(I am so sorry for the delay in posting articles... Let's forget the end of the 2012 season ; see you very soon for the one! Best wishes / Bonne année, Mary*L)
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
January 1st, 2013
(I am so sorry for the delay in posting articles... Let's forget the end of the 2012 season ; see you very soon for the one! Best wishes / Bonne année, Mary*L)
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Smith gets the nod as Hansen reveals 'A' team
LIAM NAPIER IN CARDIFF 22/11/2012
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/7984855/Smith-gets-the-nod-as-Hansen-reveals-A-team
Aaron Smith has shaken off a knee injury to hold off Piri Weepu's push for the No 9 jersey as the All Blacks "A" team is restored for this weekend's test against Wales.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen didn't hesitate when asked today which position caused him the most deliberation this week.
His response was immediate, and revealing.
"Halfback," Hansen said in Cardiff.
"Piri Weepu's performance is the one we've been searching for. His performance against Scotland was outstanding. Not only did we see his experience but we saw him getting to the breakdown and clearing the ball the way we'd like him to."
After two below-par outings against the Wallabies and Italy, where his forwards failed to provide enough protection, Smith is officially on notice from his veteran rival, who could play a pivotal role from the bench at Millennium Stadium on Sunday (NZT).
"He may have got caught up in the test against Australia with how things have been going so well for him," Hansen said, assessing the reasons for Smith's dip in form.
"His preparation probably wasn't as complete as he would like.
"I thought he played reasonably well against Italy. It wasn't his fault that we didn't do the job as ball carries and at the cleanout. He got left carrying the baby so to speak, because other people didn't do their jobs.
"He was still sharp with his passing when he did get the protection he needed."
While fullback Israel Dagg returns from injury, Keven Mealamu has been given time to rest his injured calf, meaning Andrew Hore starts at hooker and Dane Coles gets another chance to impress later in the match.
Beauden Barrett (ribs), Adam Thomson (farcical IRB suspension appeal) and Tamati Ellison (toe) were also unavailable for selection.
"With his history of calf injuries we felt we would be better off being cautious and giving it another week rather than pushing him," Hansen said of Mealamu.
"It's also another opportunity to grow Dane Coles who we've been very happy with on the tour. For the long-term [future] we need Coles to get as much experience as possible."
There are three changes from the last time Hansen fielded his strongest line-up - that being the draw in Brisbane - and nine to last week's starting side in Rome. As expected, Richie McCaw regains the captaincy from Kieran Read after having a weeks rest
After a two week trial, Hansen has confirmed Julian Savea, with 10 tries from seven tests, is New Zealand's best left wing, Luke Romano is the preferred locking partner for Sam Whitelock, and Liam Messam remains the premier blindside flanker.
"Liam has really stepped up this year," Hansen said in explaining why the Chiefs co-captain got the nod.
"We saw something in Victor's game against Scotland which was much improved. He was free. He was a little more carefree and looked more comfortable against Scotland. If he does that we know he's a really big, gifted athlete."
Brodie Retallick isn't far off a start, but Hansen felt the Chiefs lock had endured a big season and singled out Romano's ball carrying as vital for the opening exchanges.
The only other talking point was prop Charlie Faumuina's inclusion on the bench, ahead of new Hurricanes recruit Ben Franks. Faumuina's ability with ball in hand gave him the edge.
All Blacks: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (c), Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Brodie Retallick, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/7984855/Smith-gets-the-nod-as-Hansen-reveals-A-team
Aaron Smith has shaken off a knee injury to hold off Piri Weepu's push for the No 9 jersey as the All Blacks "A" team is restored for this weekend's test against Wales.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen didn't hesitate when asked today which position caused him the most deliberation this week.
His response was immediate, and revealing.
"Halfback," Hansen said in Cardiff.
"Piri Weepu's performance is the one we've been searching for. His performance against Scotland was outstanding. Not only did we see his experience but we saw him getting to the breakdown and clearing the ball the way we'd like him to."
After two below-par outings against the Wallabies and Italy, where his forwards failed to provide enough protection, Smith is officially on notice from his veteran rival, who could play a pivotal role from the bench at Millennium Stadium on Sunday (NZT).
"He may have got caught up in the test against Australia with how things have been going so well for him," Hansen said, assessing the reasons for Smith's dip in form.
"His preparation probably wasn't as complete as he would like.
"I thought he played reasonably well against Italy. It wasn't his fault that we didn't do the job as ball carries and at the cleanout. He got left carrying the baby so to speak, because other people didn't do their jobs.
"He was still sharp with his passing when he did get the protection he needed."
While fullback Israel Dagg returns from injury, Keven Mealamu has been given time to rest his injured calf, meaning Andrew Hore starts at hooker and Dane Coles gets another chance to impress later in the match.
Beauden Barrett (ribs), Adam Thomson (farcical IRB suspension appeal) and Tamati Ellison (toe) were also unavailable for selection.
"With his history of calf injuries we felt we would be better off being cautious and giving it another week rather than pushing him," Hansen said of Mealamu.
"It's also another opportunity to grow Dane Coles who we've been very happy with on the tour. For the long-term [future] we need Coles to get as much experience as possible."
There are three changes from the last time Hansen fielded his strongest line-up - that being the draw in Brisbane - and nine to last week's starting side in Rome. As expected, Richie McCaw regains the captaincy from Kieran Read after having a weeks rest
After a two week trial, Hansen has confirmed Julian Savea, with 10 tries from seven tests, is New Zealand's best left wing, Luke Romano is the preferred locking partner for Sam Whitelock, and Liam Messam remains the premier blindside flanker.
"Liam has really stepped up this year," Hansen said in explaining why the Chiefs co-captain got the nod.
"We saw something in Victor's game against Scotland which was much improved. He was free. He was a little more carefree and looked more comfortable against Scotland. If he does that we know he's a really big, gifted athlete."
Brodie Retallick isn't far off a start, but Hansen felt the Chiefs lock had endured a big season and singled out Romano's ball carrying as vital for the opening exchanges.
The only other talking point was prop Charlie Faumuina's inclusion on the bench, ahead of new Hurricanes recruit Ben Franks. Faumuina's ability with ball in hand gave him the edge.
All Blacks: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (c), Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Brodie Retallick, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith
All Blacks to pounce on Wales' self-doubt
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/7984224/All-Blacks-to-pounce-on-Wales-self-doubt
LIAM NAPIER IN CARDIFF
22/11/2012
Inflicting further self-doubt and exposing Wales' mental frailties could be a major trump card for the All Blacks this week.
On many occasions, as Warren Gatland explains, Wales have talked themselves out of winning - before a ball has been kicked.
Much like smothering grey clouds and persistent rain, belief is a sizeable question mark hanging over the Welsh training base in Cardiff. It's a problematic, inherent weakness of this team, one that needs to be rectified if they are to restore some pride at Millennium Stadium on Sunday (NZT).
"There are times in the past where Welsh teams have lost the games before they've taken the field," Gatland, the Welsh coach, admitted.
The former Waikato hooker saw it first-hand with much of this same group of men in the World Cup last year. Wales blew the chance to roll the-then defending world champions South Africa.
