All Blacks take on Fiji in Dunedin - Rugby Match Preview
All Blacks are all set to meet Fiji in their season opener test in Dunedin on July 22. Both squad are going head to head in a test match after a several years as their previous clash was held on 2005, in Auckland. The sides are prepared for a memorable performance
in the ideal atmosphere of Carisbrook Stadium.
The situation has become very interesting after Fiji coach Domino declared his side quite capable of defeating the World Number 1, All Blacks. The coach of the Pacific Nation team warned the Al Blacks not to take them lightly as the Wallabies had done it
one week before against Samoa and paid the price.
Meanwhile, history favours the All Blacks, despite the large claims of the Flying Fijians. The All Blacks had won all their previous five matches played between the two nations since 1987 with a huge margin every time. Both sides met last in 2005, in Auckland
and New Zealand defeated the Fijians by monstrous total of 91-0. Likewise, the All Blacks thumped the Pacific Nation’s side, by 68-18 in 2002, 71-5 in 1997 and 74-13 in 1987. The facts and figures of the previous five meetings depict the misery of the Fijians
as they have always conceded a defeat with more than a 50 point difference.
The All Blacks, who are the Number One side of the International Rugby Board rankings, have rested some of their key players for the upcoming Tri-Nations Cup, starting from this Saturday. The head coach of the All Blacks, Graham Henry has given six players
a break from the fundraiser test against Fiji, including their versatile player Sonny Bill Williams. The other players being given a break are Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Andy Ellis and Keven Mealamu who will watch the game from the benches. Graham
Henry has defended his decision to rest these players and said some need time to recover after the lengthy season of Super Rugby.
Richie McCaw will lead the All Blacks while Deacon Manu commands the Fijian team. The All Blacks have got real depth on both ends despite the absence of six top players. However, they will depend on their skipper Richie McCaw, Colin Slade and Liam Messam
to repeat their splendid history against Fiji. The Kiwi squad will also be expecting a late surge from Dan Carter, who will start the game as a reserve player. The Pacific Nation’s side will be hoping for extraordinary efforts from Seremaia Baikeinuku, Nemia
Serelevu and off course from their captain Deacon Manu to lead from the front.
All Blacks are the hot favourites for this particular match and should win the clash with a comprehensive margin. However, they need to be careful on the tackles as the brutal style of Fijian players on the defence could harm them with serious causalities.
Stuart Dickenson from Australia will supervise the match.
Both the side will enter the ground with these players:
All Blacks: 15-Mils Muliaina, 14-Zac Guildford, 13-Conrad Smith, 12-Ma'a Nonu, 11-Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10-Colin Slade, 9-Jimmy Cowan; 8-Liam Messam, 7-Richie McCaw (c), 6-Adam Thomson, 5-Ali Williams, 4-Jarrad Hoeata, 3-Ben Franks, 2-Andrew
h**e, 1-Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: 16-Corey Flynn, 17-John Afoa, 18-Sam Whitelock, 19-Jerome Kaino, 20-Piri Weepu, 21-Daniel Carter, 22-Ben Smith
Fiji: 15-Iliesa Keresoni, 14-Timoci Nagusa 13-Albert Vulivuli, 12-Ravai Fatiaki, 11-Napolioni Nalaga, 10-Seremaia Bai, 9-Nemia Serelevu, 8-Sakiusa Matadigo, 7-Akapusi Qera, 6-Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5-Rupeni Nasiga, 4-Sekonaia Kalou, 3-Deacon
Manu (c), 2-Sunia Koto, 1-Campese Ma'afu.
Reserves : 16-Viliame Veikoso, 17-Setefano Somoca, 18-Josefa Domolailai, 19-Malakai Ravulo, 20-Vitori Buatava, 21-Taniela Rawaqa, 22-Vereniki Goneva.
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