New Zealand All Black coach Graham Henry, center, flanked by Byron Kelliher, left and Richie McCaw during a training session in Edinburgh, Scotland, Friday, Sept 21, 2007. New Zealand are preparing for a Rugby World Cup Group C match against Scotland in Edinburgh. AP Photo/NZPA, Ross Setford
How much All Blacks coach Graham Henry is prepared to experiment is the question that holds the most intrigue before he names his tour squad on Sunday.
When Henry unveils a reduced squad of 33 players – last year’s tour comprised 35 – in Wellington he is expected to stick mainly with the group who finished second to South Africa in the Tri-Nations.
A decent shakedown had loomed after a ponderous start to 2009 and 3-0 whitewash at the hands of the Springboks, but the 33-6 thrashing of Australia last month may have been a career-resucitator for some.
Henry took seven new caps to Asia and Europe last year but, in the wake of the win over the Wallabies, insisted only “one or two” players at best would force their hand via the NZ provincial competition.
Henry says the six-game tour, starting against Australia in Tokyo on October 31, is the first chance for players to “cement” themselves in the 2011 World Cup frame.
Injuries to two experienced All Blacks – winger Sitiveni Sivivatu (groin) and halfback Piri Weepu (ankle) – leave their places in jeopardy, though the news appears brighter for inside back Luke McAlister.
There was encouraging news for McAlister yesterday after scans confirmed the ankle he rolled at North Harbour training on Monday was not as damaged as initially thought.
The selectors may also feel compelled to make more extraordinary calls such as their forecast omission of young lock Isaac Ross, who they feel will be better served with time in the gym to bulk up.
Veteran No.8 Rodney So’oialo was given time off for a breather this season and it could yet be that others get the same treatment – with lock Brad Thorn, 34, and fullback Mils Muliaina, 29, possible candidates after playing all 720 Test minutes so far this year.
Muliaina has already been granted a late start to next year’s Super 14.
Credible fullback options include Cory Jane, who has impressed on the All Blacks wing, and stylish youngster Israel Dagg.
Zac Guildford may force a wing spot but the likes of Sivivatu, Hosea Gear and Rudi Wulf have done little wrong while Henry has persevered with patchy veteran Joe Rokocoko.
Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu may have midfield company from Wellington’s Tamati Ellison, who has gone from fringe contender to near-certainty because of the absence of injured utility Isaia Toeava.
The oft-criticised Stephen Donald is likely to remain as Daniel Carter’s backup at five-eighth.
Changes to this year’s tight five personnel are unlikely, outside injury returnee Anthony Boric being restored in place of Ross.
In the loose forwards, Waikato’s Liam Messam continued to press for a place and could oust So’oialo, although Henry would have to backtrack on some harsh criticism of Messam when he was dropped in June.
Five candidates definitely ruled out by injury are Toeava, winger Lelia Masaga, centre Richard Kahui, hooker Keven Mealamu and locks Ali Williams and Bryn Evans.
After the Tokyo venture, New Zealand play four Tests in Europe – against Wales in Cardiff (November 7), Italy in Milan (November 14), England in London (November 21) and France in Marseille (November 28) – before finishing against the Barbarians in London on December 5.
Possible squad:
Backs: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Joe Rokocoko, Rudi Wulf, Hosea Gear, Tamati Ellison, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Luke McAlister, Daniel Carter, Stephen Donald, Jimmy Cowan, Piri Weepu, Brendon Leonard.Forwards:Kieran Read, Rodney So’oialo, Richie McCaw (capt), George Whitelock, Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Jason Eaton, Brad Thorn, Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly, Owen Franks, John Afoa, Neemia Tialata, Wyatt Crockett, Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Aled de Malmanche, Hika Elliott.
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