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Wednesday, 7 September 2011

Graham Henry Prefers Israel

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has dropped full-back Mils Muliaina for the opening match of the Rugby World Cup against Tonga in Auckland on Friday.

The 31-year-old Muliaina makes way for Israel Dagg, who made a fine return to top-class rugby against South Africa following a serious quadricep injury.

Richard Kahui and Isaia Toeava will start on the wings, with Ma'a Nonu and Sonny Bill Williams in the centres.

Richie McCaw will win his 62nd cap as captain and 99th overall.

The All Blacks are favourites to win only their second World Cup since New Zealand staged the inaugural event in 1987, and they have selected a powerful backline to ensure they can compete with the physical Tongans.

The revamped back three and Williams' inclusion in the starting line up at the expense of Conrad Smith are part of nine changes to the starting XV when the All Blacks surrendered their Tri-Nations title with a 25-20 defeat against Australia last month.

Muliaina, who has won 98 Test caps, was not even named on the bench, while Kahui and Toeava come in for Cory Jane and Zac Guildford.

"He (Muliaina) has been one of the top full-backs in the world for some time, but he's having a bit of a flat patch at the moment," said Henry. "But knowing Mils he will respond to that. He understands it is a competitive position. The other fellow in his one Test this year has played well."

Nonu moves out one place from his usual position at inside centre to accomodate rugby league convert Williams, who will win his eighth Test cap.

Jimmy Cowan was preferred to Piri Weepu at scrum-half and will partner fly-half Daniel Carter for the 25th Test together.

Wellington loose forward Victor Vito will start at number eight for the injured Kieran Read with Jerome Kaino returning to the starting XV after he missed the final Tri-Nations match against Australia last month to return home to be with his pregnant partner.

Tony Woodcock was named at loose-head prop despite aggravating an old hamstring injury in training, with assistant coach Steve Hansen admitting his fitness was a concern.

Coach Henry said: "There is real competition in a number of positions, at full-back and on the wings and other positions as well, and the selection of the starting XV reflects that.

"Those players selected have now been given the opportunity, which is exciting, and they will all look to make the most of their chance. Everyone in the All Blacks squad is excited by what lies ahead."

Team: Israel Dagg; Richard Kahui, Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Isaia Toeava; Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan; Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (capt), Victor Vito.

Replacements: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Anthony Boric, Sam Whitelock, Piri Weepu, Colin Slade, Cory Jane.

Wednesday, 20 July 2011

Carter on Bench as Slade Starts

New Zealand have rested several key players and left fly-half Dan Carter on the bench as they begin their World Cup preparations against Fiji on Friday.

Colin Slade will start his first Test at number 10 and Highlanders team-mate, lock Jarrad Hoeata, makes his debut.

Hoeata partners the experienced Ali Williams, back in the side for the first time since 2008 after injury.

Captain Richie McCaw, who missed most of the Super 15 season because of a foot injury, leads the side.

He will have Adam Thomson and Liam Messam alongside him in the back row, with Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read among those rested.

Centres Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith will play their 27th Test together, just one behind the record held by the partnership of Walter Little and Frank Bunce.

Despite the absentees, Graham Henry's starting side in Dunedin will still have 531 caps between them, with another 216 to call on from the bench.

"This is an important test for us as we kick off this year's Test season," said the head coach, mindful of how Fiji's Pacific Island neighbours Samoa upset Australia last weekend.

"You just need to look at how Samoa played against Australia to know that if we underestimate Fiji, we do so at our peril."

The last time the countries met in 2005, the All Blacks won 91-0, but Fiji - who have Gloucester flanker Akapusi Qera at open-side - have taken inspiration from Samoa's success in Sydney.

"We believe that Fiji is capable of producing a similar result as the Samoans did against the Wallabies," said team manager Talemo Waqa.

New Zealand play the first match of their Tri-Nations campaign against South Africa on Saturday, 30 July.

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina; Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Colin Slade, Jimmy Cowan; Wyatt Crockett, Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Jarrad Hoeata, Ali Williams, Adam Thomson, Richie McCaw (captain), Liam Messam. Replacements: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Piri Weepu, Dan Carter, Ben Smith.