After leading 10-6 at half-time, the Red Dragons were left to rue a missed James Hook penalty and Rhys Priestland's pulled dropped goal from in-front of the posts.
And that wasn't the first time Wales suffered a one-point defeat they should have won.
In his 25th test and on debut as All Blacks captain, Richie McCaw recalls being under the pump in 2004 - out on his feet defending the line. Down by four points, Wales took the penalty, instead of going for the jugular, and lost 25-24 to extend their now 59-year, 24-game drought against the men in black.
In June this year there was ample evidence of the growing issue against their Southern Hemisphere rivals.
The Six Nations champions should have beaten the Wallabies twice on their three-test tour. There is a sense their subsequent inconsolable mindset remains a burden which contributed to shock losses to Argentina and Samoa in the past two weeks.
"It was pretty hard to take at the time, particularly the second loss," Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards said. "I know how much effort the players put in. Then a similar thing happened with four minutes to go in the third test."
After Gatland rejoined the Welsh this week, he spoke of how his young men had to learn to cope with criticism and mental pressure. He's had just six days to instil some form of self-belief.
"If you just try and compete and play with them [the All Blacks] you're going to come off second best. You got to be prepared to do things a little bit differently," Gatland said, hinting lessons had been learned. "We're going to hopefully throw something a little different at the All Blacks. We need to put them under some pressure. You've got to take a few risks."
The All Blacks are well aware Wales' collective confidence is shot after five successive defeats. Like Predators, they will prey on their opponent's weaknesses.
"If you can keep pressure on teams and really apply that from the start and keep it on then there could be doubts in some teams and whether they can stick with us," All Blacks No 8 Kieran Read explained. "That's what we're trying to achieve. Sometimes it takes longer than others.
"It's hard to know in terms of how strong they are [mentally] but it's something we pride ourselves on. We've got a great karma and leadership group that keeps the team really grounded and focused on what we need to achieve. That's been great for our side so far this year."
Meanwhile, All Black wings Hosea Gear and Julian Savea have been nominated, along with South Africa's Bryan Habana and France's Julien Malziew for IRB international try of the year.
Gear's bulldozing effort in the third test against Ireland this year is an early favourite, but Savea's second against Scotland in Edinburgh and Habana's individual chip and chase against the All Blacks in Dunedin provide strong competition.
LIAM NAPIER IN CARDIFF
22/11/2012
Inflicting further self-doubt and exposing Wales' mental frailties could be a major trump card for the All Blacks this week.
On many occasions, as Warren Gatland explains, Wales have talked themselves out of winning - before a ball has been kicked.
Much like smothering grey clouds and persistent rain, belief is a sizeable question mark hanging over the Welsh training base in Cardiff. It's a problematic, inherent weakness of this team, one that needs to be rectified if they are to restore some pride at Millennium Stadium on Sunday (NZT).
"There are times in the past where Welsh teams have lost the games before they've taken the field," Gatland, the Welsh coach, admitted.
The former Waikato hooker saw it first-hand with much of this same group of men in the World Cup last year. Wales blew the chance to roll the-then defending world champions South Africa.
After leading 10-6 at half-time, the Red Dragons were left to rue a missed James Hook penalty and Rhys Priestland's pulled dropped goal from in-front of the posts.
And that wasn't the first time Wales suffered a one-point defeat they should have won.
In his 25th test and on debut as All Blacks captain, Richie McCaw recalls being under the pump in 2004 - out on his feet defending the line. Down by four points, Wales took the penalty, instead of going for the jugular, and lost 25-24 to extend their now 59-year, 24-game drought against the men in black.
In June this year there was ample evidence of the growing issue against their Southern Hemisphere rivals.
The Six Nations champions should have beaten the Wallabies twice on their three-test tour. There is a sense their subsequent inconsolable mindset remains a burden which contributed to shock losses to Argentina and Samoa in the past two weeks.
"It was pretty hard to take at the time, particularly the second loss," Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards said. "I know how much effort the players put in. Then a similar thing happened with four minutes to go in the third test."
After Gatland rejoined the Welsh this week, he spoke of how his young men had to learn to cope with criticism and mental pressure. He's had just six days to instil some form of self-belief.
"If you just try and compete and play with them [the All Blacks] you're going to come off second best. You got to be prepared to do things a little bit differently," Gatland said, hinting lessons had been learned. "We're going to hopefully throw something a little different at the All Blacks. We need to put them under some pressure. You've got to take a few risks."
The All Blacks are well aware Wales' collective confidence is shot after five successive defeats. Like Predators, they will prey on their opponent's weaknesses.
"If you can keep pressure on teams and really apply that from the start and keep it on then there could be doubts in some teams and whether they can stick with us," All Blacks No 8 Kieran Read explained. "That's what we're trying to achieve. Sometimes it takes longer than others.
"It's hard to know in terms of how strong they are [mentally] but it's something we pride ourselves on. We've got a great karma and leadership group that keeps the team really grounded and focused on what we need to achieve. That's been great for our side so far this year."
Meanwhile, All Black wings Hosea Gear and Julian Savea have been nominated, along with South Africa's Bryan Habana and France's Julien Malziew for IRB international try of the year.
Gear's bulldozing effort in the third test against Ireland this year is an early favourite, but Savea's second against Scotland in Edinburgh and Habana's individual chip and chase against the All Blacks in Dunedin provide strong competition.
All Blacks touch down for business end of tour
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/7968680/All-Blacks-touch-down-for-business-end-of-tour
TOBY ROBSON IN CARDIFF
19/11/2012
From Bulgari watches, classic cars and the Colosseum to the charms of Cardiff and Welsh rugby's latest crisis.
There is little doubt the All Blacks end of year tour has entered a new phase.
The squad flew out of Rome today with injury concerns over Beauden Barrett (ribs), Keven Mealamu (calf), Aaron Smith (knee) and Aaron Cruden (shoulder).
Barrett is the most pressing and be will have x-rays to ascertain the damage done during the first half of Sunday's 42-10 win over Italy.
But coach Steve Hansen is confident only utility Tamati Ellison will be unavailable for selection this week.
Wales' woeful run of five losses, the latest against Samoa, has raised questions over the status of the third tour match being the first of two "big tests" for the All Blacks, but the build up will definitely be a change of pace.
In Rome the All Blacks were treated like rugby royalty.
Midweek the players dined as guests at the home of Nicola Bulgari where they were given a look at the collection of the 350 classic cars in his basement.
Several players later took one of the cars for a spin during a sponsor's commitment.
Italy's economy might be a wreck with students marching around the Colosseum to protest against the lack of jobs this week, but there is enormous wealth in the luxury goods market.
Bulgari recently released a limited run of 250 All Blacks watches which retailed at around 12,000 Euros (approximately NZD$18,800) each.
They sold out so fast another 250 were quickly produced and the New Zealand Rugby Union's watch maker, they signed on as official partners for two-years back in March, made sure they milked the All Blacks visit for all it was worth.
The watches were advertised heavily in Rome's major papers on match day and there is little doubt the NZRU sees further potential to push their brand in Italy.
