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In the African language of Sesotho, Bloemfontein means "place of
Cheetahs" and the All Blacks have responded in kind with the naming
of their team to face South Africa.
There are two changes for Sunday morning's Tri Nations test, with
speedsters Joe Rokocoko and Brendon Leonard introduced to the
backline.
Despite sound performances in the 22-16 defeat of Australia in
Auckland, winger Cory Jane and halfback Jimmy Cowan make way
respectively.
Jane drops to the reserve bench while Cowan misses the 22
completely because of Piri Weepu's "super sub" status.
The All Blacks selectors have clearly taken a hard-surface
mentality, suggesting a more expansive approach than the kick-fest
that unfolded at Eden Park.
Another chance for Joe
It is another chance for Rokocoko, whose form in both the Super
14 and the June tests against France and Italy could best be
described as erratic.
His kicking and kick receipts are deemed inferior to Jane's, which
is why he made way last week, but the 55-test Aucklander is a
proven performer overseas and coach Graham Henry will be banking on
a revved-up performance on the right wing.
His combination with fullback Mils Muliaina and Sitiveni Sivivatu
is a proven one, with that trio used three times in Europe during
last year's tour.
Their combined test caps of 162 is an All Blacks test record for a
back three, moving ahead of the 156 shared by Muliaina, Rokocoko
and Doug Howlett against Australia at Auckland two years ago.
Leonard will make just his second appearance since the World Cup,
having played in last month's defeat of Italy in
Christchurch.
Henry indicated last week that the lively Waikato No 9 may get a
run on the harder surface, which best suits his sniping
style.
The All Blacks backline and forward pack are both marginally less
experienced than their Springboks counterparts.
The visitors' test experience measures a healthy 565 caps but is
trumped by 617 for the hosts.
There are no changes to the pack, where flanker Richie McCaw
(quad), lock Isaac Ross (knee) and hooker Keven Mealamu (calf) are
untroubled by niggles that have affected them early this
week.
Captain McCaw and No 8 Rodney So'oialo should be better for their
hitouts against Australia following two-month injury-enforced
breaks.
Benched again
Mealamu, Weepu and loose forward Kieran Read find themselves
benched again despite superb showings last week.
Assistant coach Wayne Smith said late impact was a crucial element
but suggested it may not be long before the likes of Mealamu and
Weepu get a starting crack.
"They may not be career bench players and I am sure the opportunity
will come," Smith SAID.
"You need 22 players and that is the fact of the matter. I don't
think we would have won that game (against Australia) if we didn't
have fresh players that were up to the speed of the game really
quickly and came on and made a difference.
"You need those players like that with the ability to do that. They
are like gold."
The nature of last week's win had given the team an extra spring,
having fought back from 10-0 down.
Smith hoped it would them in good stead if the Springboks get an
early jump at Vodacom Park.
"It's something we have worked on. All of last year it was a real
focus for us - mentally being able to come back from situations. It
only takes 20 seconds to score a try," he said.
"There were other games as well last year when we were down. Maybe
we should start better. It is certainly a source of pride that that
spirit is there and that togetherness was there when the
pressure went on."
The All Blacks were to undergo their first decent training run
since arriving on Wednesday night (NZ time).
The full team is:
1.
Tony Woodcock
2.
Andrew Hore
3.
Neemia Tialata
4.
Brad Thorn
5.
Isaac Ross
6.
Jerome Kaino
7.
Richie McCaw - captain
8.
Rodney Sooialo
9.
Brendon Leonard
10.
Stephen Donald
11.
Sitiveni Sivivatu
12.
Maa Nonu
13.
Conrad Smith
14.
Josevata Rokocoko
15.
Mils Muliaina
Reserves:
16.
Keven Mealamu
17.
Owen Franks
18.
Jason Eaton
19.
Kieran Read
20.
Piri Weepu
21.
Luke McAlister
22.
Cory Jane
