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9 September 2008
All Blacks Announce Team to Play Australia
All Blacks coach Graham Henry and his assistant coaches Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen have announced the team to play Australia in Brisbane on Saturday September 13 at Suncorp Stadium:
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Andrew Hore
3. Greg Somerville
4. Brad Thorn
5. Ali Willliams
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Richie McCaw (c)
8. Rodney So’oialo
9. Jimmy Cowan
10. Dan Carter
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Richard Kahui
15. Mils Muliaina
Reserves:
16. Keven Mealamu
17. John Afoa/ Neemia Tialata
18. Anthony Boric
19. Adam Thomson
20. Piri Weepu
21. Stephen Donald
22. Isaia Toeava
The starting XV is unchanged from the All Blacks last two Philips Tri Nations Tests.
“It’s a very competitive Philips Tri Nations series this year,” said All Blacks coach Graham Henry. “Every match has been more important than the one before it and this Test decides the Championship. So we’re trying to make sure we get our preparation exactly right.
“Australia’s last result was out-of-character and we expect a real battle,” added Henry.
A decision on the team’s reserve prop will be made on Friday as John Afoa’s recovery from a sore shoulder is monitored.
61 years between Grand SlamsWas the wait worth it - Ya betta baby
NZ say 13 is their lucky number: Mortlock's not wearing it
Greg Growden | September 10, 2008
With the Wallabies planning to field their fourth centre combination for the season, the All Blacks believe they might be able to expose the Stirling Mortlock-Ryan Cross midfield pairing in Saturday night's Tri Nations decider.
The Kiwis did not give away too many clues yesterday when announcing their team, but the demeanour of their coaches brightened appreciably when the Australian centre pairing was mentioned.
When All Blacks coach Graham Henry was asked if the Mortlock-Cross combination could be exploited, he replied: "I hope so."
NZ say 13 is their lucky number: Mortlock's not wearing it - rugbyheaven.com.au
61 years between Grand SlamsWas the wait worth it - Ya betta baby
hmm...
i dont rate cowan. at all. i think he is hopeless! but then, i dont rate grandpa cords either.
muliaina is in form at the moment, but their DISGUUUUSTING number 14 who nearly killed an english fullback is a centre, so not too sure bout him. so'oialo has only played 6 so far in this competition i think... who is their blindside flanker now?? i dont know him.
looks like a strong team.
A kick in this game is like a rather nasty alcoholic shooter, only as good as it's chaser...
Courtesy of quality South African commentry
You're a good laugh Robyn
PS. It IS a strong team.
A kick in this game is like a rather nasty alcoholic shooter, only as good as it's chaser...
Courtesy of quality South African commentry