When the All Blacks played in Milan two years ago nearly 81,000 crammed into San Siro Stadium in the fashion capital.
But last time the All Blacks visited Rome, in 2004, they could only pull 27,000 at Stadio Flaminio.
Eight years on Stadio Olimpico's 80,000 seats sold out and the merchandisers around the complex could barely keep up.
Ma'a Nonu was stopped wherever he went and instantly recognised from the moment he arrived.
No wonder NZRU chief executive Steve Tew was in town meeting with representatives of a company recently acquired by Louis Vuitton.
And no wonder Hansen, captain Kieran Read and the other players talked up the test, arguably beyond its station, at the after-match.
That said it was a great occasion, if not a perfect All Blacks performance, and the home side produced a display their fans could be proud of before wilting in the final 15 minutes.
It gave Hansen a chance to see unproven players like Dane Coles, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Beauden Barrett under pressure in front of a hostile crowd.
All three passed with flying colours, while Aaron Cruden got valuable game time at pivot, but, like a number of others, looked short on recent match play.
Hansen expects everyone to be available for selection of what he's indicated will be his top 23.
Mealamu had "history" with his calf, so would be monitored, but Ben Smith's broken cheek bone was no longer an issue and Israel Dagg (bruised buttocks) was good to go and Smith and Cruden were unlikely to be an issue.
Meanwhile there is no movement on a possible IRB review of Adam Thomson's one-week ban for trampling against Scotland.
TOBY ROBSON IN CARDIFF
19/11/2012
From Bulgari watches, classic cars and the Colosseum to the charms of Cardiff and Welsh rugby's latest crisis.
There is little doubt the All Blacks end of year tour has entered a new phase.
The squad flew out of Rome today with injury concerns over Beauden Barrett (ribs), Keven Mealamu (calf), Aaron Smith (knee) and Aaron Cruden (shoulder).
Barrett is the most pressing and be will have x-rays to ascertain the damage done during the first half of Sunday's 42-10 win over Italy.
But coach Steve Hansen is confident only utility Tamati Ellison will be unavailable for selection this week.
Wales' woeful run of five losses, the latest against Samoa, has raised questions over the status of the third tour match being the first of two "big tests" for the All Blacks, but the build up will definitely be a change of pace.
In Rome the All Blacks were treated like rugby royalty.
Midweek the players dined as guests at the home of Nicola Bulgari where they were given a look at the collection of the 350 classic cars in his basement.
Several players later took one of the cars for a spin during a sponsor's commitment.
Italy's economy might be a wreck with students marching around the Colosseum to protest against the lack of jobs this week, but there is enormous wealth in the luxury goods market.
Bulgari recently released a limited run of 250 All Blacks watches which retailed at around 12,000 Euros (approximately NZD$18,800) each.
They sold out so fast another 250 were quickly produced and the New Zealand Rugby Union's watch maker, they signed on as official partners for two-years back in March, made sure they milked the All Blacks visit for all it was worth.
The watches were advertised heavily in Rome's major papers on match day and there is little doubt the NZRU sees further potential to push their brand in Italy.
When the All Blacks played in Milan two years ago nearly 81,000 crammed into San Siro Stadium in the fashion capital.
But last time the All Blacks visited Rome, in 2004, they could only pull 27,000 at Stadio Flaminio.
Eight years on Stadio Olimpico's 80,000 seats sold out and the merchandisers around the complex could barely keep up.
Ma'a Nonu was stopped wherever he went and instantly recognised from the moment he arrived.
No wonder NZRU chief executive Steve Tew was in town meeting with representatives of a company recently acquired by Louis Vuitton.
And no wonder Hansen, captain Kieran Read and the other players talked up the test, arguably beyond its station, at the after-match.
That said it was a great occasion, if not a perfect All Blacks performance, and the home side produced a display their fans could be proud of before wilting in the final 15 minutes.
It gave Hansen a chance to see unproven players like Dane Coles, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Beauden Barrett under pressure in front of a hostile crowd.
All three passed with flying colours, while Aaron Cruden got valuable game time at pivot, but, like a number of others, looked short on recent match play.
Hansen expects everyone to be available for selection of what he's indicated will be his top 23.
Mealamu had "history" with his calf, so would be monitored, but Ben Smith's broken cheek bone was no longer an issue and Israel Dagg (bruised buttocks) was good to go and Smith and Cruden were unlikely to be an issue.
Meanwhile there is no movement on a possible IRB review of Adam Thomson's one-week ban for trampling against Scotland.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Time-wasting All Blacks tests: What's the point?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/7966972/Time-wasting-All-Blacks-tests-Whats-the-point
GLENN MCLEAN
19/11/2012
OPINION: I've heard all the sporting cliches after the All Blacks' win over Italy at the weekend.
"This will be really good for world rugby" and "Italy have learnt a lot in recent years" have, predictably, been hauled out.
The best thing about the game, by far, was thankfully it did not resemble the borefest of three years ago in Milan.
Yes, great atmosphere, equally good stadium and the weather was perfect, but don't for a minute think that was good for world rugby.
Sure, the Italians have learnt a bit, that's only natural, but they are never going to beat the All Blacks. Not yesterday, not next year, probably not ever.
Same with Scotland. The gulf between Scottish rugby and New Zealand rugby is wider than ever.
So why then does the New Zealand Rugby Union play these sides so regularly?
I know there are International Rugby Board regulations that these matches must take place but the All Blacks meet Italy and Scotland enough times at the Rugby World Cup without having to schedule these waste of time tests on end of year tours.
It's time these tours actually started becoming meaningful.
There is a counter argument that these occasions provide a platform for All Blacks coach Steve Hansen to blood young and untried players, but what does he really learn from seeing the rookies come up against opposition who would barely find a place in most Super Rugby teams, Australia aside?
Not much, I would suggest.
Yes it was nice to see Taranaki's Beauden Barrett given an opportunity, but his time will come.
It's time for these end-of-year tours to comprise three-test series, preferably against France, England or Wales, although the last might be pushing it given their awful form of late.
When was the last time the All Blacks actually played the trio in a proper series away from home?
It should not be that these series are solely reserved for New Zealand shores.
For starters, it is totally unfair on the sides north of the equator to have to come all the way down here, always at the end of their taxing seasons, to try to win a series.
One-off tests, which rugby fans are fed year after year, provide no real insight into how the teams compare.
A series provides strong test nations the opportunity to learn how to beat their opposition, forces coaches into actually coming up with different game plans and puts pressure on teams and players to perform when injuries hit.
Another counter argument would be the vast majority of these series would be dead rubbers by the time it came to the third test but that should not be an influencing factor because England and France are capable of taking a test off the All Blacks, if given the chance.
NZRU boss Steve Tew skilfully negotiated a return of $4 million for his union's coffers for next month's test at Twickenham.
Why not treble that and put some real money in the bank?
The appetite of England and France supporters would certainly be there and it would force the All Blacks into unfamiliar venues, which in itself would bring different challenges.
The All Blacks are victims of their own success at the moment and it is starting to reflect in their play. The fact Hansen made 14 changes from the side that belted Scotland meant it was always going to be a second-rate All Blacks performance against Italy and that was certainly the case for 65 minutes.
