All Blacks could go with no back-ups on tour
New Zealand All Blacks coach Graham Henry has announced that the is thinking about not bringing back-up hookers and scrum-halfs on the teams upcoming tour in November.
Henry has stated the squad still has a number of decisions to make before the Rugby World Cup, taking place in New Zealand in 2011. The choice not to bring back-up hookers and scrum-halfs is so that he is able to bring more players in other positions, who
he would like to see in Test play. With a 30 team limit and so many decisions still up in the air the New Zealand coach is trying to learn as much as he can before the World Cup.
Henry explained his reasoning, stating. “It’s just there’s so many players that we think need an opportunity, taking three hookers and three halfbacks will decrease that possibility. John Afoa can play hooker, that could come into the equation. Maybe there’s
another back in the squad who can play halfback in a pinch.”
One of the most interesting positions heading into the November tour and the match against Australia in October is fly-half. Starter Dan Carter was forced out of the final Tri Nations match with an injury to his foot, leaving Aaron Cruden to fill the void.
Henry has stated that he would like to bring both Cruden and Colin Slade along in November to back-up Carter, who he hopes will be fit in time.
Henry spoke about Carter’s injury, saying. “We’re hoping that he’ll play a game before we go away. The ankle’s good but it still needs a wee bit more manipulation. It’s a wee bit stiff. He’s very pleased with where it’s at.”
The All Blacks are also said to be testing out Daniel Braid on the flank in place of Richie McCaw and Andrew h**e and Sitiveni Sivivatu on the wings in place of Alby Mathewson and Corey Flynn.
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