New Zealand vs England Preview
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New Zealand will face a new English side when they meet tomorrow at Eden Park in Auckland. Both sides are barely recognisable from the sides they fielded in the Rugby World Cup less than 12 months ago. England’s only starting player from the World Cup final is Andy Sheridan as Rob Andrew looks to rebuild his side with a view to the next World Cup.
The All Blacks who beat Ireland at home last week have also had some changes but have amazing depth and as one star leaves it seems they have two emerging talents to replace them. The core of the side with Richie McCaw and Dan Carter are still in action and will hope to be getting into full swing to coincide with the upcoming Tri-Nations series against the Wallabies and Springboks.
The New Zealand team should have too much flair for the English with an accomplished scrum and dynamic backs likely to take any advantage of their inexperienced rivals. Nonu, Tuitavake and Sivivatu will take any chance they get in the backline and with Dan Carter driving them around the park they will get plenty of opportunities.
The New Zealand team have plenty of firepower in the forwards with Thorn, Hore, So’oialo, Somerville, McCaw and Williams forming a solid combination. The added aggression of the All Blacks will pressure the English early and they will have to be careful they do not fold under the pressure.
Despite the All Blacks being expected to win they have all the pressure. The All Blacks coach Henry is already under considerable pressure from the New Zealand media after the World Cup failure and any loss with put extreme pressure on him and the All Blaccks.
England have several debutants and will be hoping to see some signs that they are capable of stepping up against the All Blacks. For England at this point in the rebuilding stage they are facing a near impossible task of victory in New Zealand. Rob Andrew will be happy to see a solid performance from England and will be hopeful of a solid hitout but I can’t see England being a serious worry for the All Blacks. New Zealand by 18.
New Zealand
Mils Muliaina, Anthony Tuitavake, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Rodney So’oialo, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, John Schwalger, Anthony Boric, Sione Lauaki, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Leon MacDonald.
England
Mike Brown, Topsy Ojo, Mike Tindall, Olly Barkley, David Strettle, Charlie Hodgson, Richard Wigglesworth, Luke Narraway, Tom Rees, James Haskell, Steve Borthwick, Tom Palmer, Matt Stevens, Lee Mears, Andrew Sheridan.
Reserves: David Paice, Tim Payne, Ben Kay, Joe Worsley, Danny Care, Jamie Noon, Mathew Tait.
All Blacks team to play England
The New Zealand All Blacks have named a star studded team for their match against England this weekend. Graham Henry announced that he is fielding the best side he has available to him at the moment. One change from the previous test to Ireland was made due to the medial ligament injury to John Afoa, Greg Somerville comes into the side at tighthead prop.
The full All Black team is;
Mil Muliaina, Anthony Tuitavake, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, captain, Rodney So’oialo, Ali Williams, Brad Thorne, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, John Schwalger, Anthony Boric, Sione Lauaki, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Leon MacDonald.
Richie McCaw to stay with All Blacks
In what is excellent news for the All Blacks Richie McCaw has committed to the all All Blacks until 2011 in what is a strong sign of his commitment to the national side after a disappointing 2007 World Cup campaign.
The All Blacks have experienced many departures in recent months not the least being Jerry Collins, Carl Hayman, Reuben Thorne, Rico Gear and Doug Howlett. The re-signing of McCaw could not have come at a better time when it is frequently being discussed that Dan Carter may also link with a European side in what would make him the highest paid rugby star.
Is it just the money or the challenge of playing in the tough European competition, do you have an opinion? If so, share your opinion in the comments.
All Blacks Squad Announced
The All Blacks have announced their squad for the opening tests of the International Rugby season. Six new players have joined the squad as Graham Henry continues to rebuild his team after the recent exit of a number of major All Black stars.
The loss of Reuben Thorne, Anton Oliver, Carl Hayman, Doug Howlett and the sudden exit of Jerry Collins from the international arena will be a challenge for Henry to manage. But the continual success and strong performance of the Kiwi sides in the Super 14 and particularly the success of the Crusaders in the recent Super 14 final over the NSW Waratahs show that while some stars exit the game New Zealand rugby has many more coming through the ranks.
The full squad is;
John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Dan Carter, Stephen Donald, Andy Ellis, Andrew Hore, Richard Kahui, Jerome Kaino, Sione Lauaki, Brendon Leonard, Richie McCaw, Leon MacDonald, Keven Mealamu, Mils Muliaina, Ma’a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Greg Somerville, Rodney So’oialo, Adam Thomson, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Anthony Tuitavake, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock, Rudi Wulf.