Teams for this weekend

All Blacks name team to face England
http://www.allblacks.com/news/11667/All-Blacks-name-team-to-face-England
allblacks.com - (19/11/2009)

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry and his Assistant Coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have today named the team to play England at Twickenham on Sunday morning (NZT).

1. Tony Woodcock (59 Tests) 2. Andrew Hore (45) 3. Owen Franks (7) 4. Brad Thorn (35) 5. Tom Donnelly (4) 6. Adam Thomson (14) 7. Richie McCaw (78, captain) 8. Kieran Read (14)
9. Jimmy Cowan (31) 10. Dan Carter (64)
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu (41) 12. Ma’a Nonu (44) 13. Conrad Smith (31) 14. Zac Guildford (1) 15. Mils Muliaina (80)
Reserves: 16. Corey Flynn (6) / Aled de Malmanche (2)17. John Afoa (22)18. Anthony Boric (11)19. Jerome Kaino (23)
20. Andy Ellis (12)21. Stephen Donald (28)22. Tamati Ellison (1)

2009 All Blacks debutant, tighthead prop Owen Franks, gets his eighth start of the year alongside experienced hooker Andrew Hore and openside prop Tony Woodcock, who will be playing his 60th Test.

Another 2009 All Blacks debutant, lock Tom Donnelly, has been named alongside Brad Thorn in the second row, while Kieran Read and Adam Thomson both get their 15th Test starts, picked at number eight and blindside flanker respectively, alongside captain Richie McCaw, who will be playing in his 79th Test and 42nd as captain.

The key feature in the backline is the selection on the right wing of 20-year-old Zac Guildford, who made his Test debut against Wales two weeks ago.

Regular starter Sitiveni Sivivatu is on the left wing and Mils Muliaina at fullback. Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu are in the midfield; Dan Carter is at first five-eighth and Jimmy Cowan at halfback.

Several players also mark milestones this weekend: Muliaina played his 80th Test coming off the bench in last week’s Test against Italy, and with his 81st Test (and ninth against England) this weekend will become the second most capped All Black of all time alongside former All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall (1995 – 2005).

Meanwhile Carter will play his 65th Test and Nonu his 45th.On the bench, Corey Flynn, who is suffering a hamstring strain has been bracketed with Aled de Malmanche, who flew in from holiday this morning to join the All Blacks squad as cover, with John Afoa the reserve prop.

Anthony Boric and Jerome Kaino cover the rest of the forwards, while the back reserves are Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald and Tamati Ellison, who made his Test debut last week against Italy.All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said:

“It doesn’t get much bigger than England at Twickenham. It will be another fantastic challenge for the All Blacks. We are focussed on preparing well this week and looking forward to playing a determined England side.”

The All Blacks have played England 32 times since 1905 with 25 wins to New Zealand, six to England and one draw.

The last Test against England was at Twickenham on last year’s Grand Slam-winning tour, which the All Blacks won 32 -6.

Meanwhile, Carter and England’s Jonny Wilkinson, hold the all-time ‘points in a match’ records against the respective countries: Carter scored 26 points in the 41-20 win in 2006 and Wilkinson scored 21 points in England’s 31-28 win in 2002.

Carter also holds the All Blacks record for points scored against England, with 137 points scored in his seven Tests so far against the Northern Hemisphere rival.

The All Blacks will also be defending the Hillary Shield, the rugby trophy honouring the late Sir Edmund Hillary, which was first contested in last year’s Test.

The Hillary Shield honours Sir Edmund’s lifetime of achievements as a mountaineer, adventurer, humanitarian, and as Knight of the Garter. A legendary figure in New Zealand, Sir Edmund was also widely respected in the UK and around the world as the climber who, with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, made the first successful ascent of Mt Everest in 1953 as part of a British climbing expedition.

http://www.allblacks.com/news/11666/England-name-starting-team-for-All-Blacks
England team:
15 Mark Cueto, 14 Matt Banahan, 13 Dan Hipkiss, 12 Ayoola Erinle, 11 Ugo Monye,
10 Jonny Wilkinson, 9 Paul Hodgson,
8 James Haskell, 7 Lewis Moody, 6 Joe Worsley, 5 Steve Borthwick (captain), 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Duncan Bell, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Tim Payne

Replacements: 16 Steve Thompson, 17 David Wilson, 18 Louis Deacon, 19 Tom Croft, 20 Danny Care,
21 Shane Geraghty, 22 Mathew Tait

Date: Saturday, 21 November

Time: 14.30 (14.30 GMT)

Venue: Twickenham

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)

Richie McCaw nominated for IRB Player of the Year

http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=11649
James Mortimer - (17/11/2009)

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has been selected alongside six other nominees for the International Rugby Board's 2009 Player of the Year. A win for the Canterbury flanker would see him become the first player to receive the honour twice.

