All Blacks make huge changes to squad before facing Springboks - Rugby News
The head coach of New Zealand, Graham Henry, has took a bold step toward their up coming match of Tri-nations Cup 2011 and has decided to rest nine front line players to face the Springboks on August 20. Graham Henry told the media on August 12 that nine
players including their skipper Richie McCaw will not travel to South Africa for their third clash of Tri-Nations.
The All Blacks have won their early two games against the Boks and Wallabies and are still hopeful that the absence of key player will not make any difference against the Springboks. The step has been taken to keep key men from the All Blacks fresh for Rugby
World Cup, starting next month.
Graham Henry made the announcement of his 25-member squad for Springboks’ test and told the media that as many as his nine frontline players will not participate in the match to avoid long travelling. The coach further said that the absence of senior campaigners
will definitely provide an opportunity to the youngsters to show some character on the field. Keven Mealamu will lead the side in the non-attendance of Richie McCaw.
Among the nine players dropped from the All Blacks side the list includes, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Mils Muliaina Conrad Smith Richie McCaw, Daniel Carter, and Kieran Read. Supporting his decision to rest these players Henry said that, “Some players who
have travelled a lot are not going. Some players who haven't played a lot are playing, so we're trying to give players an opportunity.
The coach further said that, “We'll be going into the biggest tournament these guys are ever likely to play in, and they want the opportunity of playing in it and playing in it well. So there are selection issues and also there are a number of players who've
come off injuries and need to play. It's a big ask but he needs that opportunity, he's a great young player and if he's going to have a chance of getting into the World Cup”
All Blacks have got just two games to make some experiments for Rugby World Cup 2011.
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