Fizzing backline promises fireworks

All Blacks backline coach Wayne Smith bore a satisfied grin and a warning for Ireland after his new-look lineup's closed training session yesterday.

"It's a dangerous backline and they've developed a really good rapport," Smith said.

"They look sharp - the challenge is that far out from a game to hold that fizz, not play your game on the Wednesday.

"If we can go out with the fizz and sharpness that we've shown over the last 10 days there could be some fireworks."

A completely new starting XV they may be, but they have trained together for two weeks and aren't notably weaker - other than the absence of the prince of pivots, Daniel Carter.

Tomorrow's test against an experienced Ireland team at Lansdowne Rd, jam-packed with 49,000 fans, throws up any number of motivations for the men in black.

As a team the benchmark has been set with the 41-3 hammering of Wales a week ago, and the new men are charged with keeping the standard set high.

Players like Sione Lauaki, Mose Tuiali'i, Nick Evans and Ma'a Nonu haven't worn many black jerseys of late and have a great stage on which to match their better-performed team-mates in the same numbered jersey.

There are debutants John Afoa and Jason Eaton who might normally have the nothing-to-lose philosophy, but now have the added pressure applied by the standout debuts of Neemia Tialata and Chris Masoe in Cardiff.

Coach Graham Henry said this week he was prepared to lose this test to raise the depth for the World Cup - but losing doesn't seem to figure in this team's vocabulary.

"I'm certain a lot of boys will really raise their standards this week," Smith said. "A win is something we're after, but just as importantly we're after top-notch performances from a lot of players."

One is almost the forgotten man of New Zealand rugby, winger Sitiveni Sivivatu, who left many reaching for their thesaurus with his deeds in Super 12, All Blacks trial and Lions series. His injury worries, indifferent form and rebirth of form by his cousin Joe Rokocoko have seen him virtually idle since the Lions series in July.

"He had a great Lions series so everyone knows how good he can be. He works very hard, I've been impressed with how methodical he is," Smith said.

"Deep down inside he wants a big one. He's aware of the pressure that the other performances have created and I'm sure he wants a great game."

Sivivatu will oppose young Ulster wing Tommy Bowe, 21, playing just his fourth test.

Bowe is one of just four single-figure test players in the Ireland side who otherwise have nine Lions, a seasoned tight-five and polished inside back combination of Peter Stringer and Ronan O'Gara.

Passion and a baying home crowd, close by the touchlines, will take the hosts a long way but the All Blacks have the extra physicality, skill level and individual brilliance.

The volatile autumn weather could also have a say, with Lansdowne Rd recognised as a tricky venue for visiting teams.

Rain and wind can lash into the exposed ground, and new first five-eighth and goalkicker Nick Evans is allowed just one kicking session on the ground to adjust.

"It's quite an exposed field and a difficult place to play. It's patriotic, people are close and you're exposed to the elements," Smith said.

"We've had to change our gameplan before, the Lions first test was an example of that. We'll wait and see what the conditions are like."

Smith said the reserves bench split of five forwards and two backs - Jimmy Cowan and the versatile Mils Muliaina, best fitted the situation.

He said they wanted to show faith in players they'd picked, put them to the test, and not go to their bench too soon if the team wavered.

- NZPA