All Blacks use security guards ahead of Bledisloe Cup game against Wallabies
By Iain Payten and Jon Geddes
August 18, 2009 New Zealand used five security guards to patrol a locked-down training session on Monday as All Black paranoia over spying reached bizarre new heights.
New Zealand's first training session ahead of Saturday's second Bledisloe Cup clash resembled an episode of Spooks as guards with walkie-talkies combed the North Sydney Oval stands for spies or hidden cameras and later tried to move onlookers off a public street.
Australian media were also asked to leave the All Blacks' training after the team warmed up, but New Zealand media were allowed to stay.
The extraordinary Bledisloe spy-games showed the Kiwis haven't calmed down after allegations of Wallabies' espionage last year in Brisbane, where assistant coach Steve Hansen accused Australia of obtaining footage of training.
Hansen complained that a Channel Seven camera crew taped a private All Blacks session and gave a copy to the Wallabies.
Australia angrily dismissed the slur but it was clear the All Blacks remained agitated about covert Wallabies' surveillance.
The guards were heard to remind each other to "check the roofs" and swiftly kicked out two punters from a northern stand.
After Aussie media were evicted, two local journalists were even warned off watching on through an open north gate at Rydge St.
When it was pointed out they were standing on a public street, the guard replied: "I understand that, but this is a private session."
The secrecy was in stark contrast to the Wallabies' training sessions, where members of the public are frequently invited to watch.
No amount of cloak and daggers could hide the fact the All Blacks were certain to name fly half Dan Carter in their side on Tuesday.
Carter ran at No.10 on Monday, and fullback Mils Muliaina said the focus of the secret session was "making sure he's up to speed with what we are doing".
Wallabies rival Matt Giteau is expecting the star All Black to be back to his best.
"He is a pretty special individual, I think. From all reports in his comeback games he has played pretty well," Giteau said.
"That's how I'd be preparing for the game - looking at it that he is in his best form and he is playing his best rugby."
Giteau believes the All Blacks will attempt to move the ball wide, which perhaps gives the defensively solid Ryan Cross a leg-up for Stirling Mortlock's vacant No.13.
Adam Ashley-Cooper is the other candidate, with James O'Connor to play fullback. Rocky Elsom is expected to return at No.6.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...-32464,00.html