The All Blacks kicked away far too much possession, were inaccurate with a lot of their play and were static in their attack for long periods.
Maybe if the weekend's game had been a second test against meaningful opposition it would have been a completely different story.
GLENN MCLEAN
19/11/2012
OPINION: I've heard all the sporting cliches after the All Blacks' win over Italy at the weekend.
"This will be really good for world rugby" and "Italy have learnt a lot in recent years" have, predictably, been hauled out.
The best thing about the game, by far, was thankfully it did not resemble the borefest of three years ago in Milan.
Yes, great atmosphere, equally good stadium and the weather was perfect, but don't for a minute think that was good for world rugby.
Sure, the Italians have learnt a bit, that's only natural, but they are never going to beat the All Blacks. Not yesterday, not next year, probably not ever.
Same with Scotland. The gulf between Scottish rugby and New Zealand rugby is wider than ever.
So why then does the New Zealand Rugby Union play these sides so regularly?
I know there are International Rugby Board regulations that these matches must take place but the All Blacks meet Italy and Scotland enough times at the Rugby World Cup without having to schedule these waste of time tests on end of year tours.
It's time these tours actually started becoming meaningful.
There is a counter argument that these occasions provide a platform for All Blacks coach Steve Hansen to blood young and untried players, but what does he really learn from seeing the rookies come up against opposition who would barely find a place in most Super Rugby teams, Australia aside?
Not much, I would suggest.
Yes it was nice to see Taranaki's Beauden Barrett given an opportunity, but his time will come.
It's time for these end-of-year tours to comprise three-test series, preferably against France, England or Wales, although the last might be pushing it given their awful form of late.
When was the last time the All Blacks actually played the trio in a proper series away from home?
It should not be that these series are solely reserved for New Zealand shores.
For starters, it is totally unfair on the sides north of the equator to have to come all the way down here, always at the end of their taxing seasons, to try to win a series.
One-off tests, which rugby fans are fed year after year, provide no real insight into how the teams compare.
A series provides strong test nations the opportunity to learn how to beat their opposition, forces coaches into actually coming up with different game plans and puts pressure on teams and players to perform when injuries hit.
Another counter argument would be the vast majority of these series would be dead rubbers by the time it came to the third test but that should not be an influencing factor because England and France are capable of taking a test off the All Blacks, if given the chance.
NZRU boss Steve Tew skilfully negotiated a return of $4 million for his union's coffers for next month's test at Twickenham.
Why not treble that and put some real money in the bank?
The appetite of England and France supporters would certainly be there and it would force the All Blacks into unfamiliar venues, which in itself would bring different challenges.
The All Blacks are victims of their own success at the moment and it is starting to reflect in their play. The fact Hansen made 14 changes from the side that belted Scotland meant it was always going to be a second-rate All Blacks performance against Italy and that was certainly the case for 65 minutes.
The All Blacks kicked away far too much possession, were inaccurate with a lot of their play and were static in their attack for long periods.
Maybe if the weekend's game had been a second test against meaningful opposition it would have been a completely different story.
McCaw and Hansen warn against privatisation
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/7965771/McCaw-and-Hansen-warn-against-privatisation
LIAM NAPIER AND TOBY ROBSON IN ROME
18/11/2012
All Blacks' coach Steve Hansen and captain Richie McCaw have urged caution in the face of increased Super Rugby privatisation, strongly stressing the need for the New Zealand Rugby Union to retain control of its players.
New Zealand's new-age rugby landscape shifted further towards full privatisation last week when investors bought large shares in the Hurricanes and Crusaders.
The Blues and Chiefs - but not the Highlanders - are likely to follow suit by selling around half of their rights.
In exchange for their cash injections, wealthy private investors get match-day gate-takings and marketing and sponsorship benefits.
But there are fears they will soon push for more privileges, including control of the players, in what appears to be the start of a new era in professionalism.
The risk is that players will be driven to exhaustion, as currently occurs in Europe and South Africa.
Under the current central contracting model the NZRU remains in charge of all players.
Hansen and McCaw have both warned against ever altering that system and allowing wealthy backers too much power, fearing it could jeopardise one of the All Blacks' greatest advantages over their rivals.
"Centralisation is one of our big advantages," Hansen told the Sunday Star-Times.
"We recognise it's one of our strengths. In business you'd be very silly to give away one of your strengths."
At present Hansen is able to work closely with all five New Zealand Super Rugby coaches to ensure player workloads are carefully managed.
That avoids burnout and ensures key figures are consistently performing at their peak for the national team.
If private ownership is taken further and investors can dictate the terms of a player's involvement, the foundations of the All Blacks' success could be eroded.
That scenario is not far-fetched. Not so long ago, the prospect of a sponsor's name on the front of the All Blacks jersey seemed improbable.
Eventually, an investor might make the franchises an offer they can't refuse, at the cost of the right to control New Zealand rugby's greatest asset - the players.
"We should never get into that situation and I don't think we ever will," Hansen said.
"It's a massive advantage to us and one that we should always keep, regardless of who the coach is. We are working hard at the relationships with Super Rugby coaches and hard on player welfare."
In Europe and South Africa, provinces hold all the power and the players are often physically driven until they drop.
After losing to the All Blacks in Soweto this year, Springboks players were made to turn out for their Currie Cup teams while the New Zealanders enjoyed a week's rest.
McCaw believes the balance of power is correct and he singled out the ability of New Zealand's coaches to communicate in a constructive fashion as fundamental to the All Blacks' success.
"The season is tough to manage at the best of times without having an outside influence," he said.
"We are lucky that the hierarchy is that the All Blacks are most important to New Zealand rugby and it works down. That's the way it should be and we are very lucky we have a balance and understanding between everyone.
"The key is who is running the cutter. The coaches are going to want the best out of their players. The clubs over here [in Europe] worry just about what's happening and I guess that's what you get with private ownership.
"But the coaches [in New Zealand] understand they can't afford to hammer guys if they want them right at the business end of the season.
"With test matches in between, they know unless they are managed through that period they will end up with guys who are just buggered. You might get away with it for one year, but the following year that's when the cumulative [fatigue] comes in."
LIAM NAPIER AND TOBY ROBSON IN ROME
18/11/2012
All Blacks' coach Steve Hansen and captain Richie McCaw have urged caution in the face of increased Super Rugby privatisation, strongly stressing the need for the New Zealand Rugby Union to retain control of its players.
New Zealand's new-age rugby landscape shifted further towards full privatisation last week when investors bought large shares in the Hurricanes and Crusaders.
The Blues and Chiefs - but not the Highlanders - are likely to follow suit by selling around half of their rights.
In exchange for their cash injections, wealthy private investors get match-day gate-takings and marketing and sponsorship benefits.
But there are fears they will soon push for more privileges, including control of the players, in what appears to be the start of a new era in professionalism.
The risk is that players will be driven to exhaustion, as currently occurs in Europe and South Africa.
Under the current central contracting model the NZRU remains in charge of all players.