Fiji: Iliesa Keresoni; Timoci Naqusa, Albert Vulivuli, Ravai Fatiaki, Napolioni Nalaga; Seremaia Baikeinuku, Nemia Serelevu; Campese Ma'afu, Sunia Koto, Deacon Manu (captain), Sekonaia Kalou, Rupeni Nasiga, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Akapusi Qera, Sakiusa Matadigo.Replacements: Viliame Veikoso, Setefano Somoca, Josefa Domolailai, Malakai Ravulo, Vitori Buatava, Taniela Rawaqa, Vereniki Goneva.

Monday, 11 July 2011

Mealamu Ready for Another Tri-Nations

Blues skipper Keven Mealamu is putting his hand up for the All Blacks' opening test of the year despite the amount of rugby he has already played.

Mealamu is one of three hookers named in New Zealand's Investec Tri Nations squad, along with Crusader Corey Flynn and Hurricane Andrew Hore.

Before the tournament, the All Blacks will be have a one-off test against Fiji in Dunedin next week, with proceeds to go to the Canterbury earthquake appeal.

Mealamu, 32, played in all of the Blues' 18 matches in the expanded Investec Super rugby competition, one of only two forwards to achieve the feat for the franchise.

The other was prop John Afoa, who has also been included in the 30-man squad named in Auckland yesterday.

At the squad announcement, coach Graham Henry said it was important to look at players individually to give them the programme that would get the best of out of them.

Some, like beaten finalists the Crusaders, had played too much football, some hadn't played a lot, and others were coming back from injury.

However, Mealamu indicated that he was happy not to have a breather, but instead to front up against the Fijians on July 22 for what would be his 84th cap.

With the Blues getting to the semifinals, he had enjoyed the Super rugby season, and he said his body felt good and he was "ready to go".

"I’m just excited to be back in camp again," he said.

"It's such a huge year this year and we all want to be part of it. I would love to keep on playing and doing what I really love doing, but in the end I just have to see what the bosses say."

Mealamu cited being mentally fresh as the key to his durability.

If the head was right, he said, the body would be too.

"It's just about managing my rugby well and keeping a good balance in life -- that's really important," he said.

"When you're always in the pressure cooker, it’s important when you go home you relax, have time with your family and just enjoy life outside rugby."

Meanwhile, Mealamu was delighted to see Blues teammate Ali Williams back in the test fold after the lock spent the best part of two years out with two achilles injuries.

Williams, who played the last of his 61 tests in late 2008, returned to Super rugby this year after missing the whole of last season.

Mealamu had first-hand knowledge of what his fellow Aucklander had to go through to make it to where he was now.

"I’ve been really lucky to see how much hard work he’s put into getting himself back into this team," he said.

"It hasn’t been an easy road. It’s been good to see every morning, always out there early putting in the extra yards. I’m really happy for him."

Thursday, 30 June 2011

All Blacks Announce New Jersey

The All Blacks will reveal a new jersey for the 2011 season in their opening Tri Nations test on July 30, the New Zealand Rugby Union announced on Thirsday,

The new Adidas jersey, which has been designed and tested in conjunction with several senior All Blacks including captain Richie McCaw, will be unveiled for the first time when the All Blacks take the field against South Africa at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.

The jersey design has been a well-guarded secret and all McCaw will say about the jersey is that "it is revolutionary and also respectful to the All Blacks' long and proud history."

"It's not change for change's sake. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to rugby and fans can rest assured that it still looks like a rugby jersey. It's still an All Blacks jersey that you're proud to hold up and proud to run out and wear," he added.

The other players involved in the development of the jersey include Dan Carter, Andrew Hore, Brad Thorn, Conrad Smith, Mils Muliaina and Keven Mealamu.

The All Blacks strip has relatively remained the same since Adidas took over as the jersey maker in 1999 when the white collar was removed for an all black look.

Adidas Country Manager David Huggett says the jersey will contain a "visible difference".

"We are mindful that the people of New Zealand own the All Blacks jersey. Although there will be a visible difference in the All Blacks jersey this year, the change will be respectful to its 127-year legacy," he said.

"The 2011 jersey will again raise the bar for both technology and design," says David Huggett. "This year New Zealand rugby takes a big step into the international limelight, so it is fitting that the jersey should take a leap forward in its long evolution."

Friday, 17 June 2011

All Blacks Receive WC Twitter ban

New Zealand rugby players have been banned from using all forms of social media during the World Cup, which takes place in September and October.

A previous attitude of "advising caution" has been upgraded to a total ban by head coach Graham Henry.

"We don't want players to do it individually, it creates distraction, we want to be focused on the job at hand," said team manager Darren Shand.

