News
All Blacks keep status quo
August 12 2008
New Zealand coach Graham Henry has named an unchanged line-up from that which smashed Australia two weeks ago, for the Tri-Nations match against South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday.
In the lone change to the matchday 22, Isaia Toeava is on the bench, coming in for Anthony Tuitavake.
The one area many tipped a change was on the right wing, but Graham Henry and Wayne Smith have kept the faith with Richard Kahui.
"We thought he played pretty well against Australia, and he did the job that was asked of him," said Assistant Coach Smith.
"He has played quite a lot of wing and full-back coming through the age-grade teams, as well as for the Highlanders a few years back, so he is more than comfortable there. With the way we want to play the game he is a great man to have on the field."
Having bounced back from defeat in Sydney with a stunning 39-10 victory at Eden Park the All Blacks revived their Tri-Nations hopes, and Henry admitted the manner of that victory had made selection easy.
"Selection didn't take long, all we needed to do really was make sure we had cover on the bench, which is why we have brought Isaia Toeava in," Henry said.
"He has played a fair bit at full-back, and with Leon MacDonald not here we needed to ensure we had that cover should we need it. Not only that but he gives us cover at wing and centre, so we have all our bases covered."
Having named an unchanged starting XV for the second game running Henry is hoping that his side can equal the level of intensity and skill shown last time out.
"The big challenge for the team now is to remain at the standard we set last time out at Eden Park," he said.
"This is a pivotal game as far as we are concerned for the Tri-Nations and we are over here to do our best.
Having conceded that he was out-thought by Robbie Deans when New Zealand lost to Sydney, Henry has had another game to adjust to the ELVs and is slowly getting to grips with them.
"This will be the fourth game we have played under these laws," Henry added.
"It takes time for us as coaches to adjust to them, and I am sure it is the same for the South Africans too. It is just going to take some time to bed in, but already there are some positive signs.
"I know that the guys are enjoying playing under these laws, and are enjoying the challenge and game that presents itself under these particular laws."
Despite needing a victory to ensure their Tri-Nations campaign remains alive Henry didn't feel there was any extra pressure on his side. Instead he went on to say that as an All Black you are constantly under pressure, and Saturday will be no different.
"There is always pressure in All Black rugby," he said.
"There was pressure last year, and the year before and in 1956 there was pressure. It's just part of the scene really - pressure for the All Blacks to play well, pressure for them to win and no excuses on being beaten. That is all part of the deal when you are an All Black.
"You may have noticed at the World Cup last year that we didn't win, and the media have wanted blood ever since. They haven't had any blood yet, so they are still looking for it I guess. None of that will ever change as that is a way of life in New Zealand rugby and something we have to handle and live with."
The Team:
New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Richard Kahui, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Willliams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 John Afoa, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Isaia Toeava.
Date: Saturday, August 16
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Matt Goddard (Australia)
Touch judges: Wayne Barnes (England), James Leckie (Australia)
Television match official: Geoff Warren (England)
By Marcus Leach in Cape Town