Hansen and McCaw have both warned against ever altering that system and allowing wealthy backers too much power, fearing it could jeopardise one of the All Blacks' greatest advantages over their rivals.
"Centralisation is one of our big advantages," Hansen told the Sunday Star-Times.
"We recognise it's one of our strengths. In business you'd be very silly to give away one of your strengths."
At present Hansen is able to work closely with all five New Zealand Super Rugby coaches to ensure player workloads are carefully managed.
That avoids burnout and ensures key figures are consistently performing at their peak for the national team.
If private ownership is taken further and investors can dictate the terms of a player's involvement, the foundations of the All Blacks' success could be eroded.
That scenario is not far-fetched. Not so long ago, the prospect of a sponsor's name on the front of the All Blacks jersey seemed improbable.
Eventually, an investor might make the franchises an offer they can't refuse, at the cost of the right to control New Zealand rugby's greatest asset - the players.
"We should never get into that situation and I don't think we ever will," Hansen said.
"It's a massive advantage to us and one that we should always keep, regardless of who the coach is. We are working hard at the relationships with Super Rugby coaches and hard on player welfare."
In Europe and South Africa, provinces hold all the power and the players are often physically driven until they drop.
After losing to the All Blacks in Soweto this year, Springboks players were made to turn out for their Currie Cup teams while the New Zealanders enjoyed a week's rest.
McCaw believes the balance of power is correct and he singled out the ability of New Zealand's coaches to communicate in a constructive fashion as fundamental to the All Blacks' success.
"The season is tough to manage at the best of times without having an outside influence," he said.
"We are lucky that the hierarchy is that the All Blacks are most important to New Zealand rugby and it works down. That's the way it should be and we are very lucky we have a balance and understanding between everyone.
"The key is who is running the cutter. The coaches are going to want the best out of their players. The clubs over here [in Europe] worry just about what's happening and I guess that's what you get with private ownership.
"But the coaches [in New Zealand] understand they can't afford to hammer guys if they want them right at the business end of the season.
"With test matches in between, they know unless they are managed through that period they will end up with guys who are just buggered. You might get away with it for one year, but the following year that's when the cumulative [fatigue] comes in."
Richie McCaw relaxed about his time off
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/7965786/Richie-McCaw-relaxed-about-his-time-off
TOBY ROBSON IN ROME
18/11/2012
Richie McCaw is a man with feathers on his shoulders.
The All Blacks captain is about as relaxed as he gets during test week when he wanders into the team hotel lobby for a chat.
He's still got his trusty Warwick B4 notebook in tow, but it's in his shoulders and his eyes that the load looks a little lighter.
In four weeks he'll get the break he craves. He'll head to the beach for two months before boarding a flight to the United States for a belated OE.
It'll be the first time since he started captaining the All Blacks fulltime in 2006 that he'll have a summer to himself.
No sponsors, no media, no planning, no pressure.
McCaw got a sneak peek this past week into looking at the All Blacks from the outside in when he handed the captaincy to Kieran Read.
At the captain's run the openside struck an unusually solitary figure on the far side of Stadio Olimpico as his team-mates huddled around Read for their final instructions.
Next June the distance will be far greater.
It could be construed as a stressful time, perhaps one for second thoughts about taking a six-month sabbatical.
What if McCaw's battered body shuts down without the urgency of his rigid preparation and recovery regimes? What if the mental flame flickers just a little? What if a young lion prowls into his jungle in his absence?
The 31-year-old shrugs his shoulders at all three. It's the alternative that he can't fathom.
"If I'd gone into next year and worn myself down and that mental desire to be there starts to waiver then you are useless anyway," he said.
"But look, yeah, I'm at that part of my career where you know there are no guarantees anyway. You control what you can and I have an opportunity to come back physically in pretty good shape and mentally raring to go.
"If that doesn't happen then it was never going to happen ... what selections are made and all that soft of stuff, well it's out of my control anyway, that's how I look at it.
"If someone flies past you, well, that's just life, isn't it. As long as you do everything you can to be your best. I believe guys get worried about who is coming behind, but if someone's good enough to pass you then so be it."
It's a glimpse into what makes McCaw tick. He's a realist, but he's also an optimist.
"We have a thing in New Zealand that just because you hit a certain age we look at all the things you do wrong rather than the things you do right," he said.
"Yeah, some people fall off and, physically, injuries come into it, but a lot of it comes down to that mental side and whether you have that burning desire to still do it. As soon as that goes, then the form goes, and physically everything else will follow."
It's hard not to conjure images of McCaw's former team-mates Jerry Collins and Rodney So'oialo whose slides were surprisingly dramatic.
McCaw doesn't plan to suffer the same fate and hopes his time off will kick him through to 2015.
"If we have a culture of guys who say, ‘why can't you be [the other side of 30] then guys will be excited by it and if the workloads are managed somehow then, hey, there's no reason why not."
TOBY ROBSON IN ROME
18/11/2012
Richie McCaw is a man with feathers on his shoulders.
The All Blacks captain is about as relaxed as he gets during test week when he wanders into the team hotel lobby for a chat.
He's still got his trusty Warwick B4 notebook in tow, but it's in his shoulders and his eyes that the load looks a little lighter.
In four weeks he'll get the break he craves. He'll head to the beach for two months before boarding a flight to the United States for a belated OE.
It'll be the first time since he started captaining the All Blacks fulltime in 2006 that he'll have a summer to himself.
No sponsors, no media, no planning, no pressure.
McCaw got a sneak peek this past week into looking at the All Blacks from the outside in when he handed the captaincy to Kieran Read.
At the captain's run the openside struck an unusually solitary figure on the far side of Stadio Olimpico as his team-mates huddled around Read for their final instructions.
Next June the distance will be far greater.
It could be construed as a stressful time, perhaps one for second thoughts about taking a six-month sabbatical.
What if McCaw's battered body shuts down without the urgency of his rigid preparation and recovery regimes? What if the mental flame flickers just a little? What if a young lion prowls into his jungle in his absence?
The 31-year-old shrugs his shoulders at all three. It's the alternative that he can't fathom.
"If I'd gone into next year and worn myself down and that mental desire to be there starts to waiver then you are useless anyway," he said.
"But look, yeah, I'm at that part of my career where you know there are no guarantees anyway. You control what you can and I have an opportunity to come back physically in pretty good shape and mentally raring to go.
"If that doesn't happen then it was never going to happen ... what selections are made and all that soft of stuff, well it's out of my control anyway, that's how I look at it.
"If someone flies past you, well, that's just life, isn't it. As long as you do everything you can to be your best. I believe guys get worried about who is coming behind, but if someone's good enough to pass you then so be it."
It's a glimpse into what makes McCaw tick. He's a realist, but he's also an optimist.
"We have a thing in New Zealand that just because you hit a certain age we look at all the things you do wrong rather than the things you do right," he said.
"Yeah, some people fall off and, physically, injuries come into it, but a lot of it comes down to that mental side and whether you have that burning desire to still do it. As soon as that goes, then the form goes, and physically everything else will follow."
It's hard not to conjure images of McCaw's former team-mates Jerry Collins and Rodney So'oialo whose slides were surprisingly dramatic.
