Henry not holding back
Wednesday 19th September 2007
Graham Henry has named a near full strength side for New Zealand's Pool C game against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.
Doug Howlett returns on the wing, and he will be looking to become the outright holder of the All Black try-scoring record. Currently tied on 46 with Cristian Cullen he knows one more score will take him clear at the top.
Having returned from injury against Portugal Conrad Smith retains his place in the side, and will be joined in the centre by Luke McAlister, who is preferred over Aaron Mauger who doesn't even make the bench.
With Mils Muliaina ruled out with the hamstring injury he sustained against Portugal Leon MacDonald will start at full back, with Dan Carter and Byron Kelleher restored as the half-back pairing.
There is a welcome return for Reuben Thorne in the second row, and he comes in for Chris Jack, who drops to the bench. Ali Williams will start his third game on the bounce after Keith Robinson failed to prove his fitness.
Jerry Collins takes a well-earned rest after starting both games so far, and Chris Masoe switches from his usual open side berth to fill Collins' jersey. A minor leg injury rules Keven Mealamu out, so Anton Oliver starts at hooker and Andrew Hore takes his place on the bench.
Scrum specialist Mike Cron revealed the All Black scrum will be at its best for the knock-out stages of the World Cup, and now Richie McCaw has admitted they are working hard on it for the game with Scotland.
McCaw has admitted the scrum is still a concern, despite having arguably the best prop in the world, Carl Hayman.
"Things have not been bad so far, but we've worked on physical things and worked on the scrum," McCaw told Stuff.co.nz.
"The scrum we were not too happy with, so we decided to put a bit of time into that."
"I think this week we have to take a step up. Scotland is going to be a tougher challenge and everyone must have a bit more of an edge."
"This week feels like you're in a bigger Test match. From this week on, it is five weeks of big matches."
New Zealand: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Byron Kelleher, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw ©, 6 Chris Masoe, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Reuben Thorne, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Anton Oliver, 1 Tony Woodcock. Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Chris Jack, 19 Sione Lauaki, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Nick Evans, 22 Isaia Toeava.
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