Brad a Thorn in Irish side
Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:14
Big bad Brad: Crusaders lock Brad Thorn back in the All Black fold
Brad Thorn, the most influential forward throughout the Super 14, will make his return to Rugby Union's Test arena when New Zealand take on Ireland in Wellington on Saturday.
The return of Thorn to the All Black starting XV and the debut of Anthony Tuitavake on the wing are the big talking points of a Graham Henry team that also features three uncapped players on the bench.
Blues lock Anthony Boric, Chiefs flyhalf Stephen Donald and Highlanders flank Adam Thomson could all make their debuts off the bench.
Thorn's last appearance for the All Blacks was in the 2003 World Cup. After failing to make Henry's side in 2004 he switched codes for a second stint in Rugby League - playing for the Brisbane Broncos, where he won another National Rugby League (NRL) Premiership title in 2006. He has also represented Queensland in a State of Origin match and Australia's national Rugby League.
After a blinding return rugby season with the Crusaders, he has regained the All Blacks selectors' favour.
Henry, although naming a largely revamped side - which features only six of the team who lost last year's World Cup quarterfinal to France - still insisted he has enough "tried and trusted" player to cope with a dangerous Irish outfit.
The changes have been partly prompted by the defection of 10 World Cup players to play European rugby.
"We've gone for established combinations where possible," said Henry.
"But we've also had to factor in a few injuries and are mindful that several players were involved in the Super 14 Final at the weekend.
"The challenge is to work in our new players and new game plan," he added.
"We expect Ireland to be well-prepared, experienced and perhaps with some new confidence as well after Munster's success in the European championship."
For the All Blacks, prop Tony Woodcock, scrumhalf Brendon Leonard and midfield back Richard Kahui were not considered for selection due to injury.
The naming of Rodney So'oialo in the unaccustomed position of blindside flank and Jerome Kaino at No.8 are also intriguing selections.
The Hurricanes' Andrew Hore has won the starting No.2 jersey over the Blues' Keven Mealamu.
Apart from Thorn there are also recalls in the starting 15 for prop John Afoa, centre Nonu and Kaino.
All Blacks: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Anthony Tuitavake, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Rodney So'oialo, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 John Afoa, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Neemia Tialata.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 John Schwalger, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Leon MacDonald.
Date: Saturday, June 7
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.35
(07.35 GMT)
Referee: Chris White (England)
Touch judges: Nigel Owens (Wales), Matt Goddard (Australia)
TMO: Christophe Berdos (France)
