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New Zealand will be hoping they don’t suffer the same fate as the Wallabies with a vastly under-strength All Blacks team expected to play Fiji on Friday night in Dunedin.
Only four of the starting team from their last Test against Wales in November ran in what looked like a shadow Test team on Tuesday – fullback Mils Muiliaina, centre Conrad Smith, halfback Jimmy Cowan and captain Richie McCaw.
The All Blacks’ selectors are keen to rest key players after an arduous Super Rugby campaign for the Crusaders and the Blues, and the Fiji game will allow them to do that ahead of the Tri Nations.
But Wallabies’ coach Robbie Deans was in the same position when he rested many of his best players for Australia’s season opener on Sunday when they were trounced by Samoa.
Jarrad Hoeata looks certain to make his All Blacks debut after he partnered Ali Williams in the second row at training on Tuesday, while the loose forward trio featured McCaw, Adam Thomson and Liam Messam.
Hurricanes’ discard Andrew Hore was joined by Crusaders’ props Ben Franks and Wyatt Crockett in the front row, while Colin Slade ran at five-eighth. Ma’a Nonu was outside Slade with Zac Guildford and Sitiveni Sivivatu on the wings.
Those not included in the 22 for Friday’s fundraiser Test for Canterbury earthquake victims are returning home to spend time with their families, with the bulk of those players expected to be Crusaders.
The squad reassembles in Wellington to prepare for the Test against the Springboks on July 30.
Possible All Blacks team: Mils Muliaina, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Colin Slade, Jimmy Cowan, Liam Messam, Richie McCaw (capt), Ali Williams, Jarrad Hoeata, Ben Franks, Andrew Hore, Wyatt Crockett.
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.