There are seven nominees from five countries for the award, in what is the closest vote for the title of best player in rugby union for the year.

Along with McCaw, Ireland’s Grand Slam winning Captain Brian O’Driscoll, Irish number eight Jamie Heaslip, Wallabies first five Matt Giteau, Tom Croft of England, and two Springboks, in Francois Steyn and Fourie Du Preez have been selected.IRB Chairman Bernard Lapassat explained what is rugby union’s highest single honour for an individual.

"The IRB Player of the Year award is the ultimate accolade for a player and takes into account performances in all internationals played during the year, including the RBS 6 Nations, British & Irish Lions Test series, Tri Nations and the June and November Tests,” he said."The list of past winners includes the iconic names of the decade - Jonny Wilkinson, Schalk Burger, Richie McCaw, Fabien Galthié, Dan Carter, Bryan Habana and Keith Wood, they have all been worthy recipients of the award.”
"Richie McCaw could become the first player to receive the accolade twice."

The nominees were selected by an independent panel of judges, all former internationals with over 500 test caps experience.

Former All Black captain Tana Umaga was joined by Will Greenwood, Gavin Hastings, Raphaël Ibanez, Francois Pienaar, Agustin Pichot, Scott Quinnell, Paul Wallace and convenor John Eales.

They watched over 60 hours of footage from 46 matches, awarding merit points to three players they thought stood out in each match.

"Now that the shortlist has been selected, the panel will reconvene at the completion of the November Tests when the IRB Player of the Year will be selected. The announcement will be made at the conclusion of the final weekend of matches," added Lapasset.

The award is the sixth of 13 awards given by the IRB, in association with sponsor Emirates.

In May, England captain Ollie Phillips was named IRB Sevens Player of the Year, while New Zealand captain Aaron Cruden was named IRB Junior Player of the Year in June.

Australia's Debby Hodgkinson was named IRB Women's Personality of the Year in August and L'Aquila Rugby Club received the Spirit of Rugby Award in September.

Recently, Francis Palmade received the IRB Referee Award for Distinguished Service.

This year has seen a new format, with winners named throughout the year. The Player, Coach and Team of the year will be named later this month.

Previous Player of the Year Winners:

2001 - Keith Wood (Ireland)

2002 - Fabien Galthié (France)

2003 - Jonny Wilkinson (England)

2004 - Schalk Burger (South Africa)

2005 - Dan Carter (New Zealand)

2006 - Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

2007 - Bryan Habana (South Africa)

2008 - Shane Williams (Wales)

Thanx to Maddie for the link.
Best of luck to our favorite captain!!!

All Blacks win scrappy victory over Italy

http://www.3news.co.nz/3Sport/Story/tabid/415/articleID/129660/cat/844/Default.aspx
Sun, 15 Nov 2009 4:49p.m.
By Jeff McTainsh

The All Blacks have struggled past Italy, 20-6 in Milan.

It was a flat, and at times stumbling, performance from the side, as the Italians put New Zealand under huge pressure up front.

Eighty thousand were in full voice for the Italian anthem but remained silent for the haka.

The crowd found their voice again when ex-Australian league player Craig Dower put three points on the board for Italy. Luke Macalister quickly replied, putting the All Blacks out to a six-three lead.

But it was hard going for the All Blacks against the rock-like Italian pack.New Zealand rarely got inside Italy’s 22, but when they did it paid off...once.

Italy dominated territory and possession, but couldn't score a try as the All Blacks went to the break up 14-3.

Shortly after half time, Gonzalo Garcia was sin binned for a dangerous tackle on Liam Messam.

But with a man down, the Azzuri somehow grew in confidence, as their solid scrum almost produced a try. Running rugby wasn't on the menu at San Siro, as Gower and Macalister traded two further penalties. The All Blacks were lucky not to concede a penalty try in the final minutes after Namia Tialata was shown a yellow card for infringing.

Aussie referee Stuart Dickinson's rulings baffling both teams as the scrum were reset over and over again.

The All Blacks walking away from the mess with a scrappy 20 - 6 win.