He also revealed that senior players had requested a ban.

Outlets such as social networking sites Twitter and Facebook, as well as any newspaper columns or blogs, will all be forbidden for the duration of the tournament, which takes place in New Zealand and runs from 9 September-23 October.

The All Blacks will be under huge pressure to win the trophy for just the second time, having won the inaugural tournament in 1987. They lost the 1995 final to South Africa, and were beaten by France in the 1999 semi-final and 2007 quarter-final, despite being hot favourites to win the tournament.

Social media first became an issue in the All Blacks camp on their 2009 European tour when winger Cory Jane, who has over 14,000 Twitter followers, was one of two players who tweeted that he had been dropped from the side before the news was made public.

At the time, Henry said: "I had to find out what bloody Twitter was. I thought it was a new guy playing five-eighth for England."

But he added that the World Cup ban was a precautionary measure, rather than in response to any particular incidents.

"We haven't had a policy up until now, we've just asked them to make good decisions about that and, in the All Blacks camp, most of the time, they've made good decisions," said Henry.

"But, at World Cup time, zilch."

Jane said he would respect the ban.

"just wanna play rugby & talk to fans. Thats all i wanna DO. I don't want trouble," he posted.

Wednesday, 25 May 2011

Rokocoko Agrees Two Year French Deal

New Zealand rugby has today paid tribute to Auckland, Blues and All Blacks winger Josevata Rokocoko who has confirmed he is leaving to play rugby in France.

27-year-old Rokocoko has signed a two-year deal with French club Bayonne and will join them at the end of the year.

“This is the one of the biggest decisions I’ve had to make in my life," Rokocoko said

"I first played for the Blues and then the All Blacks as a teenager eight years ago and along with Auckland, they have been my rugby family ever since.

"To move away from that and my life in New Zealand is such a major step but the time has come, and my wife and I are excited to be facing a new chapter in our lives with our young son.”

“I want to thank Auckland Rugby, the Blues and NZRU for all the opportunities and support they have given me and I am truly blessed to have had such an amazing rugby career in New Zealand,” he added.

NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen has paid tribute to Rokocoko.

"Joe has been an outstanding professional player for New Zealand both on and off the field and he has been hugely popular with the fans. He has already achieved incredible things in the black jersey and has given so much to New Zealand rugby. We wish him and his family all the best for next year when they head to France and look forward to having him back in New Zealand sometime in the future.”

Blues Coach Pat Lam added: “I believe Joe Rokocoko to be one of rugby’s finest men. It is not just his natural ability, but also his substance. Joe’s work ethic, his manner and respect for the jerseys he has worn, the people he works amongst and the fans who love the game, is admirable. We wish him all the best in France and thank him for the outstanding service he has given to Auckland Rugby and the Blues.”

First selected for the All Blacks in 2003, Rokocoko had a sensational debut season, scoring 17 tries in 12 Tests, a world record for a calendar year. He has now played 68 Tests and has scored 46 tries, three behind All Blacks record-holder Doug Howlett. He has played 90 games for the Blues since 2003 and has scored 40 tries.

Wednesday, 18 May 2011

Carter Signs Four Year All Black Deal

Dan Carter

All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter has signed a four-year contract to stay in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Rugby Union had been desperately trying to keep Carter in the country and admitted they were 'flexible' with the player who had been courted by a number of overseas clubs.

The 29-year-old is set to remain with the Crusaders, as well as the All Blacks, until the 2015 World Cup with the contract including an option allowing him a sabbatical.

This could mean Carter playing overseas in the off season or taking a break from the game.

Carter, in the company of NZRU chief executive, Steve Tew, and All Blacks assistant coach, Steve Hansen, confirmed his four-year commitment at a press conference in Christchurch.

He said: 'It's been a pretty tough decision, one which I've been chewing over for probably the last months, and I'm really relieved and really excited about re-signing with New Zealand - it's a pretty special moment.

'I guess the underlining factor is the black jersey. It means a lot to me and the more I thought about potentially playing overseas and not being able to represent my country and wear that black jersey was pretty challenging.'

Carter, the most capped All Blacks first five-eighths with 79 tests, said the 2015 World Cup was a temptation.

'It's the reason for signing such a long contract, but it's not what's driving me. Obviously we've got a big year ahead, but to know I've got that security of four years to another World Cup is good, although a lot can happen along the way.'