All Black boost for ANZ Cup
Sun, 27 Jan 2008 16:09
This is in stark contrast to last year, when the All Blacks missed the first seven weeks of the Super 14 season because of coach Graham Henry's much maligned World Cup reconditioning programme and were also withdrawn from the Air New Zealand Cup as part of their World Cup preparation.
Following New Zealand's unexpected early (quarter-final) exit from the World Cup, Henry's plan to withdraw the players from the major competitions has come under fire.
This rejection of the plan was heightened by speculation surrounding the schedule for New Zealand's year-end tour - which is now likely to include games against all four Home Unions - England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland - giving the All Blacks a chance of winning another 'Grand Slam'.
At the weekend the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) confirmed that All Black players will be available for their provinces for the Air New Zealand Cup.
It has been welcomed by provincial officials and spectators around the country, but more so by those in Wellington and Christchurch - the two regions most affected by last year's 'All Black absence'.
Wellington Rugby Union (WRU) Chief Executive Greg Peters welcomed the fact his star players would be in action during this year's competition.
"This is fantastic news for our supporters and will make a huge difference to our chances of winning the Air New Zealand Cup, after two successive silver medals," Peters told The Dominion Post newspaper.
"Nine of our players represented the All Blacks during 2007, and we have several others knocking on Graham Henry's door, so to have all of these available for the Wellington Lions gives us great strength in depth.
"I'm sure that this is one selection issue that our new head coach, Jamie Joseph, won't mind dealing with!"