England is next up on the All Black’s agenda, the Brits narrowly getting past Argentina in their match.

http://www.3news.co.nz/Video/3Sport/tabid/317/articleID/129660/cat/70/Default.aspx

Raw All Blacks squad to face Italian passion

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/3056617/Raw-All-Blacks-squad-to-face-Italian-passion
By MARC HINTON in Milan - Stuff.co.nz
12/11/2009

Remember Munster was the catchcry as the All Blacks coaches today confirmed their largely second-string lineup to take on Italy at one of the world's greatest football stadiums this weekend.

There are 12 changes, one positional switch, three test debuts and a heap of points to prove in a side that looks as raw as it does exciting, and may have its challenges in front of 80,000-odd screaming Italians on Saturday (early Sunday, NZ time).

It's a long road from Thomond Park to the San Siro, but it's one the All Blacks feel they've travelled from last November to this.

The coaches see a lot of parallels between this test against the Azzurri and last year's midweek fixture against the magnificent Munster men in Limerick. And with those come a distinct warning, considering the difficulties the New Zealanders had en route to their skin-of-the-teeth 18-16 victory

"It's going to be hugely passionate, a massive crowd," said assistant coach Wayne Smith who spent four years playing and coaching in Italy. "It's hard to explain that to the boys till you get out in the middle. But we've got to make sure it just doesn't happen all of a sudden. I think last year against Munster we got caught in the headlights a wee bit, and we can't afford for that to happen this year."

Given that these All Blacks will have wing Ben Smith, centre Tamati Ellison and first five Mike Delany all making their test debuts, that five others have logged fewer than 10 caps and that players like Anthony Boric, Liam Messam, Andy Ellis, Corey Flynn and Luke McAlister are all coming back to this level with plenty to prove, the anxieties will surely be through the roof.

"I think everybody has got a point to prove every time they play in the black jersey," said coach Graham Henry. "Liam will be very keen to make a point. He's a player of immense ability and plays exceptionally well the level below. He'll want to prove to the selectors he can play equally as well at test match level.
"Luke hasn't really found his feet since coming back from Europe, but I think he'll show on this tour that he'll get back to his best. It's important for both those people, but it's important for a lot people on Saturday."

Henry, too, felt the Munster experience would count as a salutary lesson for what can confront a "midweek" type lineup such as that being sent out this weekend.
"We thought we had them ready to play Munster last year... Once they get out there it's all on and they've never experienced that sort of intensity in rugby before. Some of them may experience that again on Saturday.
"There's no substitute for that experience - they've got to go through it to understand it."

There are four survivors from that madly passionate day in Limerick last November in the starting XV for this weekend - Cory Jane (back at fullback), Jason Eaton, Messam, and Flynn - and perhaps forewarned is forearmed as to what lies ahead at the San Siro.

Smith is expecting an atmosphere of similar intensity to that served up at the Millennium Stadium last weekend.

"That defines character, doesn't it? Can you stand up and perform under those pressures - that's what makes an All Black. We'll find out a bit about some young men, no doubt, on Saturday."

The biggest selection call, all things considered, probably came at first five where Bay of Plenty's Mike Delany got the nod over Chiefs team-mate Stephen Donald in a reversal of their Super 14 roles.

"We know what Steve can do, we've seen him in big test matches," said Henry. "We don't know what Mike can do at this level."

Henry made it clear that as the middle of the five tests on this tour, this was very much a midweek type fixture. It's the chance to see the squad members outside the regular starters and one that had been strongly signposted since the group got together.

Prop Tony Woodcock wasn't considered because of a back niggle, Jane gets his shot at fullback a week later than intended (after Sitiveni Sivivatu's suspension threw a spanner in the works of the original plan) and Luke McAlister will be the initial goalkicker.And the haka. With three contenders to lead it - Messam, Ellison and Tanerau Latimer are all chomping at the bit - that was still being decided.

NEW ZEALAND: Cory Jane, Ben Smith, Tamati Ellison, Luke McAlister, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Mike Delany, Andy Ellis; Rodney So'oialo (capt), Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly, Neemia Tialata, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Andrew Hore, John Afoa, Jason Eaton, Richie McCaw, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Mils Muliaina.

Italy name team for All Blacks clash

http://www.allblacks.com/news/11620/Italy-name-team-for-All-Blacks-clash
James Mortimer - allblacks.com - (13/11/2009)

Italy have unveiled their side for their blockbuster clash with the All Blacks at San Siro in Milan, where over 80,000 Azzuri supporters will be baying for one of rugby’s great upsets.

