All Blacks given ultimatum for tour opener

All Black lock Tom Donnelly was rewarded for his strong debut in Wellington last month. Photo / Getty Images

TOKYO - The All Blacks rugby players have received the selectors' message loud and clear for their spring tour - perform or you're benched.

Halfback Jimmy Cowan revealed the players had received an ultimatum from Graham Henry's coaching team as they brace for the Wallabies on Saturday.

The likes of one-test lock Tom Donnelly, under pressure from the returning Anthony Boric, was rewarded for his debut in the 33-6 hiding of the Wallabies but was aware he needed to back it up.

"This is the real test. I wouldn't say it's easy coming into your first test and playing well, but this is where it counts in your second test where all eyes will be watching," Cowan said.

"The message from the coaches is this tour in general is a selection tour. You either get a cross beside your name or a tick. The onus is on individuals now to perform. I wish these guys well, it's all in front of them."

The side for game one of their six-match tour rewarded good performance, with Henry making just three changes from their most comprehensive showing of the season in Wellington last month.

Two were predictable, with centre Conrad Smith (hamstring) and winger Sitiveni Sivivatu (groin) returning from injury.

No 8 Rodney So'oialo's recall was the main talking point, although Henry said incumbent Kieran Read's lack of recent matchplay counted against him.

Henry said Donnelly, who will call the lineouts again on Saturday, also needed to prove his consistency.

"He had a good performance, but I guess Tom's challenge is to be up every time he plays because he's certainly got the ability to play when his head's right."

Likewise, blindside flanker Adam Thomson held off Jerome Kaino's challenge while tighthead prop Neemia Tialata's improved fitness was rewarded after he'd seemingly lost his spot to youngster Owen Franks mid-season.

Henry said Thomson's leap to starting No 6 was the most satisfying for the coaching trio.

"He's probably the most improved player in New Zealand first class rugby; he's developed immensely over the last 18 months.

"He and Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read are competing and that brings out the best in people, so hopefully Jerome will go a couple of steps up the ladder as well.

Casting an eye to their opponents, Henry said he was surprised at the benching of 105-test veteran loose forward George Smith for the combative David Pocock/Rocky Elsom/Wycliff Palu trio.

New attack coach Steve Hansen rated the Australian backline highly, with wingers Peter Hynes and Digby Ioane returning, Ryan Cross recalled at centre and Adam Ashley-Cooper moving to fullback at the expense of young utility James O'Connor.

Hansen expected this would signal a daring gameplan and willing counter-attack from the Wallabies, looking to avoid seven consecutive defeats to the All Blacks.

"They've brought a little bit of the same but they've added a bit of punch. The guys on the wing are both big strong players and the change at centre makes them a bit stronger at fullback," Hansen said.

"It's probably the best backline they've picked over the series."

All Blacks
Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitivenu Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Adam Thomson, Tom Donnelly, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Jason Eaton, Kieran Read, Brendon Leonard, Stephen Donald, Tamati Ellison.

Wallabies
Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Ryan Cross, Berrick Barnes, Digby Ioane, Matt Giteau, Will Genia; Wycliff Palu, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom (captain), Mark Chisholm, James Horwill, Ben Alexander, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson.

Reserves: Stephen Moore, Matt Dunning, Dean Mumm, George Smith, Luke Burgess, Drew Mitchell, James O'Connor.

- NZPA