Tue, May 2007 4:14p.m
All Blacks coach Graham Henry has taken a low risk approach to naming his first team of the year for Saturday night's first test against France at Eden Park. He has rested players nursing minor injuries, allowing Leon MacDonald to get the nod at fullback, while Chris Masoe and Reuben Thorne combine with Captain Richie McCaw in the loose forwards.
Other notable selections include Blues teammates Jo Rokocoko and Ali Williams starting despite limited Super 14 game-time.
Jerry Collins is the latest member of the All Blacks walking wounded club ahead of Saturday’s test.
And like Byron Kelleher, Mils Muliaina, Conrad Smith and Anton Oliver, Collins was unavailable for selection opening the door for Thorne on the blindside flank.
Ali Williams has overcome a minor leg injury while Chris Masoe gets the number eight jersey ahead of Rodney So'oialo. With Byron Kelleher injured Piri Weepu is the halfback. On the bench Troy Flavell will cover lock and loose forward with Waikato's Brendan Leonard poised to make his test debut.
Starting 15:
Leon MacDonald ; Josevata Rokocoko ; Isaia Toeava ; Aaron Mauger ; Sitiveni Sivivatu ; Dan Carter ; Piri Weepu ; Chris Masoe ; Richie McCaw (c) ; Reuben Thorne ; Ali Williams ; Chris Jack ; Carl Hayman ; Keven Mealamu ; Tony Woodcock.
Reserves:
Andrew Hore ; Neemia Tialata ; Troy Flavell ; Rodney So’oialo ; Brendon Leonard ; Nick Evans ; Ma’a Nonu.
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Watch out "France C", people!
Chabal, Ibanez and Magne won't appreciate being pointing out as rookies!!!
Like the ABs staff during their last international matches, Bernard Laporte chose to bring some fresh air in Les Bleus to New Zealand ... even if it was not really a choice (the French top 4 national teams play the semi finals this weeken)
And whatever happens this weekend (or even during this June tour, or even during the Tri Nations) what really matters is the September and October Tour in France (Scotland and Wales)!!!!!
Attention aux inconnus!
Chabal, Ibanez et Magne ne sont pas des ptis jeunes, attention!!!
Comme leurs adversaires de samedi lors de leurs dernieres rencontres, Laporte et son entourage ont choisi d'emporter avec eux de nouveaux visages au Pays du Long Nuage Blanc... meme si on ne peut pas tellement dire que c'etait un choix (demi finales du To14 ce weekend!)
Et puis de toutes facons, quoiqu'il se passe ce weekend (ou pendant cette tournee, ou meme cet ete), ce qui compte cette annee, c'est tout ce qui se passera en France (un pti peu en Ecosse et au Pays de Galles) du 9 septembre au 20 octobre!!!
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Videos
- About the article
http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/SportsVideo/tabid/317/articleID/27917/Default.aspx#video
- About the injuries in the squad
- OneNews : "Henry unhappy, Masoe in"
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/video_popup_windows_skin/1156283?bandwidth=128k
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