Italian Head Coach Nick Mallet has made just two changes to his side that lost to the All Blacks 27-6 in Christchurch (their last test match).

Forwards Martin Castrogiovanni and Carlo Antonio del Fava return to the side. Del Fava replaces injured Marco Bortolami in the locks while experienced prop Castrogiovanni – who was instrumental in the Tigers win over the Springboks - takes over from Ignacio Rouyet, who drops down to the bench. Tito Tebaldi will win his third cap, partnering with former Australian league international and former Penrith Panther Craig Gower.

"It's a fantastic occasion, it's good for rugby itself," fly-half Gower said."Everyone knows exactly what they are doing and we've just got to put it into place," the former NRL Premiership winning player said."I'm learning the rugby stuff, the conversation is not so great."

Custodian Luke McLean, another Australian in the team was excited about playing in Milan’s cavernous stadium.
"The stadium is really amazing. But every time I have been to see Inter Milan there, three times they've lost. So I bring bad luck to them," he smiled.

HEAD TO HEAD
Played 10, Italy 0, New Zealand 10
Last match: 27th June 2009, New Zealand 27 – 6 Italy @ Christchurch

Italy: 15 Luke McLean, 14 Kaine Robertson, 13 Gonzalo Canale, 12 Gonzalo Garcia, 11 Mirco Bergamasco, 10 Craig Gower, 9 Tito Tebaldi, 8 Sergio Parisse, 7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 Alessandro Zanni, 5 Quintin Geldenhuys, 4 Carlo Antonio Del Fava, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1 Salvatore Perugini.
Replacements: 16 Fabio Ongaro, 17 Ignacio Rouyet, 18 Antonio Pavanello, 19 Simone Favaro, 20 Simon Picone, 21 Kristopher Burton, 22 Alberto Sgarbi

Bledisloe test in Tokyo - Captain's Run

Hi everyone,

Once again apologies about the ongoing issues we have with the c/box, hopefully it will be back soon! In the meantime, enjoy these photos taken at the captain's run in Tokyo.

All Blacks pressure won't ease in Milan

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/3041943/All-Blacks-pressure-won-t-ease-in-Milan
By MARC HINTON - Stuff.co.nz
08/11/2009

There will be plenty of changes to the All Blacks for the test against Italy next weekend at a full San Siro but the pressure valve won't be released by the coaches.

The theme for this tour is very much about putting the onus on the players to prove their worth, and assistant coach Steve Hansen says that won't change for the Azzurri.

"I don't think playing Italy at home is an easy test," said Hansen. "It's never been easy in the Six Nations going to Italy and it won't be easy going to Milan with 80,000 people. That atmosphere in itself will create pressure on people.
"What we want to see is how they cope with those pressures. Italy will play a game based around kicking and putting us under pressure through rushing defence.
"We'll see how people cope with those pressures. The good players handle it."

Hansen wouldn't confirm that the likes of Liam Messam, Andy Ellis, Mike Delany, Owen Franks and Luke McAlister would all start against Italy.

"It's possible those guys will get an opportunity," he said. "We want to give everybody an opportunity to play a game without making too many changes.
"We'll see what happens [against Wales] but there will be some changes for Italy."

Hansen said that after the sides' last match-up, where the All Blacks struggled to a 27-6 win in Christchurch in June, "we're looking forward to having a second chance against them".
"They were very good at the basics," added Hansen.

A full San Siro might inspire Italy to further heroics.
"It will be a huge occasion and great atmosphere... Who copes with those pressures best will come out on top."

But Hansen feels the All Blacks are a much better side now than in June. "A lot of those young guys who had their first run that night are feeling more comfortable now.
"And we've got some senior guys back as well."

The sellout crowd for Saturday's match should give Italian rugby a huge fillip. Not since boxer Duilio Loi fought Puerto Rico's Carlos Ortiz for the super-lightweight world title in 1960 have so many people packed out San Siro for anything other than football.

All Blacks don't impress British scribes

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/3043062/All-Blacks-don-t-impress-British-scribes
NZPA 08/11/2009

The All Blacks failed to impress British rugby writers, who identified Dan Carter and Welsh bumbling as the difference between the sides when New Zealand won 19-12 at Millennium Stadium.

In the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, Steve James felt the tourists hardly set the world on fire.

