Rugby: ABs finetune ahead of Springboks clash
Mon, 09 Jul 2007 06:56p.m.
Temperatures close to zero greeted the All Blacks in Christchurch as they prepared for Saturday's Tri Nations test at jade stadium. And while much has been said about the under strength Springboks, the All Blacks too have some problems to sort out.
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Rugby: Toeava and Robinson back in AB lineup
Tue, 10 Jul 2007 03:07p.m.
The All Blacks selectors have followed their rotation policy in naming the side to face the undermanned Springboks in Christchurch on Saturday night.
Other changes to the line-up see Doug Howlett and Sitiveni Sivivatu come onto the wings, with Piri Weepu at halfback in a backline vastly different from the one that failed to fire against the Wallabies.
In the forwards, Reuben Thorne wins the blindside flanker role ahead of Jerry Collins, while Keven Mealamu replaces Anton Oliver at hooker.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry and assistant coaches Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen have announced the team to play South Africa in Christchurch on Saturday, July 14 at Jade Stadium as follows:
Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Isaia Toeava, Luke McAlister, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Reuben Thorne, Chris Jack, Keith Robinson, Carl Hayman, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Jerry Collins, Chris Masoe, Brendon Leonard, Conrad Smith, Nick Evans
http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/SportsVideo/tabid/317/articleID/30473/Default.aspx?articleID=30473#video
http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/SportsVideo/tabid/317/articleID/30488/Default.aspx?articleID=30488#video
Rugby: Game plan remains the same for Sprinkboks
Tue, 10 Jul 2007 06:41p.m.
With twenty of their first choice players back home in South Africa the Springboks say they will be sticking to the basics on Saturday night. Despite missing stars like Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana and Percy Montgomery the South African coaching staff say the side remain highly motivated.So much of the Springbok game plan is based around massive forwards and disruptive bruising defence. Come Saturday night don't expect things to be too much different especially with such a new look squad. Last weekend the Boks raced to a 17 - 0 lead over the Wallabies only to eventually lose 25 - 17.
Today defensive lines were being emphasised at training, as they work out ways to nullify the All Black back three. With Bobby Skinstad out injured, the Boks will also have a new captain – he will be named tomorrow.
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All Blacks prepare for S-Af (Xtra)
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/multimedia/video.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10449076&content_media_id=4891227
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Big changes for the ABs (tvnz)
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/video_popup_windows_skin/1224901?bandwidth=128k
-> I totally agree with mister O'neill but it's too late to complain now!!!
As for the Springboks, their (injuried) captain, Bobby Skinstad, said he'd like S-Africa to play the VI Nations and European cups instead of the Tri Nations and Super 14. Since S-Af is on the same jet lag as Europe, he said that would be better for them (S-Af players) to take a night plane to play in Europe rather than spending hours in airports travelling between S-Af, Oz and NZ. He added that teams from S-Af were tired of being dis-advantaged.
Has Bobby forgotten that 2 S-Af teams were in the Super 14 final this year? Maybe...
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