KEY POINTS:
The twin pivot scheme favoured so much by the All Blacks during the troubled last World Cup campaign has been reactivated for the historic Hong Kong test match with the Wallabies.
That concept has seen Stephen Donald promoted to his first start in the No 10 jersey while
its usual occupant Daniel Carter has been shunted out a place to where he began his distinguished test career during the 2003 season.
The switch was no reflection on the form of this season's regular midfielder Ma'a Nonu or the way he had been moved around the Wellington backline in the national championship, according to backline coach Wayne Smith. He claimed it was more a decision to combat the threat of a probable Wallaby midfield axis of Matt Giteau and Berrick Barnes.
While that alteration will be one of the major discussion points about Saturday's test, there is a reward debut for Hosea Gear, the form left wing this season, although he is named on the right flank for his international baptism. His selection is payoff the outstanding form which the staff want to capitalise on this weekend.
There is an oddity in the reserves, with departing prop Greg Somerville called on again because neither John Afoa nor Ben Franks are fit enough. Afoa wrenched his knee in the pre-tour hit-out and Franks has carried a back strain for some weeks, though both are reported to be close to a full recovery.
The team, except fullback Mils Muliaina who stayed behind to help wife Hayley welcome baby Max into the world, trained yesterday in humid afternoon conditions after their early morning arrival in Hong Kong. Muliaina told coach Graham Henry he expected to link up with the squad today.
Donald's promotion comes after six efforts from the bench, including the last quarter of the Brisbane victory which clinched the Bledisloe Cup and persuaded the panel he should start this test.
"He has done well for us, he is a wee bit unconventional but very effective and Brisbane changed the picture slightly, it gave him confidence and us too," said Smith.
He admitted the coaching staff had taken their time nurturing the 24-year-old Donald into the international arena. Donald was a quick learner, physical, a strong goalkicker, had sped up his unconventional punting style and was a strong defender on the inside channels.
"I like the difference he brings, the way he hits the line," Smith said about his five-eighths who has fully recovered from his rib injury.
In announcing the team, Henry was quick to mention the ANZ bank sponsorship to underline the main reason for playing this test outside the domain of either team.
While his side had their hit-out last week a number were still short of match-practice and he felt the dual five-eighths system would help any sort of rustiness. It also gave the side two kickers though he did not see the alteration as a long-term option.
Henry accepted there would be plenty of discussion about taking this test offshore, theories about revenue, brand over-exposure and player burnout, while there was also the knowledge that the Bledisloe Cup had been sorted for this season.
"We discussed that and any test against Australia is a big occasion. I imagine the guys want to play well," he said. "We will only know that after this game."
This tour (five tests and a midweek game against Munster) was about building depth in the team.
The Australian team will be named tomorrow.
All Blacks
Mils Muliaina, Hosea Gear, Conrad Smith, Dan Carter, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Greg Somerville, Anthony Boric, Adam Thompson, Piri Weepu, Ma'a Nonu, Isaia Toeava.