"The sadness for Wales will be that this was only a workmanlike performance from the All Blacks. They were stunningly unspectacular, if that makes sense. They just did enough," James wrote.
"Dan Carter kicked his goals and out of hand expertly and Richie McCaw and co dominated the breakdown sufficiently, but for too much of the match Wales were disappointingly hesitant and subdued."

Former international Eddie Butler, in The Guardian, hailed Carter's contribution as the difference, despite his much-discussed head-high tackle on Martin Roberts late in the match which saw him booed from the field by a capacity crowd.
"(Carter) certainly showed no sign of the calf injury that had persuaded some in Wales that he would not be fit to play. He played sublimely, but it was perhaps a new experience for him to be jeered. The rest of the day was the same old story."

In the Sunday Times, Mark Palmer wrote Wales' inability to finish, rather than the All Blacks' excellence, was the key factor.
"The wait goes on, and so does the hurt, the angst and the frustration. Still Wales must delay the anointment of the next Ken Jones, still they look for the man who will end this horribly enduring torment.
"This was far from the most convincing of New Zealand's 21 straight victories in the fixture, a run that spans some 56 years, but for Wales it will be all the more hard to take because of that very fact."

Wales claim refs intimidated by All Blacks

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/3042560/Wales-claim-refs-intimidated-by-All-Blacks
By MARC HINTON - Stuff.co.nz
08/11/2009

Gutted Wales coaches have launched a scathing attack on South African referee Craig Joubert after today's 12-19 defeat, with Warren Gatland going as far as to suggest whistle-blowers are intimidated by the All Blacks.

New Zealander Gatland had mellowed his attitude a little by the time he arrived at the official post-match press conference but he told television interviewers after a pulsating test at the Millennium Stadium that he believed referees did not want to make big calls which could see the All Blacks upset.

Gatland was commenting about a 71st-minute incident where Dan Carter appeared to take replacement Welsh halfback Martin Roberts around the head with a swinging arm, after wing Shane Williams had sparked a break inside the All Blacks' 22.

The high shot went unpunished and the All Blacks were able to keep the Welsh out when a score would have got them within striking distance.

Both Gatland and assistant Shaun Edwards believe that decision cost the Welsh their chance at a famous upset which would have ended a 56-year drought against the All Blacks.

"It was a head-high tackle wasn't it," said Gatland at the press conference. "A guy makes a break inside the 22 and you feel like if that was at the other end it's three points and a yellow card.
"The officials missed it - so we were pretty disappointed about that..."

Asked if he was saying the All Blacks were refereed differently than their opponents, Gatland replied: "Ah, no."

Was he sure?
"Definitely not. No," he replied. Though his earlier comments and the way he delivered his denials made it clear there was some discontent over the matter.

Later All Blacks coach Graham Henry leapt to the defence of his player when told of the Welsh coaches' assertions that Carter should have been binned.

"I think that's a bit of a stretch," said Henry.
"I just saw it at the moment, I didn't look at the replay at all. It seemed to me he hit him around the chest and slid up, and the other guy ducked under. But who knows? Till you look at those things over several views you can't make a decision."

Henry was more direct when asked about Gatland's call that referees were too scared to make big calls against the All Blacks.

"It's complete rubbish. I think that's a huge stretch. I don't even think Warren would believe that," said the All Blacks coach.
Told Gatland did say it, Henry replied: "Yeah, but he's said a lot of things this week."

Gatland felt that non-decision, coupled with an earlier "harsh" call when flanker Martyn Williams was penalised for a deliberate knock-down, had cost his team its shot at the upset.

"It was a couple of moments... it means if we'd not given up those three points, got the high tackle on Roberts and were able to take three points from that, then the penalty in the last few minutes ends up being a shot at goal."

Edwards, who sat stern-faced throughout the press conference, weighed in on the matter when asked if the Welsh still had a psychological barrier to overcome against the All Blacks.

"I think we should have been playing against 14 players for the last 10 minutes - it's got nothing to do with psychology.
"All I know is I've seen players sinbinned for that and we should have been playing against 14 players in the last 10 minutes."

Gatland agreed: "It's a head-high tackle and a swinging arm. It should have been three points and a yellow card."

The Welsh weren't the only ones grizzling about decisions either. The All Blacks felt that they should have got at least one of the three calls that went to the TMO - all of which were turned down as they attacked the Welsh line with a fury in the third quarter.

"I thought we could have won by more, to be frank," said Henry. "I just wondered about the TMO. I thought Conrad Smith scored which would have given us a wee bit of a gap at that stage..."