McCaw doesn't plan to suffer the same fate and hopes his time off will kick him through to 2015.
"If we have a culture of guys who say, ‘why can't you be [the other side of 30] then guys will be excited by it and if the workloads are managed somehow then, hey, there's no reason why not."
No Richie McCaw, no Dan Carter, no problem
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/7957549/No-Richie-McCaw-no-Dan-Carter-no-problem
TONY ROBSON
16/11/2012
No Richie McCaw, no Dan Carter, no problem.
That's the assertion of All Blacks coach Steve Hansen after making 14 changes to his starting side and installing No 8 Kieran Read as captain against Italy on Sunday.
It is a selection that should have dominated the news yesterday but the players' day off proved to be one of the more action-packed of the tour.
That was largely because Adam Thomson's judicial hearing turned into a farce after the IRB's new Australian chief executive, Brett Gosper, tweeted the need for a review of the one-week suspension.
But IRB interference, if it turns out to be more than an idle tweet, will not detract from the All Blacks' focus on Italy.
The side named is notable, and not just because it's the biggest back-to-back overhaul since Graham Henry's controversial full rotation in 2005. Wing Julian Savea is the only player left from the side who started against Scotland.
Though Carter will be in the reserves at Stadio Olimpico, it will be the first time the All Blacks have started without Carter and McCaw since the World Cup pool match against Canada last year.
Read, in his 46th test, is clearly McCaw's successor and Italy provides a perfect chance for him to stamp his mark on a side he may well be leading into a three-test series with France next June.
For Hansen, this is a chance to gauge the depth of the leadership he believes is now driving the side.
"We've got a group of leaders who are sharing the leadership load, it's not just Richie," Hansen said.
Of critical importance is the continuing development of Aaron Cruden and Sam Cane, the two men wearing the numbers of Carter and McCaw respectively.
"We are saying to ourselves, ‘here we are going to play this game without two of the greatest players of all time' - that in itself is a great challenge," Hansen said.
"Will they [Cruden and Cane] perform to the same level? Probably not, but you wouldn't expect them to because they aren't in the same stage of their career.
"What you would expect is the other people around them to do a little bit more and they are capable of that, so we should be fine."
Even after 14 changes, Hansen's starting side have 514 caps, with another 219 on the bench, and should be far too good for Italy.
Two players who will not take part are injured utility backs Ben Smith and Tamati Ellison. Smith's fractured cheekbone is healing well and he will be available for next weekend's match against Wales, but Ellison's toe injury will continue to be monitored over the next two days. Fairfax NZ
TONY ROBSON
16/11/2012
No Richie McCaw, no Dan Carter, no problem.
That's the assertion of All Blacks coach Steve Hansen after making 14 changes to his starting side and installing No 8 Kieran Read as captain against Italy on Sunday.
It is a selection that should have dominated the news yesterday but the players' day off proved to be one of the more action-packed of the tour.
That was largely because Adam Thomson's judicial hearing turned into a farce after the IRB's new Australian chief executive, Brett Gosper, tweeted the need for a review of the one-week suspension.
But IRB interference, if it turns out to be more than an idle tweet, will not detract from the All Blacks' focus on Italy.
The side named is notable, and not just because it's the biggest back-to-back overhaul since Graham Henry's controversial full rotation in 2005. Wing Julian Savea is the only player left from the side who started against Scotland.
Though Carter will be in the reserves at Stadio Olimpico, it will be the first time the All Blacks have started without Carter and McCaw since the World Cup pool match against Canada last year.
Read, in his 46th test, is clearly McCaw's successor and Italy provides a perfect chance for him to stamp his mark on a side he may well be leading into a three-test series with France next June.
For Hansen, this is a chance to gauge the depth of the leadership he believes is now driving the side.
"We've got a group of leaders who are sharing the leadership load, it's not just Richie," Hansen said.
Of critical importance is the continuing development of Aaron Cruden and Sam Cane, the two men wearing the numbers of Carter and McCaw respectively.
"We are saying to ourselves, ‘here we are going to play this game without two of the greatest players of all time' - that in itself is a great challenge," Hansen said.
"Will they [Cruden and Cane] perform to the same level? Probably not, but you wouldn't expect them to because they aren't in the same stage of their career.
"What you would expect is the other people around them to do a little bit more and they are capable of that, so we should be fine."
Even after 14 changes, Hansen's starting side have 514 caps, with another 219 on the bench, and should be far too good for Italy.
Two players who will not take part are injured utility backs Ben Smith and Tamati Ellison. Smith's fractured cheekbone is healing well and he will be available for next weekend's match against Wales, but Ellison's toe injury will continue to be monitored over the next two days. Fairfax NZ
All Blacks crush Italian hopes
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/all-blacks-crush-italian-hopes-20121118-29jqy.html
November 18, 2012 - 5:28AM
Italy 10 New Zealand 40
Same problem here. Sorry...
Mary
November 18, 2012 - 5:28AM
Italy 10 New Zealand 40
Same problem here. Sorry...
