KEY POINTS:
The test in Hong Kong illustrated a few things about this All Black team and the state of test rugby.
For a start, Isaea Toeava's form is maybe consistent enough to warrant a genuine place in any real test match. Which position he should play is still to
be resolved but maybe midfield could be his best spot.
Stephen Donald struggled with the pace and precision required at this level. Scotland may be easier and hopefully his confidence and accuracy will grow as New Zealand are too thin in this position to discard him for the moment.
Neemia Tialata still needs work at tighthead prop, as the scrum wasn't as dominant as it has been in recent times. Sure, the Aussies have improved in this area but All Black standards have been set and in Hong Kong they fell short.
The different sets of experimental law variations for different hemispheres, different continents and even different timezones within continents are a complete disgrace and make rugby look pathetic to the rest of the sporting world.
If the International Rugby Board is serious about spreading the gospel to new markets then they need to get their act together.
I expected changes for Scotland but not this many. Predictably, coach Graham Henry has been rubbished by many for making so many changes and, after the Rugby World Cup failure, the media and the public have little tolerance for wholesale rotation from week to week. But I suspect Henry and Co. analysed the home nations and picked Scotland to be the weakest, hence they've grabbed this opportunity to play so many inexperienced players. With a touring squad of 35, there are few opportunities to give all a game - so Scotland get this mob.
There were whispers Scotland's coach, Frank Hadden, would leave his best players out against the All Blacks and save them for South Africa the following week. The team he's named looks to be the best available.
The captain and halfback Mike Blair must be good to be nominated as one of the IRB's best five players in the world, beating the likes of All Black captain Richie McCaw.
Scotland's tight forwards look experienced and will have confidence against the young guns. John Afoa, Jamie Mackintosh, Antony Boric, Kieran Reid, Adam Thomson and Liam Messam will all be tested.
The style of this test will be far different from Super 14. At scrums, the techniques will be different with the Scots likely to be higher and closer on the engage than our men are used to. The lineouts will be physical and more dockyard brawl than playground training.
Keven Mealamu's appointment as captain is interesting - his quiet nature not making him a natural for such a role.
The hooker appeared to struggle with leadership at the Blues and hopefully the likes of Ali Williams and Piri Weepu will provide positive assistance. It seems likely Williams will play all the tests on tour, which isn't a bad idea as he thrives on hard play.
It will be interesting to see the type of game Henry and Co. have programmed Messam to play and what he produces. For Waikato and the Chiefs, he has shown a wide range of skills. All Black rugby requires a strict discipline to the team game plan.
Reid will cope well and this may be the start of a long career at test level.
The backline looks exciting but is very raw on experience at this level. Weepu must dictate matters and protect Donald. Leadership is needed from Ma'a Nonu and Toeava, which is weird when you think about it.
If things don't go to plan, expect to see Dan Carter and McCaw introduced very quickly.
The referee, Wayne Barnes, has form - no need for details. Cardiff aside, his last effort involving the All Blacks was as a touch judge against South Africa in Cape Town where he gave the All Blacks a dodgy try. Barnes is English. The English and Scots have never got on - go figure.
The selectors obviously believe this side can beat what is considered an average team. If it struggles, the knives will be out and plans regarding selection and rotation will need to be reviewed. In recent times when the All Blacks have been expected to win well they have struggled.
This could be an interesting week.