Asked if he was disappointed that his side got no return from a heavy phase of pressure on the Welsh line, Henry said: "You've got to be. There was a lot of pressure. We had three tries the TMO looked at and I thought one was pretty obvious. That was a wee bit disappointing."

Skipper Richie McCaw felt if Smith's "try" had been awarded, which could have taken the All Blacks out to 23-6, the test might have run a different course.

"It would have been nice to have scored then. It would have given us some breathing space and they would have had to chance their arm a bit more.
"But we didn't get the try we were after and it kept them in the game"

It was not known immediately after the game whether Carter would be cited, but there was a chance he could join Tony Woodcock and Sitiveni Sivivatu in sitting out time on this tour.

In many ways it was fitting at the end of a week when there had been some fairly heated comments flying back and forth between the rival camps, that the match itself left both sides still at odds.

Let's just say they agree to disagree. Given they will meet three more times over the next 12 months, it's fair to say the old rivalry has plenty of heat back in it now.

All Blacks beat Wales

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/3042338/All-Blacks-beat-Wales
Red Dragons give it their best shot
By MARC HINTON in Cardiff - Stuff.co.nz
08/11/2009

Drama. Passion. Intensity. And a hell of a finish. This was one test match that lived up to its billing as the All Blacks had to dig deep to continue their stranglehold over Wales at the Millennium Stadium today.

Warren Gatland's Wales couldn't quite manage the upset their coach had suggested was on the cards this week, but they gave it one heck of a try, taking the All Blacks to the brink as they held on for a 19-12 victory that preserves their 56-year, 21-test winning streak against this proud rugby nation.

But you have to say if the Welsh keep turning up with this sort of attitude and aptitude, surely their day will come sooner rather than later.

And this time they even hung in the contest in the second half as the All Blacks, playing much to the script of last year's similarly stirring encounter, took their game up a gear after halftime to wrest control of a contest that had looked to be slipping from their grasp.

In fact, with the match winding down into its final minutes, the Welsh had looked as though they might have snatched a dramatic draw, when big lock Alun-Wyn Jones snaffled a Jimmy Cowan pass and dashed off 60 metres upfield in a run that nearly lifted the roof off this magnificent packed stadium.

He was eventually hauled in by Zac Guildford, who had a fine test debut, and the All Blacks were able to scramble back on defence and avert the crisis.

Still, they spent the last couple of minutes in batten-down-the-hatches mode as the Welsh camped in their red zone. Alas there was to be no late try to snatch, if not a famous victory, a probably meritorious draw.

The All Blacks hung on and banked the win to keep their seven year unbeaten run in these autumn internationals intact, but boy did they know they had been in a test match by the final whistle.

Big Brad Thorn, that ageless wonder, had a magnificent match for the All Blacks as he once again turned back the clock, and behind him the black pack took their game to the level they needed to in the second spell. Hooker Andrew Hore also toiled mightily.

Conrad Smith and Guildford were probably the pick of the backs, though Mils Muliaina had one of his better matches of the year at the back. Still, it was to Wales' immense credit that they kept the New Zealanders to just the single try as they attacked them with a venom in the second half.

Three times the New Zealanders looked to have crossed the line in the second spell, and three times the TMO ruled that desperate Welsh defence had denied them. It was magnificent stuff.

Wales gave it their best shot, all right, and in the end were worthy of their coach's brave words in the buildup. This is some team Gatland is building, and the canny Kiwi is right to talk them up.
And Graham Henry's All Blacks will also take some satisfaction in this rollercoaster year of theirs that they stared adversity in the face, and didn't blink.

It was a case of déjà-vu as another furious first-half effort from the Welsh had them well in this contest after 40 minutes, with the scores locked at 6-6 (two penalties apiece) and Gatland's men having very much the better of the opening skirmishes.

Of course a year ago the Welsh had led the All Blacks 9-6 at halftime at this very stadium, only to be outscored 23-0 over the second stanza. Would history repeat for a side desperate to end 56 years of test match agony at the hands of the New Zealanders?

You had to say by the break, the Welsh had set themselves up perfectly. They had managed to lure the All Blacks into a one-dimensional contest of kick-and-chase football that saw the New Zealanders unable to establish any continuity of possession.

With the home team, buoyed by the capacity crowd of 74,330 in full voice as per usual, clearly winning the possession battle - if not the breakdown one - it became a case of the All Blacks hanging in rather than dictating anything.