Mary
Carter makes Scotland pay for defensive lapses
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-match-report/carter-makes-scotland-pay-for-defensive-lapses-20121112-296z1.html
Day 2
Saturday November 17
- Wales 19 vs Samoa 26Full Time
Sunday November 18
- Italy 10 vs New Zealand 42Full Time
- Scotland 10 vs South Africa 21Full Time
- England 14 vs Australia 20Full Time
- France 39 vs Argentina 22Full Time
Day 1
Sunday November 11
- Italy 28 vs Tonga 23Full Time
- England 54 vs Fiji 12Full Time
- Wales 12 vs Argentina 26Full Time
- Ireland 12 vs South Africa 16Full Time
- France 33 vs Australia 6Full Time
Monday November 12
- Scotland 22 vs New Zealand 51Full Time
Sunday, November 04, 2012
November European Tour (schedule)
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union All times AEDT
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11
- Italy vs Tonga1.00am
- England vs Fiji1.30am
- Wales vs Argentina1.30am
- Ireland vs South Africa4.30am
- France vs Australia7.00am
MONDAY NOVEMBER 12
- Scotland vs New Zealand1.30am
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 17
- Wales vs Samoa6.30am
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18
- Italy vs New Zealand1.00am
- England vs Australia1.30am
- Scotland vs South Africa1.30am
- France vs Argentina7.00am
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 25
- Ireland vs Argentina1.00am
- Italy vs Australia1.00am
- England vs South Africa1.30am
- Scotland vs Tonga2.00am
- France vs Samoa4.00am
- Wales vs New Zealand4.15am
Wallaby pays price for 'bump' on McCaw
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/wallaby-pays-price-for-bump-on-mccaw-20121022-281r2.html
- Georgina Robinson
- SCOTT HIGGINBOTHAM will miss the two most crucial Test matches of the Wallabies' end of year tour after pleading guilty to striking All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.The Australian back-rower was handed a two-Test suspension last night for kneeing and head-butting McCaw during Saturday night's 18-18 draw between the Wallabies and All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium.It is a good result for the Wallabies, who feared losing him for the entire tour. But it is a blow to Australia's chances in the northern hemisphere next month, because he will miss the crucial first two Tests, against France and England, before being free to play Italy and Wales late next month and early December.France and England, ranked fourth and fifth in the world respectively, will be targeting the games as opportunities to improve their IRB rankings before the 2015 Rugby World Cup draw, which will be held on December 3, two days after Australia plays Wales in Cardiff.AdvertisementSANZAR judicial officer Jannie Lubbe deemed Higginbotham's strikes to be ''low entry level'', calling the knee to McCaw's head, as Higginbotham was pulled to the ground after a tackle, ''more of a bump than a hit''.''The head-butt was reckless and not executed with much force,'' Lubbe said. ''McCaw was not injured and play resumed.''The decision will perplex some who noted that Springboks forward Eben Etzebeth's head-butt on Wallabies captain Nathan Sharpe last month, for which he was also given a two-week suspension, did not appear to make contact.Higginbotham's physicality will be missed on the tour but is tempered to some degree by the return of Waratahs No.8 Wycliff Palu, who made an immediate impact for the Wallabies against the All Blacks at the weekend, and the availability of Radike Samo and Dave Dennis.The anticipated playing return of David Pocock, coupled with the strong performances of back-up opensides Michael Hooper and Liam Gill, also give coach Robbie Deans options in the back row.In other news, Waratahs back Bernard Foley has put Test-capped teammate Berrick Barnes on notice with a declaration he wants to make the No.10 jersey his own next year. Foley played at five-eighth as a junior but was used by former coach Michael Foley at fullback for most of last season after joining the Waratahs, with Barnes at No.10 or inside-centre.Foley intended transitioning his new recruit to five-eighth as he gained experience and used him there towards the end of the season, with Barnes outside and Adam Ashley-Cooper at fullback.Bernard Foley said yesterday he enjoyed playing both positions but wanted to return to the position in which he was most comfortable.''I've made it known I want to play in the front line but it comes back to personnel we have available and the structure [the coach] wants to play,'' he said.New coach Michael Cheika has made it clear positions are there for the taking next season, and reiterated that yesterday in reference to the No.10 jersey.''If a player thinks the best opportunity for him is in a certain position or if he enjoys playing a certain position the most, then that's where he's going to get the chance to play,'' Cheika said, adding that he would probably play Foley at both fullback and five-eighth.Elsewhere, injured Wallabies halfback Will Genia is expected to announce this week he is staying in Australia. Genia was considering a sabbatical from rugby and a move to Japan but is understood to have resolved his contracting issues with the ARU, and will play alongside his estranged teammate Quade Cooper in the Queensland Reds line-up next year.
A ray of light at end of All Black tunnel
October 21, 2012
Georgina Robinson Sports Reporter
Last night's performance was a big mental leap for the Wallabies, writes Georgina Robinson.
AUSTRALIA 18 NEW ZEALAND 18
AUSTRALIA 18 NEW ZEALAND 18
There is life in the old dog yet. For all the talk of a dead rubber, a walkover and the greatest All Blacks side of all time, the Wallabies proved they have depth beyond their first-choice starting XV and have the confidence to dominate on their coming end of year tour.
Wallabies great Geoff Shaw spoke of the ''dark room'' earlier this week, when an athlete encounters a foe so dominant they render themselves observers rather than participants in a fight.
The Wallabies were in that dark room for the first two Tests in the Bledisloe series, overawed by the attacking prowess of the world champions. But for 80 heartening minutes at fortress Suncorp last night, the Wallabies tore off the blinkers and played the All Blacks as if they beat them last week, not 12 months ago, to pull off the most unlikely of draws in front of a sellout home crowd.
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It was an error-ridden performance from both sides. The All Blacks, deserted by their trademark polish in the first stanza, regathered themselves in the second half and clawed back a nine-point deficit before taking a three-point lead, one the entire stadium expected the visitors to extend over the final 20 minutes.
But the Wallabies hit back and equalised, eventually holding the All Blacks tryless for the first time since August 2004, when they lost 23-18 to the Wallabies at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. Veterans Nathan Sharpe, Keven Mealamu and Dan Carter were all in that Test too.
And while beating the All Blacks remains the one and only criterion for Wallabies success, it is a telling development that a side composed almost entirely of second-choice players mustered the aggression and self-belief to keep their vaunted opponents on the leash.
There were no tries from the Wallabies and a frustrating inability to go for the jugular when the All Blacks were down Tony Woodcock in the first 10 minutes of the second half.
The All Blacks, too, were well out of sorts. Carter's missed field goal after the final bell capped an ordinary night for the five-eighth.
Australian blindside breakaway Scott Higginbotham was mightily fortunate not to be sent off for a knee and headbutt on New Zealand captain Richie McCaw and the veteran was justifiably incensed.
But there will be little reflection on the draw in coming days. In the next two weeks, Robbie Deans must gather the last remaining fit athletes and take them into a European winter, where Tests await against France, England, Italy and Wales.
The Beale-McCabe partnership in the midfield showed glimmers of promise but the wing and halfback positions loom as major problems. Provided Nick Phipps and Brett Sheehan stay healthy, it will be possible for Australia to travel with two specialist No.9s. But Deans's preference for three halfbacks - he took Will Genia, Luke Burgess and Phipps to the World Cup - will this week drive him to ask the ARU to allow him to bring Burgess back from France.
The wing situation took a serious turn this week when Dom Shipperley announced his wrist complaint would need surgery. It is possible that first-choice wing Digby Ioane will recover enough from his knee injury to make the tour, but it is by no means a certainty.
It's a depressing exercise rattling off the rest of the injured list. David Pocock said himself making the final two Tests of the tour was his ''best-case scenario'', second-rower James Horwill is still a chance but is quickly running out of time, hooker Stephen Moore is looking likely - as is Saia Fainga'a - and Ben Alexander should be deemed fit.
James O'Connor is out, but Berrick Barnes is on track to return in time.
In many ways this will be Deans's tour. ARU chairman Michael Hawker backed the national coach two weeks ago and last night's result vindicated his faith. It was not a win but it was a crucial display of fight from the Wallabies.
A strong performance on the upcoming tour is crucial for Deans. And they need to stay out of the dark room to really see the light.
Mealamu to win 100th All Blacks cap
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/mealamu-to-win-100th-all-blacks-cap-20121018-27saf.html October 18, 2012
WELLINGTON: Hooker Keven Mealamu will on Saturday become only the third player to win 100 caps for the All Blacks when he starts against Australia in the Bledisloe Cup clash in Brisbane.
The 33-year-old follows captain Richie McCaw and full-back Mils Muliaina who both played their 100th Tests during last year's World Cup.
"On behalf of the All Blacks players and management, I want to congratulate Keven on reaching this very special milestone," said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.
"'Kevvy' is a hugely respected man, not only in the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby but also in his wider community; he is a key leader in the team and one of the true gentlemen of New Zealand rugby. I know his family are extremely proud of him and so is his All Blacks family."
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As well as Mealamu, who returns to the front row in place of Andrew Hore, Saturday's starting XV features just one other change from that which started the last Test of the Rugby Championship against South Africa 12 days ago, with prop Charlie Faumuina getting his first Test start, coming in for Owen Franks.
