By WYNNE GRAY
Lineouts are the domain of Norm Maxwell.
He makes the calls and has been one of the All Blacks' main ball-winners since his elevation to test rugby two years ago.
Getting him to reveal much about his job description and area of expertise is as easy as getting a ticket for tonight's test at Eden Park between the All Blacks and the Springboks.
It is a no-go zone.
"Oh mate, you can't give anyone too much of an insight into what is happening there because you can give away a lot of secrets there," he said.
But the lanky 25-year-old conceded that lineouts have become far more complicated in the last few seasons.
Teams have chosen to compete more in lineouts rather than just wait and defend, and the numbers in the lineout and late switches make it as much a guessing game as lineouts were in the days of biff and barge.
"They are always evolving, always changing and this year it seems to be a little harder to get your own ball because teams are challenging more," said Maxwell.
"In the past it has been all right trying to manipulate two defending jumpers. Now it can be three so there is far more pressure.
"It was not until this year that teams capitalised on using their hooker and halfback in the line and thought about it that way.
"Then it can be really hard to find a spot to throw it to. You have to work really hard on your timing."
Maxwell started his All Black test journey with Robin Brooke as his locking mate. Then there was Royce Willis, Todd Blackadder, Troy Flavell. Canterbury teammate Chris Jack is his partner tonight.
In his early days with Canterbury and the Crusaders, Maxwell sometimes partnered Jack's elder brother, Graham, in the tight five while junior Jack has been used as a sub for Maxwell in recent times.
With the new arrangement for Troy Flavell on the flank tonight, Jack and Maxwell are paired in the second row: tall men, athletic, the sort of combination selectors are looking for at the highest level.
Men with size, skill and tough attitudes. Maxwell has a fair slab of experience but Jack is having his first test start.
They are part of a tight five who have had the acid put on them all season and come up with fluctuating results.
They will face no bigger grilling than that from the Boks - men who love confrontation and expect the same from the All Blacks - if not the Wallabies.
"I would say that is a fair statement. They have size, they are a physical breed and love getting into it," Maxwell said of the Boks. "They like taking the direct route and taking you on."
Maxwell said the All Blacks were still trying to find a balance between a physical and technical style of play so they could deal with most teams' game-plans.
The pressure to deal with South Africa had grown since the defeat at Carisbrook a fortnight ago and then the drawn match between Australia and the Springboks at Perth. The media focus had grown, the public demands had increased.
"It has upped the ante all round," said Maxwell. "We try and get away from all that, though it is understandable after a loss.
"The mental pressure is there but we always say it is important to be your own boss, be your own man and put pressure on yourself to perform."
All Blacks 2001 test schedule/scoreboard
All Blacks/Maori squads for 2001
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from Sport
A-Leagues football star arrested, charged with sexual assault
Central Coast Mariners have since released a statement.