Instead it was the Welsh who looked the more likely with ball in hand and the All Blacks who were called on to make some big tackles against some promising attacking forays. To their credit, New Zealand's defence was as secure as it was severe, a succession of Welsh sorties halted in their tracks in furious fashion.

After Carter had edged the All Blacks in front with an early second-half penalty, hooker Hore drove across for the key try just past the quarter-hour mark.

It was classic Hore. The All Blacks had attacked the left flank and Thorn and Guildford had found some space, with Hore picking up off the deck and bulldozing over. Carter's conversion took the All Blacks out to 16-6, and it was then that they threatened to blow the game open.

But the Welsh held on. Somehow. Carter extended the lead to 13, then Stephen Jones slotted a couple of three-pointers himself to get his side back within striking distance.

That they couldn't quite get there should not detract from a fabulous Welsh effort. The coach can be proud of his men.

New Zealand 19 (Andrew Hore try; Dan Carter 4 pen, con)
Wales 12 (Stephen Jones 4 pen).

Halftime: 6-6.

Preview: Wales V All Blacks

http://www.allblacks.com/fanstory/11541/Preview-Wales-V-All-Blacks
James Mortimer - allblacks.com (06/11/2009)

If one was to only judge the two sides from the talk coming from the respective camps, one would think that it was Wales who were sitting on what is a 20 match winning streak.

It has been endless, with Coach Warren Gatland, right down to the young Cardiff winger Leigh Halfpenny, all claiming that the All Blacks aura has gone. Not only that, but Wales had moved on and are stronger, while New Zealand is there for the taking.

The All Blacks, as has become their modus operandi, have said nothing of note, and will do their talking on the field. It is sometimes almost eerie how they arrive in a country and never give the opposition anything to be motivated by, except the chance to post what in Wales’ case has now become a very rare thing indeed.

But of course it wasn’t always like this.

In 1905 the All Black Originals toured Europe and North America and won 34 from 35 matches. They would lose only once, to Wales at Cardiff Arms Park 3-0.

While New Zealand would win 19-0 in Swansea in 1925, Wales would win 13-12 in 1924, and again in 1953 by 13-8. As the All Blacks were building their legacy, the Red Dragons would be most bemused by the “alleged” reputation of New Zealand. Wales had played them four times and only lost once. It is doubtful that any side in history would have said this, but in the first half of the 20th century the Welsh would probably think that playing the All Blacks wasn’t really that hard at all.

In 1963 the All Blacks would arrive at Cardiff Arms Park and beat the Welsh 6-0. From here they would embark on one of the great winning streaks between major test nations. From 1969 to 1979 one of the supreme teams in rugby history would don Welsh colours, winning eight Six Nations titles. But in this time even the wizards of Wales would lose to New Zealand, with the nadir coming with a 23-3 loss to the All Blacks in 1980.From 1987 to the present day, the two teams would clash another 13 times. Seven of those matches would be 30 point plus defeats, and nine times the All Blacks would breach 40 points.With this history in mind, a win for Wales at Millennium Stadium this weekend would be akin to winning a Six Nations Grand Slam.

Their verbal assault on the All Blacks is nothing new. All levels of taunts have been tried against New Zealand in the past, from not calling them “All Blacks” to coaches stating “remember, they are not gods in black jerseys, they are just men.”

The small problem for Wales is that they have done this before.

Last year they reminded the All Blacks of their last visit to Millennium Stadium (the 2007 World Cup loss to France) and stood wonderfully eyeballing New Zealand after the haka. Yet despite matching their great antagonists for a half, they wilted in the second.The best news for Wales now is that they have had the Springboks reveal a blueprint for beating the All Blacks. It is simple, uncompromising and (if you believe some media) boring. New Zealand doesn’t like to be taken out of their comfort zone, which South Africa did via physical pressure and a pinpoint kicking game.

The other positive news for the Red Dragons is that the All Blacks in their current vintage are not a strong starting side. If Wales can dominate and lay a match winning platform early, they can then try to then implement the plan as described above.

But then there is the bad news. Wales are not naturally a pragmatic side, and even if they alter their style, do not have the full arsenal of tools to cause the All Blacks problems. The All Blacks and Welsh both like to promote the game, and will likely play openly. However, man for man New Zealand is better at doing this.

Furthermore, as the Wallabies have discovered, the All Blacks finish their matches with such a full sail they are almost impossible to overcome. Even the mighty Springboks came close to being overrun in Hamilton. But Wales is on the up, and has a point to prove.

