McCaw just a bracket in ABs team
Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:38
Testing times: Richie McCaw is ready to face his All Black ghosts
Celebrated All Blacks captain Richie McCaw on Tuesday took another step closer to an early return from injury, but at this stage he is only bracketed at openside flank for the Tri-Nations/Bledisloe Cup double header against Australia in Sydney on Saturday.
McCaw, who returned to training this week after struggling with an ankle injury suffered in the second Test against England on June 21, has been bracketed with Daniel Braid in the No.7 jersey.
A decision on McCaw's availability will be made later in the week, with no specific day given by coach Graham Henry - who must decide if he wants to risk the 62-Test veteran two weeks ahead of his scheduled recovery date.
McCaw trained well with the team on Monday and Tuesday, but there is lingering doubt about his ankle standing up to the rigours of a Bledisloe Cup encounter.
In all, there are five changes to the starting team that lost 28-30 to South Africa in Dunedin 10 days ago.
Brad Thorn returns from suspension, to replace Anthony Boric, and is reunited with Ali Williams at lock. Williams has seemingly made a full recovery after coming off second best in a collision with Bok flank Schalk Burger in Dunedin, which saw him leave the field after just 29 minutes.
Prop Greg Somerville takes over at tighthead from John Afoa.
At outside centre, Richard Kahui will start ahead of Conrad Smith, who has been named on the bench, while Anthony Tuitavake replaces Rudi Wulf on the right-wing.
With Smith dropping down to the bench, experienced fullback Leon MacDonald is out of the matchday 22 altogether, while Andy Ellis has retained his place at scrumhalf - despite speculation that Jimmy Cowan was up for promotion.
Henry explained that the unforced changes were done with Australia's powerful backline in mind.
"All of the players involved have performed well when given a chance, and we think this combination gives us the best chance to win this week," Henry said.
The All Blacks will take only 24 players to Australia - with a flank (either Daniel Braid or Adam Thomson) and wing Rudi Wulf to travel with the 22-man match squad.
Flyhalf Dan Carter is set to play his 50th Test in Sydney.
New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Anthony Tuitavake, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Daniel Braid/Richie McCaw, 6 Rodney So'oialo, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 John Afoa, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Sione Lauaki, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Conrad Smith.
Date: Saturday, July 26
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 20.05 (10.05 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert
Touch judges: Mark Lawrence, James
Bolabiu
Television match official: Shaun Veldsman
