Luke and Brendon are both good footballers who have played Test matches before and played at this level so they should be reasonably comfortable with that,” he said.
Veteran lock Ali Williams returns for his 62nd Test after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury, replacing Isaac Ross.
Centre Conrad Smith was not considered due to injury and is being replaced by Isaia Toeava, and prop Neemia Tialata was also ruled out through injury.
Henry put winger Joe Rokocoko on notice that he needs to resurrect the form that has made him one of the most feared wingers in the world following hesitant performances against France.
“He wouldn’t be pleased with his form. He’s a proven international in the past and we’re hoping he’ll find the magic button and start producing it,” Henry said.
“At some stage he’s got to perform. If there are some players who we think are better, he may lose his position.”
Fiji-born Rokocoko made his Test debut in 2003, scoring 17 tries, which remains the world record in a calendar year, but he has not added to his 43-try Test tally since the 2007 World Cup.
“We are looking for continued improvement after our win over France, but we know that the Italians will be as well after their two losses to Australia, so it will be another physical Test,” Henry said.
© AFP 2012ALL BLACKS:
Mils Muliaina (capt), Lelia Masaga, Isaia Toeava, Ma’a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko, Luke McAlister, Brendon Leonard, Kieran Read, Tanerau Latimer, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett. Res: Aled de Malmanche, Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, Isaac Ross, George Whitelock, Piri Weepu, Cory Jane.
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Virgil said | June 24th 2009 @ 8:09am | Report comment
What happened to Cowan? He’s not even in the 22. Was he dropped or is he injured?
Jerry said | June 24th 2009 @ 8:15am | Report comment
I suspect he’s fallen behind Weepu in the pecking order based on their play in the French series. The cartel is giving Leonard a chance to prove his fitness and to sharpen up and, barring an awful game or an injury for him, I suspect he’ll be preferred to Cowan in the TN.
Nick (KIA) said | June 24th 2009 @ 1:23pm | Report comment
Yep. They’ve said they like Weepu on the bench (‘dynamism and reading the play’ coming on in the last 30 min and covers 10 too). They’ve said that Weepu is OK with the idea, but you can bet he’s not.
Cowan’s slow delivery (I think it is slower than Weepu or Leonard) cost him I think. I think that put extra pressure on Donald too, would have been good to see him at 10 this week with Leonard passing to him.
I’m a bit worried that McAlister’s going to come out and have a flashy running game against crap defence like we’ve seen from Italy v Wallers and then he’ll be ensconsed at 10 for 3N. He’s not a decent 10 IMO – decision making suspect. Not that I’m a huge fan of Donald, but I think I’d prefer him at the mo.
I’m pleased Crockett has got his chance finally. Masanga should get a free ride in his first test as defence won’t be called into question.
I reckon Ross did a great job in the absence of Williams, esp in the linouts against France. He’s a keeper.
Mark said | June 24th 2009 @ 3:47pm | Report comment
Nick, it will be interesting to see how McAllister goes although I think he’ll have an easier time with Leonard than Donald did with Cowan. He aws a class act before he left although he got compared with Spencer a bit much for my liking. There’s a few guys who put there hands up in the second test so there’ll be good competition for a few spots this year. I’m interested in how Masaga & Toeava go.
Weepu must be p****d & I don’t blame him, forced to spend most of the S14 at 10 now an ‘impact’ player.
I didn’t watch the Wallaby games so I’m not sure how strong the Italian scrum is, we need to get that front row nailed down before the TN although I’m sure Cron has got his picks well settled.
Virgil said | June 24th 2009 @ 4:31pm | Report comment
I’m quite happy Masaga is being given a chance in the starting lineup. If he performs I’m pretty certain we’ll see Cory Jane and him on the wings. Rokocoko has really been atrocious, and not just the past two tests – he did not show anything during the S14 this year and is bloody lucky to be in the squad. Gotta think he’s past it – although unlike Tuqiri, there has been too many injuries and not enough depth to force him out of the team at this stage.
Stash said | June 24th 2009 @ 5:13pm | Report comment
The teams shaping up – it will be better off with Leonard and Ali. Will be interesting to see Masaga play – when he has a good game his broken play runs through the midfileld are devastating. Excellent…
Donald is awful… selectors celebrate when his 50/50 (or more likely 30/70) chip kicks work – his in-play kicks are equally awful. He seems to be the only player who knows where they are supposed to land. I’d rather go with the young guy from the under 20s team.
McAlister is a classy footballer… 10 is not really his position – he needs the extra step and would probably prefer to be in Nonu’s place (but that’s not going to happen to quickly).
Still, at least McAlister got the talent and potential to be a great player, Donald is only ever going to be mediocre.
Hemjay said | June 24th 2009 @ 5:14pm | Report comment
I’m looking forward to seeing how both Crockett and Masaga go.
It’s not exactly going to be a very good yard stick to measure them by it is only Italy afterall.
Mark said | June 25th 2009 @ 4:17pm | Report comment
Stash – Williams is out, Ross is back in.
Hemjay, how did teh italian scrum goe agaisnt Oz ? Are they going to be a decent scrumming test ?
Stash said | June 25th 2009 @ 4:57pm | Report comment
Yeah – I heard Ali pulled up sore at training. Issac will be better for the added experience – he had a great Super 14.
Sounds like Henry has given everyone the hard word – I reckon we can expect to see some of the players on the edge of non-selection turn up to play (Thorn showed them how to do that last week).
Mark said | June 26th 2009 @ 8:35am | Report comment
Stash – watched bits of teh game again last ngiht to see two things, the French try (wow), & Thorns try saving tackle, he had to get from one side of the field to the other & from almost 1/2 way to the try line to get there in time. THAT was committment, he saw they were short in defence just sprinted.
Hiope Joe has his skates on, despite being #2 on the S14 try scoring table for NZ players he hasn’t shown much in the 2 test so far.