Other changes on the bench from the South Africa Test see Hore at reserve hooker, Victor Vito comes in for Adam Thomson as loose forward cover, while Ben Smith replaces Tamati Ellison in the outside back reserve jersey.
"Playing Australia in Brisbane represents another great challenge for the team and one which we are looking forward to," said Hansen, whose team, are aiming for a 17th successive Test win.
"We have prepared well so far for the Test and, as always, the challenge for the team is not only the opposition, but also meeting our own expectations when it comes to the standard of our performance."
New Zealand: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Daniel Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Liam Messam, Samuel Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Replacements: Andrew Hore, Owen Franks, Luke Romano, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith.
Brisbane loss spurs All Blacks
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/brisbane-loss-spurs-all-blacks-20121013-27jkx.html
- Duncan Johnstone
- THE All Blacks are itching to stamp their champion status on the Wallabies in Brisbane next weekend.Having backed up their World Cup success with an unbeaten run through the Rugby Championship and widened their gap at the top of the world rankings, the All Blacks appear to be in a class of their own.That's a tribute to the way Steve Hansen and his new-look coaching team have managed to motivate the side to new levels.They have succeeded in motivating from within their group a desire to not just maintain but improve standards, and that will be a driving force next weekend in Australia where they chase win No. 17.AdvertisementThe last time they lost was indeed in Brisbane in their final Test before the World Cup campaign. That will be a spur to this playing group, many of whom experienced that 25-20 defeat.But they are equally moved to try to better what they have shown against the Wallabies this year with a 27-19 win in Sydney followed by a 22-0 victory at Eden Park to retain the Bledisloe Cup.Dismiss any talk of this being a dead rubber. The All Blacks assistant coach, Ian Foster, said the team killed that theory last week when they buried the Boks in South Africa with the Rugby Championship title wrapped up."I think we showed in the Soweto game how much it means to this team just to perform on the day and to put our best foot forward," Foster said yesterday."This Bledisloe Cup game is the same equation. There will be some people say that we have already won it and maybe we can loosen up a wee bit but the reality is we just want to keep performing.''With a northern tour looming with Tests against Scotland, Italy, Wales and England, the All Blacks want to get the business done down under first against a Wallabies team that has shown character if not class in recent weeks.They ground out a victory in Argentina last week but will be buoyed to be back in Brisbane. Foster is sure the Australians won't be lacking motivation either."Historically, the Aussies have played very well in Brisbane. The last time the All Blacks lost was there and history is full of times that the Australians have seemingly been down and out and they've shown a massive amount of character and played really well against us under that sort of pressure,'' he said.With no major injuries, Foster indicated a "steady as you go" approach to selection. There may be some tinkering but a foundation of their success this year has been built around minimal changes to the starting XV and cleverly integrating the new, young talent and maintaining freshness in key areas.Foster said there was no reason why the All Blacks can't get even better. That was about looking at themselves and also trying to second-guess opponents."You have to focus on keeping improving things. It's about celebrating the successes and the things that are going good. But it's also making sure we keep the microscope on our game to figure out how could we improve it, what little things could we do a bit differently, but also what would our next opposition do to stop what they have just seen?"There are a lot of very good people tossing ideas into the melting pot in this group."
McCaw: 'players like Quade get sorted'
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/mccaw-players-like-quade-get-sorted-20121009-27an6.html
October 9, 2012
He also revealed that he told the NZRU that the Graham Henry-led ticket was the better coaching option than appointing current Wallabies Robbie Deans after the All Blacks' 2007 World Cup failure.
October 9, 2012
Paul Cully
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has confirmed what most people had thought all along: the duel with Wallabies No.10 Quade Cooper became personal, and somewhat bitter.
In his autobiography The Open Side, released in New Zealand today, McCaw says Cooper's infamous knee to his head at a ruck in Brisbane was deliberate and had caused him to lose sight of the game plan and target the Wallabies five-eighth.
He also revealed that he told the NZRU that the Graham Henry-led ticket was the better coaching option than appointing current Wallabies Robbie Deans after the All Blacks' 2007 World Cup failure.
“There was a bit of post-game controversy around Quade Cooper's attempt to knee me in the head as he was extricating himself from a ruck,” McCaw wrote. “The intent of what he was trying to do pissed me off more than the execution. Shortly after that happened, I was carrying and should have passed, but I lit up and I saw Quade standing in front of me and clattered into him instead.
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“I was disappointed in myself doing that, letting it get personal. There's no need – players like Quade get sorted. Sooner or later they get their beans.”
Before the next time they met, in the World Cup semi-final at Eden Park in Auckland, McCaw wrote that the mood in the All Blacks' camp was focused and confident, in contrast that of the rest of the country.
“We heard during the week that the Aussie camp was pretty confident. I'm not sure where the information came from but there are people in and out of the teams' hotels all the time, and secrets are hard to keep. However accurate the rumour was, it was great to hear they were confident. I don't go along with most people who say the Wallabies are more dangerous when they are confident. I reckon they're more vulnerable.
“I don't know whether the Aussies heard any rumours about us, but if they'd heard the truth, they would have been alarmed: that was the best prepared All Black team I've ever been part of. I knew the Aussies were going to get it.”
McCaw also declared that that feeling had been confirmed as early as first quarter during the semi-final. “As early as the 20-minute mark, I could see the inevitability in their eyes. They knew this day wasn't going to go that good for them.
“James Horwill had won the toss and chose to kick off, to put pressure on us. Which Quade immediately blew by kicking it out on the full.”
McCaw also says that after the 2007 World Cup he developed “a strong preference” for the reappointment of Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith as a working unit over his former Crusaders mentor Deans, and had question marks about Deans' ability to work collaboratively.
“Robbie doesn't appear to want to be challenged by his assistants and won't allow the kind of full-on debate that Ted [Henry] encourages with Smith and Hansen,” McCaw wrote in a frank chapter dedicated to the Henry v Deans issue. “Robbie's approach is to say, 'This is what we're doing,' then convince people that's the way it's got to be. He's very good at that.
“But when you look at the record of Robbie's assistant coaches, there's quite a lot of turnover and fallout. Robbie's intransigence and reluctance to delegate might have been a factor…if you look at the names of some of Robbie's assistants. Colin Cooper, Vern Cotter, Don Hayes, Todd Blackadder. It's tempting to draw the conclusion that if Robbie gets a strong assistant coach, the assistant won't last, and if he gets one that lasts, he's not that strong.”
By contrast Henry's ability to present his team to the NZRU board made his decision a simple one, McCaw wrote. “The applications in front of the NZRU are telling. Robbie hasn't named his assistants, though [then Auckland coach] Pat Lam's has been mentioned in some reports. But Pat hasn't coached at Super 14 level yet. So the question actually is: Graham Henry, Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen or Robbie Deans and unknown assistant coaches? That's a critical difference right there.
“…so when [NZRU chairman] Steve Tew phones me for an informal catch-up on this and that, I tell him I'm happy to work with either, but I do have a view on which option might be better for the All Blacks.”
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