Mealamu in, not like Flynn

Corey Flynn has been sidelined by a hamstring injury. File picture / Dean Purcell

LONDON - Corey Flynn lost his futile battle with a hamstring injury here today, opening the door for Keven Mealamu to wear the All Blacks rugby hooker's jersey in tomorrow's match against the Barbarians here.

Flynn, 22, was always an unlikely prospect to play after straining the muscle on Tuesday and some laps of the Twickenham when the team arrived here today for a light walk confirmed it.

Another late change saw Tana Umaga replaced on the reserve bench by Joe Rokocoko. Usual captain Umaga had suffered some discomfort with a pulled quad muscle during the week and although it was not considered serious, there were fitter resources available in cover.

Coach Graham Henry said it was a body-blow for Flynn, who has struggled with a variety of ailments over the last two years.

"He was desperate to play after just getting the last 15 minutes against Italy on this tour," Henry said.

"He's only a young guy, the opportunities will come."

Henry issued one last warning about the danger of the Australian-dominated Barbarians team.

"There are a lot of guys there with international experience so nobody is taking this lightly," he said.

"That's been addressed, the guys have been focused all week. Our guys have made progress on and off the field on this tour and this will be a measure of that."

British newspapers today broke a near-drought on stories previewing the game although coverage focused on the loss in status of the Barbarians concept.

The Independent's theme was that tomorrow's match between an under-strength New Zealand and a mix of tired players from the Southern Hemisphere carried none of the appeal of yesteryear.

Next to Hewett's column was an interview with captain of the victorious Barbarians of 1973, accompanied by an old photograph of the team and an update on what all the players are doing with their lives now.

It is a big afternoon for New Zealanders Justin Marshall and Xavier Rush, who played prominent roles at halfback and No 8 for the All Blacks earlier this year.

They are both making their Barbarians debuts after long careers in the professional game and will have points to prove to Henry.

All Blacks lock Ali Williams expected the banter between the pair and their old teammates during the game would only extend as far as "fishing and the weather".

Williams said mental strength would be important and that no All Blacks had been carried away with the 45-6 defeat of France a week earlier.

"Our feet are still on the ground," he said.

"There was a lot of emotion and passion with that game but we want to stay in the present.

"Last week was a step but you know what rugby's like. You can take one step one week and go back three the next week."

The All Blacks have played 38 tests since their last non-test, the win over Scotland A at Perth more than three years ago.

The All Blacks' return bus trip between their Pennyhill Park base in Surrey and Twickenham today for their pre-match ground inspection provided a less-favourable historical footnote.

The last time the All Blacks made such a journey was for the infamous 1999 World Cup semifinal loss to France.

Kick off is at 4am (NZ time).

Teams: Barbarians: Mat Rogers (Australia), Chris Latham (Australia), Lote Tuqiri (Australia), Matt Giteau (Australia), Sireli Bobo (Fiji), Matt Giteau (Australia), Justin Marshall (captain, New Zealand), Xavier Rush (New Zealand), Phil Waugh (Australia), Schalk Burger (South Africa), Albert Van Den Bergh (South Africa), Dan Vickerman (Australia), Faan Rautenbach (South Africa), Brendan Cannon (South Africa), Bill Young (Australia). Reserves: Aisea Tuilevu (Fiji), Gcobani Bobo (South Africa), Werner Greef (South Africa), AJ Venter (South Africa), Radike Samo (Australia), Andrea Lo Cicero (Italy), Gary Botha (South Africa).

All Blacks: Mils Muliaina, Rico Gear, Casey Laulala, Ma'a Nonu, Doug Howlett, Aaron Mauger (captain), Jimmy Cowan, Steven Bates, Marty Holah, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Reuben Thorne, Greg Somerville, Keven Mealamu, Saimone Taumoepeau. Reserves: Joe Rokocoko, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu, Mose Tuiali'i, Chris Jack, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver.

Referee: Andy Turner (South Africa).

- NZPA