Laurie Mains says the All Blacks need another kicking option to help Daniel Carter. Photo / AP
Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains says the All Blacks should resist from making wholesale changes for the second Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies on Saturday, but he does want a change at second five-eighths.
Mains is lamenting the loss of Aaron Mauger overseas and says the
All Blacks do not have a back up kicking option to Dan Carter.
He says there needs to be another kicking option at second five for the test in Auckland but other major changes are not necessary.
Mains says the All Blacks were out-thought and tactically beaten at the weekend but the team is good enough to turn it around.
The All Blacks hold an open training session in West Auckland late this afternoon, with halfback Piri Weepu and hooker Hikawera Elliot joining the squad as cover for injury.
Both halfbacks from Saturday's defeat are under injury clouds, with Andy Ellis (ribs) and Jimmy Cowan (knee and broken nose) identified as doubtful starters by assistant coach Steve Hansen.
If one of them is ruled out, it will bring the out-of-favour Weepu back into contention from New Zealand Maori duty, with Brendon Leonard (knee) still sidelined.
Hooker Andrew Hore has a bruised hip although his condition was not originally thought to be too serious.
There are few replacement contenders with Corey Flynn injured and Tom Willis overseas, and All Blacks management have turned to Elliot for cover.
Auckland halfback Taniela Moa is also due to train with the squad tomorrow.
- NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA
