Richie McCaw out of Bledisloe Cup opener
July 23, 2008 - 11:09am
Story by: ARU
Despite heavy speculation that All Blacks captain Richie McCaw was set to make a dramatic return from injury to the New Zealand starting XV for the Bledisloe Cup Test against the Qantas Wallabies in Sydney this Saturday night, the NZRU has today confirmed that McCaw will take no part in the big clash.
After reports yesterday that McCaw would make a dramatic return from an ankle injury, well ahead of schedule, for the Bledisloe Cup opener the statement from the NZRU has put an end to that speculation. McCaw suffered the injury in the second Test against England on June 21 in Christchurch, and has not played since. But he made an unexpectedly early return to training this week.
McCaw’s withdrawal matches the Qantas Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock, who is also unavailable for Sydney due to suffering concussion against the Springboks in Perth.
“The injured Richie McCaw has not recovered sufficiently from a high ankle sprain to take his place in the Test side this week” said the statement from the NZRU.
In McCaw’s place Daniel Braid will start for the All Blacks. The Hurricane’s Rodney So’oialo will continue to captain the side in McCaw’s absence.
McCaw had been bracketed with Blues flanker Braid for the match when the All Blacks announced their team yesterday, Braid himself making a dramatic return to the All Blacks ranks after last playing a Test in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Braid will now join stand-in captain So'oialo on the flanks with the Blues Jerome Kaino retaining his spot at No 8.
In other All Blacks team news Highlanders flanker Adam Thomson, who was responsible for a high personal penalty count against South Africa, was the casualty from the Dunedin defeat, dropping right out of the match 22 for the Sydney clash that kicks off at 8.05pm.
The other changes in the pack are largely expected, with Brad Thorn back after his one-game suspension to join a fit-again Ali Williams in the second row and veteran tighthead prop Greg Somerville resuming in the No 3 jersey after making way for John Afoa in Dunedin. Both Anthony Boric and Afoa drop to the reserves.
In the backs Henry has sprung some surprises. He has gone for exciting young Chiefs outside centre Richard Kahui ahead of the more experienced Conrad Smith, given Anthony Tuitavake the chance on the right wing ahead of Rudi Wulf and also retained Andy Ellis at halfback, despite mounting support for Jimmy Cowan to be given a chance.
Kahui's selection will probably raise the most eyebrows. He had a sensational Test debut against England in Christchurch, but the All Blacks coaches have been keen to bed in the established midfield combination of Smith and Ma'a Nonu at inside since.
But the more powerful Kahui got the nod to go head-to-head against Wallaby danger man Mortlock, but he now will find himself facing up against the Western Force’s Ryan Cross, after the Wallaby skipper failed to recover from a head knock he received in the win in Perth over the Springboks.
Tuitavake probably deserves his chance, despite Wulf having a solid last Test outing in Dunedin, while Mils Muliaina retains the fullback jersey despite suggestions Leon MacDonald might get a chance this week. The unlucky MacDonald finds himself out of the 22 entirely.
There's also another chance for out-of-sorts wing Sitiveni Sivivatu who will need an improved showing this week.
"All of the players involved have performed well when given a chance, and we think this combination gives us the best chance to win this week," said Henry.
The All Blacks will travel to Sydney with 24 players; Thomson and Wulf join the match-day 22.
ALL BLACKS Team to play the Qantas Wallabies this Saturday July 26th at ANZ Stadium Sydney. Kick off at 8.05pm.
15 Mils Muliaina (Chiefs), 14 Anthony Tuitavake (Blues), 13 Richard Kahui (Chiefs), 12 Ma'a Nonu (Hurricanes), 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu (Chiefs), 10 Daniel Carter (Crusaders), 9 Andy Ellis (Crusaders); 8 Jerome Kaino (Blues), 7 Daniel Braid (Blues), 6 Rodney So'oialo (Hurricanes) (c), 5 Ali Williams (Crusaders), 4 Brad Thorn (Crusaders), 3 Greg Somerville (Crusaders), 2 Andrew Hore (Hurricanes), 1 Tony Woodcock (Blues). Reserves: 16 Keven Mealamu (Blues), 17 John Afoa (Blues), 18 Anthony Boric (Blues), 19 Sione Lauaki (Chiefs), 20 Jimmy Cowan (Highlanders), 21 Stephen Donald (Chiefs), 22 Conrad Smith (Hurricanes).
Some Bledisloe Cup tickets for next Saturday night are still available, so don't miss out on the biggest match of the year – Robbie Deans’ Wallabies, fresh from their magnificent victory over the World Champion Springboks, taking on the All Blacks.
To get your tickets call Ticketek on 132 849 or visit www.ticketek.com.au.
