Graham Henry’s test selection to kick off 2011 will be well received by a very public judge and jury. Notwithstanding notable but well-signalled absences from the stables of Canterbury and Auckland, it is a healthy blend of youth and experience that should allay fears of a potential shock loss as witnessed across the Tasman.
Players 1 through 15 possess over 500 caps between them, the benchwarmers over 200.
Leading from the front, captain Richie McCaw and fullback Mils Muliaina will each notch up test number 95, and locking retread Ali Williams returns from the wilderness to resurrect a career marking 61 outings.
Proof that the Fijians aren’t being taken lightly is in the selection of a swift loose-forward trio comprising McCaw, Thomson and Messam. And experience in key positions across the park includes the tried and proven centre-pairing of Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith.
Sitiveni Sivivatu will be thankful to be gifted the opportunity to shake the sluggishness of his average Super Rugby season.
Likewise hooker Andrew Hore will be anxious to begin a new chapter in his 2011 journal that to this point, makes for depressing reading.
Much interest will surround the performance Otago’s Colin Slade, eager to repay selectors’ faith in his preference over Aaron Cruden. Expect the country to cringe every time Slade goes into contact with the monstrous Fijians, hoping he comes out the other side with jaw intact.
It would be remiss not to acknowledge the new kid on the block, Highlanders lock Jarrad Hoeata. A fantastic achievement for the Tauranga-born hardman no better celebrated than in the Southern-most parts of Carisbrook.
It is a fact that this All Black team will convincingly trounce the long-limbed Fijians in Friday’s showdown. Not just because of superior experience, personnel, structure and home-ground advantage.
But because 22 All Blacks don’t take their selection, the opposition and the occasion for granted, which was the wholesale failing in the Wallabies camp in the planning and execution of their failed game-plan against Manu Samoa.
All Blacks: 1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Andrew Hore, 3. Ben Franks, 4. Jarrad Hoeata, 5. Ali Williams, 6. Adam Thomson, 7. Richie McCaw – captain, 8. Liam Messam, 9. Jimmy Cowan, 10. Colin Slade, 11. Sitiveni Sivivatu, 12. Ma’a Nonu, 13. Conrad Smith, 14. Zac Guildford, 15. Mils Muliaina
Reserves: 16. Corey Flynn, 17. John Afoa, 18. Samuel Whitelock, 19. Jerome Kaino, 20. Piri Weepu 21. Daniel Carter 22. Ben SmithFiji: Iliesa Keresoni, Vereniki Goneva, Albert Vulivuli, Ravai Fatiaki, Napolioni Nalaga; Seremaia Bai, Vitori Buatava; Sakiusa Matadigo, Akapusi Qera, Dominiko Waqaniburotu (captain); Sekonaia Kalou, Ifereimi Rawaqa; Deacon Manu, Sunia Koto, Campese Ma’afu
Reserves: Netani Talei, Timoci Nagusa, Metuisela Talebula, Taniela Rawaqa, Nemia Ranuku, Malakai Ravulo, Rupeni Nasiga, Viliame Veikoso, Setefano Samoca.
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