So'oialo leads, as McCaw sits out
Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:13
In: Rodney Sooialo; Out: Richie McCaw
Rodney So'oialo will captain the All Blacks in the absence of Richie McCaw when they face a depleted Samoan side in a one-off Test in New Plymouth on Wednesday.
So'oialo, who captained New Zealand to a 19-8 win over arch-rival South Africa in the Tri-Nations opener in Wellington in July, lead the side in his 50th Test match for the All Blacks.
The hastily arranged international is a dry run for New Zealand ahead of their Tri-Nations decider, against Australia in Brisbane on SAeptember 13.
However, four players with injuries were not considered for selection for Wednesday's hit-out.
They are McCaw, still struggling to overcome the rib injury he suffered in the win over South Africa in Cape Town last month, backline star Sitiveni Sivivatu (ankle), lock Brad Thorn (hamstring) and prop John Afoa (shoulder).
Canterbury's Ben Franks has joined the All Blacks squad in New Plymouth to provide additional cover at prop.
All Black coach Graham Henry made it clear the encounter with Samoa is important, despite the visitors being severely depleyed because European clubs woulkd not release their players foir this non-sanctioned Test.
"It's important for us to play before the final Tri-Nations Test," Henry said.
"We need to play together as a team before we go to Australia so we're pleased to have the opportunity to play Samoa and to bring the All Blacks to Taranaki."
Despite the absences, the All Blacks will still field an imposing line-up with the front row of Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore and Tony Woodcock sure to dominate the scrum.
The Blues' Anthony Boric will partner Ali Williams in the second row, while Jerome Kaino and Adam Thomson will join So'oialo in the back row.
Jimmy Cowan and Dan Carter will resume their newly-formed halfback combination and will have in-form Hurricanes-duo Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu supporting in midfield.
The All Blacks will have speed to burn out wide with Richard Kahui and Anthony Tuitavake on the wings and the experienced Mils Muliaina at fullback.
New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Richard Kahui, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Anthony Tuitavake, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Rodney So'oialo (captain), 7 Adam Thomson, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Willliams, 4 Anthony Boric, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Sione Lauaki, 19 Piri Weepu, 20 Stephen Donald, 21 Isaia Toeava, 22 Rudi Wulf.
Date: Wednesday, September 3
Venue: Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Touch judges: James Leckie (Australia), Paul Marks (Australia)
TMO: TBC (Australia)
