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The All Blacks have rejected accusations they will field their worst side in recent memory in a grudge weekend Test match against France, as they suffered further injury woes.
Wing Rudi Wulf was sidelined after injuring a shoulder, placing further pressure on a side already missing 10 leading players and still smarting from their shock quarter-final loss to France in the World Cup two years ago.
In a country passionate about rugby, the first All Blacks Test team of 2009 has been heavily criticised, with one newspaper columnist branding them “the worst All Black side in the professional era”.
But stand-in captain Mils Muliaina rejected the label and said he expected his inexperienced and makeshift side “to do the job” against France on Saturday.
“They just want to get out there and play and it is going to be hard but I know I’ve got a good group of core guys that are experienced and have really driven this team,” he said.
“In terms of the worst team, I definitely disagree with that,” Muliaina said.
“We’ve got an inexperienced side but one that’s very excited and can’t wait to get out there and play a French team that’s big and strong and experienced.”
Muliaina, leading the side in place of the injured Richie McCaw, said the string of injuries had been a frustration but the fresh blood in the All Blacks were eager to set the record straight against France after the 18-20 World Cup loss two years ago.
“There’s definitely that extra bit of motivation that’s for sure,” said the veteran fullback, one of only six players who took to the field for all or part of the defeat and who will be in the starting line up on Saturday.
“It was just two years ago and… there is a bit of an element, a bit of revenge in a way.
“But you’ve got to put that emotion aside. This is a different team with different goals and we’ve got to make sure that collectively we do that.”
Waikato Chiefs winger Lelia Masaga has been drafted into the All Blacks as cover for Wulf who landed heavily on his left shoulder during a high-ball exercise in training.
A decision will be made Friday on whether Wulf can start or if he will sit out the game with the large group of injuries who include McCaw, Ali Williams, Dan Carter, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Rodney So’oialo and Conrad Smith.
Coach Graham Henry has already publicly downplayed expectations of his side, saying they would not be the complete package at kick-off time.
He said the training focus, given the number of inexperienced players in the squad, has concentrated on teamwork rather than analysis of the French game.
A critical area for the All Blacks is in the loose forwards where blindside specialist Adam Thomson has been transformed into a No.7 to cover for McCaw.
Kieran Read and Liam Messam, who made their All Blacks debuts on last year’s end-of-season tour, complete the loose trio.
In the backs, Stephen Donald gets his third start at flyhalf, while utility Isaia Toeva will front at outside centre where first choice specialists Conrad Smith and Richard Kahui are both injured.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.