Leak reveals new All Blacks in backline
Leak reveals new All Blacks in backline
By JOHN MATHESON - Sunday News | Sunday, 18 May 2008
Leak reveals new All Blacks in backline - New Zealand's source for sport, rugby, cricket & league news on Stuff.co.nz
Graham Henry’s preferred All Blacks test backline for rugby's Tri-Nations includes two new test caps – Stephen Brett and Anthony Tuitavake - according to a leak.
The duo are the All Blacks’ selectors No1 midfield pairing at this stage.
Other features of the back division for the domestic test season are:
* Brendon Leonard edging Andy Ellis at halfback.
* Dan Carter at No 10.
The experienced back three of Josevata Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Mils Muliaina.
The names were leaked to Sunday News last week by the same source who created a stir in 2006 when we were given the test line up ahead of the Tri-nations series.
That team was significant because it saw Muliaina handed the No 13. jersey.
All Blacks management reacted to Sunday News’ exclusive by ordering an investigation into the leak.
Today’s release of the backline is equally significant because it clearly shows World Cup All Blacks Isaia Toeava and Conrad Smith will struggle to make the line-up for the big ticket tests against Australia and South Africa.
Brett and Tuitavake will be unleashed together in the first test against England in Auckland on June 14. If everything goes according to plan they could back-up a week later in Christchurch to cement their test positions for the Tri-nations.
They will only play together in the opening game of the domestic test season, against Ireland on June 7, if the Crusaders fail to make the Super 14 final.
If either of them fail to make the grade, Muliaina will be moved into the No 13 jersey in time for the Tri-nations.
The selectors will then have to decide whether Brett (a better attacking force) or Tuitavake (the better defender) start at No.12 against the Springboks.
Running two new caps at second-five and centre in the season’s opening tests has its risks.
But Brett has built up a good understanding with Carter during the Crusaders Super 14 campaign and that combination should ensure the All Blacks lose little despite the departures of Luke McAlister and Aaron Mauger.
And the addition of Tuituvake is at least a sign that, unlike last year, the All Blacks selectors are set to reward form.
The Blues centre has been in devastating form and rubberstamped his position in the team with his performance at Carisbrook eight days ago.
Rokocoko is expected to be missing from the Ireland and England test as he recovers from an operation on his wrist.
His cast will be removed on June 5 - two days before the Irish test - and the selectors are confident he will be greenlighted for the opening Tri-nations test against the Springboks on July 5 in Wellington.
Ma’a Nonu, Scott Hamilton and Muliaina could share the right wing duties in June along with possible new cap Lelia Masaga.
