Muliaina calls for ELV alert
Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:05
All Black fullback Mils Muliaina feels his side will need to be on full alert during this Saturday's Tri-Nations clash against the Boks as the evolving law variations make the game that much more unpredictable.
The 62 Test veteran confessed to how the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) instigated the late Springbok try in Dunedin, which consequently made for many a sore Kiwi heart.
"In Dunedin we thought perhaps we'd won it, but Ricky [Janurie] came out and scored that winning try," Muliaina told rugby365.com on Monday.
"With the ELVs there's different structures from the set piece, it's about trying to keep the ball alive as best you can.
"There's going to be big pressure this weekend to be on our toes from the first whistle to the last. We've got to really try and control the game," he added.
An area where the All Blacks certainly excelled at against the Wallabies two weeks ago was their line-out, though Muliaina knows it's an area that will be equally contested on African soils.
"We also have to be more aware in the set phases, especially at the line-out."
"Structurally we also like to play from our line-outs but the Boks are really good in that department, so we have to be aware of how we defend it.
"And of course with the ELVs the technicality of the kicking game varies a lot - we're just have to be on our toes," he added.
The All Black No.15 knows all to well what an important part technical kicking plays in the fullback position, as he venerated the skills and capabilities of his opposite numbers.
"I've played a few games against Conrad [Jantjes]. He likes attacking the ball and his tactical kicking is pretty good."
"There's obviously a bit of competition between Percy [Montgomery] and himself, but they're both quality players. I grew up watching Percy and I'd feel privileged to play against him.
"I've swapped a couple of jerseys with him [Montgomery] and I think he's an awesome person and a great footballer. To reach 100 Tests is a massive achievement - he's been around awhile and still playing some top class footy," he added.
Muliaina admitted however that the All Blacks were mainly focusing on muscling out a victory at Newlands, as the Tri-Nations now moves into the business end of the tournament.
"Historically it's been very hard to win over here [in South Africa]. It's [the Tri-Nations] pretty tough at the moment and it's going to be pretty close, so with matches like these it's a win that counts at the end of the day.
"Now's another chance to step up like we did against Australia and put in another good performance.
"We can't afford to go backwards again - we've got a week now to prepare as best we can and hopefully try and emulate what we did in Auckland," Muliaina added.
By Nick Pawson
