All Blacks on guard against Fiji
Source: Agencies |
July 21, 2011, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
CAUTIONED by the surprise defeat Australia suffered to Samoa last weekend, New Zealand will be taking nothing for granted when it takes on Fiji in the All Blacks' first test of the season on Friday.
New Zealand coach Graham Henry yesterday named a team for the match which is short of full strength but still strong enough to suggest a respectful appraisal of the challenge posed by the fast and physical Fijians.
After a Super 15 season disrupted by injury, Richie McCaw will captain the All Blacks in his 95th test, sharing the record as New Zealand's most-capped player with Mils Muliaina who will start his 95th international at fullback.
Star flyhalf Dan Carter will start on the bench, allowing Colin Slade - in only his second test and his first starting appearance - to press his claims to be Carter's understudy at the World Cup.
Fiji slumped from No. 10 to its lowest-ever world ranking of No. 14 during this month's Pacific Nations Cup in which it finished third behind Japan and Tonga. It will still bring to Dunedin's Carisbrook stadium, a team made up of solid, overseas-based professionals.
New Zealand coach Graham Henry yesterday named a team for the match which is short of full strength but still strong enough to suggest a respectful appraisal of the challenge posed by the fast and physical Fijians.
After a Super 15 season disrupted by injury, Richie McCaw will captain the All Blacks in his 95th test, sharing the record as New Zealand's most-capped player with Mils Muliaina who will start his 95th international at fullback.
Star flyhalf Dan Carter will start on the bench, allowing Colin Slade - in only his second test and his first starting appearance - to press his claims to be Carter's understudy at the World Cup.
Fiji slumped from No. 10 to its lowest-ever world ranking of No. 14 during this month's Pacific Nations Cup in which it finished third behind Japan and Tonga. It will still bring to Dunedin's Carisbrook stadium, a team made up of solid, overseas-based professionals.
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