Graham Henry names All Blacks squad for World Cup opener against Tonga - Rugby News
Graham Henry has listed the All Blacks crew for the inaugural game of the Rugby World Cup 2011 against Tonga, which is scheduled to be played on September 9 in Auckland. Henry has made nine changes in the starting line up of New Zealand from their last outgoing
against Australia on August 27.
The coach has made a few notable shuffles in his centre and back bunches to give Sonny Bill Williams a starting role. Sonny Bill Williams was given no role the first time in his rugby union career against the Wallabies during Tri-Nations decider.
Sonny, along with Israel Dagg, Richard Kahui, Jimmy Cowan and Isaia Toeava has been included in the team at the expense of some experienced players. Conrad Smith, Mils Muliaina, Piri Weepu, Zac Guildford and Cory Jane have been axed from the first match
as they failed to make an impression during the Tri-Cup final.
The replacement players have been provided a great opportunity by the selectors as the All Blacks assistant coach, Wayne Smith, informed reporters a day before that they will not be sticking with the old rotation policy in RWC.
Talking to the journalists about the huge changes, Graham Henry said that, “We don't know what's going to happen later in the tournament, and who's going to be standing and who's not, so we've got to give players an opportunity to play and to force their
abilities on the selectors.”
The head coach further said that, “Those players selected have now been given the opportunity, which is exciting, and they will all look to make the most of their chance.”
All Blacks will start their Rugby World Cup battle with following players:
NEW ZEALAND: 1. Tony Woodcock, 2. Andrew h**e 3. Owen Franks, 4. Brad Thorn, 5. Ali Williams, 6. Jerome Kaino, 7. Richie McCaw (captain) 8. Victor Vito, 9. Jimmy Cowan, 10. Dan Carter, 11. Isaia Toeava, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 13. Ma’a Nonu, 14. Richard
Kahui, 15. Israel Dagg.
Replacements: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Anthony Boric, Sam Whitelock, Piri Weepu, Colin Slade, Cory Jane
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