KEY POINTS:
There are probably two ways the All Blacks can handle the test against Samoa in 10 days' time.
They could start with a host of fringe guys like John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Adam Thomson and Stephen Donald to give them more exposure to test rugby. Or they could
preserve the momentum and continuity building since Eden Park and play the team they expect to field against Australia in Brisbane.
My preference would be for the latter. The Samoa test was put in place purely because it was felt the month break between Cape Town and the Brisbane test was too long.
Players who haven't played much recently have been released to their provinces this weekend and next - although not the big guns like Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ali Williams, Mils Muliaina and Tony Woodcock.
These are the guys, then, that really need to play against Samoa otherwise they will head into that test against Australia with a shortage of football.
There is a compromise. I'd like to see the top team start the test and introduce the likes of Boric, Afoa, Thomson and Donald at half-time.
I am a traditionalist when it comes to preservation of the jersey. I hate to see players running on for caps in the closing minutes as nothing devalues the jersey more than that.
But I would be happy enough to see these fringe guys get a half against Samoa. I do feel, however, that if the selectors are going to use the game as an extended training hit-out and an opportunity to clear their bench, that it shouldn't be given test status.
In our day, we would call these All Black games rather than tests. Still, regardless of the status and who starts, it would be good to see the All Blacks retain the methodical, controlled approach of their last two tests. They need to put the Samoans to the sword.
Probably the most pleasing thing about the game against South Africa was the big zero. Not conceding any points was a magnificent effort, taking guts, big defence and belligerence.
That's what will be needed to win in Brisbane and that mentality should be taken to Taranaki against Samoa.
The other thing I like is the more aggressive aerial policy where our jumpers challenge at the lineout.
That's really pleasing and it seems as if the players have changed their mindset. It's as if they have suddenly realised they can disrupt opposition ball and how effective that can be.
It is hard not to wonder why they didn't realise that sooner but at least now a lot of boxes are being ticked.
