Howlett ready to play fullback [+pictures]

Doug Howlett

SUN CITY - Long-time wing Doug Howlett will play fullback for the All Blacks this weekend in a revamped back division which should bring even more devastating attacks for the Springboks to counter.

Halfback Jimmy Cowan and hooker Andrew Hore will begin their first internationals this season in a match which will also double as Cowan's first test start after eight appearances from the bench.

Tighthead prop Carl Hayman has been passed fit after being concussed in the final Bledisloe Cup test, Aaron Mauger too after his groin strain, with the only doubt concerning senior lock Chris Jack who missed the initial training because of a virus.

Coach Graham Henry has made 11 changes from the side which began the Pretoria test with skipper Richie McCaw the only forward backing up alongside Daniel Carter, Mils Muliaina and Sitiveni Sivivatu.

The decision to use Howlett at fullback and keep Muliaina at centre has ended, for now, the selectors' project to promote youngster Isaia Toeava.

If the Springboks were struggling to cope with the pace of the All Blacks' counter-offensive at Pretoria they will be wondering what might hit them in Rustenburg if Cowan can get his backline under way.

Howlett and Fijian cousins Joe Rokocoko and Sitiveni Sivivatu offer roasting speed from the back while Muliaina will also bring some sizzle from centre.

All but one of Howlett's 54 caps have been on the wing but he did play much of the 2003 season for the Blues at fullback when the side had to accommodate Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Rico Gear and Rokocoko.

Later that year Howlett played his solitary test at fullback against England and this season he has played for his Marist club in that position.

"I like it. It's a little more position-orientated than the wing but it is something I enjoy and something I think I am good at," Howlett said.

There was a great deal of excitement about the potential in the All Black backline which had more distributors with the return of Mauger and pace throughout the line.

"The forwards are doing a great job at the moment, really sapping their defences so the holes are opening for us out wide," Howlett said.

The backs were always striving to play the perfect game, looking for the next big thing and that might occur at Rustenburg. A week's preparation was plenty of time to be able to make the switch and Howlett said the work he had put into his kicking game in the past few years made him confident.

The Springboks were going through a tough time with five straight losses but they had outstanding individuals who could create some havoc if the team around them gelled.

Finding setpiece combinations was a priority for Hore after making his last test start against Argentina in Hamilton in 2004.

"It's been a long time, I have been on the bench for a long time," Hore said of his impending 12th test.

There has been genuine admiration throughout the squad for the way Hore has backed up behind Keven Mealamu and Anton Oliver and a feeling his selection was deserved through patience and skill.

Hore and his forwards would be looking to alter some of the lineout defects from Pretoria where he felt some of the calls were misjudged.

Another challenge would be lasting the game at altitude as it was noticeably hard breathing at training this week. He had last played a game for Taranaki against Auckland when a lack of possession meant he got plenty of defensive practice and made 26 tackles.

McCaw and Luke McAlister sat out the bulk of yesterday's session as their recovery continued from the bruising 45-26 win at Loftus Versfeld.

All Blacks:

Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Mils Muliaina, Aaron Mauger, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerry Collins, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Carl Hayman, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves:

Anton Oliver, Neemia Tialata, Jason Eaton, Marty Holah, Byron Kelleher, Luke McAlister, Rico Gear.