New Zealand stick with successful Tri Nations squad for Test with South Africa

[travelling_gerry]

New Zealand stick with successful Tri Nations squad for Test with South Africa

By staff writers
August 10, 2010 New Zealand have seen no need to tinker with a winning formula after naming their squad to face South Africa in their Tri Nations Test on August 21.
The 26-man squad only features players who have turned out for the All Blacks already this season, with coach Graham Henry deciding to stick with his proven performers.

Four players have been added to the squad that defeated Australia 20-10 in Christchurch on Saturday.

Israel Dagg, John Afoa, Anthony Boric and Rene Ranger will make the trip to the Republic while a decision on the injured Jimmy Cowan will be made on Thursday.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...-32464,00.html

[travelling_gerry]

Six All Blacks released from squad to South Africa
MARC HINTON
August 10, 2010 - 12:57PM

Starting role . . . Jimmy Cowan.

Injury cloud . . . Jimmy Cowan. Photo: Getty Images

Six All Blacks have been released for provincial action this weekend, while Liam Messam and Richard Kahui are the unlucky squad members to miss the trip to Johannesburg for next weekend's test against the Springboks.

The 26-strong squad was announced today and as well as the omission of the Waikato duo it was confirmed that halfback Jimmy Cowan, who is battling a rib cartilage injury, will have to pass a fitness test on Thursday.

If Cowan isn't up to the trip, Wellington's Alby Mathewson, who at the weekend became a new dad and a new test cap, will go in his place.

Messam's omission is to be expected, with the Mooloo loose forward unlikely to be required for for duty in the republic, while Kahui is still coming back to full fitness after a shoulder injury.

The 26–man All Blacks squad flies to South Africa on Saturday and will clinch the Tri Nations title with a bonus point or better in the historic test to be played in Soweto's World Cup football final venue.

The match at the newly named National Stadium has already been sold out with over 89,000 fans to pack the venue as the Springboks search for their first win of the Tri Nations.

Meanwhile Tasman prop Ben Franks and Hawke's Bay fullback Israel Dagg have both been made available for the Thursday night clash in Blenheim.

Hooker Corey Flynn and lock Sam Whitelock have been released for Canterbury's Friday night match in Christchurch against North Harbour who will have Anthony Boric available for a second consecutive week.

And on Sunday Messam will be part of Waikato's home match against Taranaki.

All the released All Blacks are released subject to being required by their provinces.

The travelling squad is:

Forwards: John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, Victor Vito, Sam Whitelock and Tony Woodcock.

Backs: Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan/Alby Mathewson, Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Mils Muliaina, Ma'a Nonu, Rene Ranger, Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Benson Stanley and Piri Weepu.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/un...810-11v5r.html