NZ prepares for showdown

2008-09-02 12:10

Wellington - New Zealand will attempt to sharpen its game ahead of a Tri-Nations showdown with Australia when it plays an under-strength Samoa in a one-off rugby Test at New Plymouth on Wednesday.

Samoa, missing most of its leading players who are committed to European clubs, is expected to offer little opposition for the All Blacks, but the match will still play an important part in New Zealand's preparation for its Sept. 13 clash with Australia in Brisbane.

The All Blacks have been inactive for the past two weeks while the Springboks and Wallabies have met twice in South Africa.

The importance of the Brisbane match, which will decide both the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup competitions, overshadows Wednesday's encounter, but All Blacks coach Graham Henry said it was an important step to a larger mission.

"It's just too long a gap between games, we'd be underdone," Henry said. "I'd think we'd suffer considerably in our performance if we didn't have the game."

"The game on Wednesday is going to be a challenge for the individual to make sure they are professional and do the job right. It's a matter of them preparing correctly."

Injuries

The All Blacks will be without captain Richie McCaw, lock Brad Thorn and winger Sitiveni Sivivatu, who are all nursing minor injuries, but have otherwise chosen their team for Wednesday from their existing 26-man Tri-Nations squad.

Henry has acknowledged the risk of further injuries but said his players needed a match to sharpen them for the Brisbane Test.

"As long as they get into the rhythm of playing and the physicality of playing, and play some rugby with some high energy and some speed in the game," he said.

"So they get back to the rhythm of clashing bodies and tackles and cleanouts and things like that. Otherwise they'd find it difficult in Brisbane."

Samoa has named a team of virtual unknowns for the one-off Test but Henry dismissed suggestions the match was not worthy of Test status.

"We haven't dug deep into the archives to get information (about Samoa)," he said.

"But we do know they'll play with a huge amount of heart because they always do."

Teams:

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Richard Kahui, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Anthony Tuitavake, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Neemia Tialata, Sione Lauaki, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wulf.

Samoa: Alatasi Tupou, Reupena Levasa, Pale Toelupe, Jerry Meafou, Esera Lauina, Uale Mai, Notise Tauafao, George Stowers, Alafoti Faosiliva, Semo Sititi, Chad Slade, Filipo Levi (captain), Heroshi Tea, Loleni Tafunai, Simon Lemalu.

Reserves: Lafoga Aoelua, Roysiu Tolufale, Maselino Paulino, Simaika Mikaele, Junior Poluleuligaga, Roger Warren, Romi Ropati.

- AP