They have been usurped by Ireland on the European stage, but still provided as many Lions as any other nation and have a wonderful coaching team. They are serious about being a top nation, as evidenced by their new centre of excellence in the Vale of Glamorgan.

A win here against the All Blacks will spark a chain of events that could lead to Six Nations and even 2011 success. Even a loss, as demoralising as it will be, will not be the end of the world. Wales clash with the All Blacks twice in New Zealand next year. So at the very worst a loss on the weekend should harden them to try and achieve one of only two things they have never achieved.One is beat the All Blacks on home soil.

The other is winning a World Cup.For the All Blacks, they are not only seeking a win, but Henry has implied that this tour is doubling as a selection process. This is a canny statement, and will ensure that his players play at their best to ensure they remain in the national framework.While Wales cannot match the likes of Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, there are possible weak links in this All Black team to capitalise on.

Unfortunately for Wales, they have some of their own. And worse, even their tried and true, such as Stephen Jones and Martyn Williams, have gone MIA against the All Blacks before.As has become a catchcry for the Red Dragons, much will depend on whether or not they can stand up and fight.

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Owen Franks, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Ben Smith.

Wales: 15 James Hook, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 Tom Shanklin, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Gareth Cooper, 8 Ryan Jones (captain), 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Andy Powell, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, 3 Paul James, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Duncan Jones, 18 Bradley Davies, 19 Dafydd Jones, 20 Martin Roberts, 21 Jonathan Davies, 21 Tom James

Date: Saturday, November 7
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 17.30 (17.30 GMT, 06.30 NZ Time - Sunday, November 8)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Chatterbox issue

Armand, FSS and I are so sorry for all the troubles we've recently had with the chatter-box!!!

We are trying to fix the problem ASAP!!!!

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marykoala@hotmail.fr

Richie McCaw unfazed by Welsh chatter

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/3035461/Richie-McCaw-unfazed-by-chatter-from-Welsh-camp
By MARC HINTON in Cardiff - Stuff.co.nz
05/11/2009

Richie McCaw's been around too long to draw any dramatic conclusions from the chat coming out of the Welsh rugby camp this week.

The All Blacks skipper knows full well that it's the walk, not the talk, that matters early Sunday (NZ time) when Wales once again look for that all-elusive victory over New Zealand.

That's why McCaw has been all but oblivious to talk from the Welsh that the All Blacks might be vulnerable this year; and that a first win over the New Zealanders since 1953 could be just around the corner.

"To be honest I don't read too much into it at all," said McCaw who will play his 77th test, and 41st as captain, this weekend. "The guys who were here last year realise it was a tough test match - probably the toughest on the tour. And we realise it's going to be the same on Saturday.
"What you've said before means absolutely nothing once you get on the field. We've just got to make sure we go through our preparation the best we can to front on Saturday."

Besides, McCaw has heard it all before.
"Every year it seems to be something round the traps... we don't get too carried away with it."

But McCaw acknowledged that the confidence that seems to be emanating from the Welsh makes them a dangerous opponent.

"There's no doubt about that. What they believe or what they don't, we just know from the experience of last year they've got good players. That's what I base it on.
"We realise we're in for a tough match. If anything it might add a bit of spice for some of us... you hear the odd thing... but we'd be idiots if we thought it was going to be easy.
"They came out [last year] with a lot of passion and hoed into things, and I can't see that being too different."

McCaw has also been given a side to lead by his coaches containing six changes (two forced, four by choice), and it remains to be seen whether that's a tactical mistake or not.
But the skip has no problems with some tweaking on the personnel front.

"The guys who are going to get their chance are excited about it. You look at a guy like Zac Guildford and he certainly deserves a go, no doubt about that. And a guy like Jason Eaton has shown he's got ability, he's just got to make sure he puts it out on the field. He's probably in the best shape I've seen him for a while so let's hope he takes that chance."

McCaw is also relaxed about the prospects of influential playmaker Dan Carter making the start line.

"From what I hear hopefully he'll be OK. But you can't worry about it -- if you lose one guy and think it's doom and gloom, that's not a very good way to operate.

"If he's not [all right] we've just got to get on with it. I presume Stephen Donald would then play, and he's played a few tests this year."

McCaw, meanwhile, said he was looking forward to the test for quite personal reasons.

"It's one of my favourite, if not my favourite, stadiums. I really enjoy playing there. The atmosphere is pretty awesome, and unfortunately you get a better atmosphere when the score's close. So it's nice to quieten things down."