Probables pack to face true test

1.00pm

The selectors will not be the only people probing for weaknesses in the Probables forward pack throughout tonight's All Blacks rugby trial here.

The Possibles have pinpointed the forward battle as one they can win, potentially leading to a major upset of a team earmarked -- with a couple of exceptions -- to be the All Blacks 15 to face England in Dunedin next week.

"I feel they're pretty even packs," said Possibles lock and captain Jono Gibbes.

"They've probably got the experience in some positions but we do in others. Both packs both realise that it's up front where the tyres will hit the road."

Gibbes, who said he had come to grips with playing lock this year after many seasons at blindside flanker, was surprised how quickly his players had gelled over their six days of preparation together.

"It's a new experience for most of us... I thought there might have been a few walls to overcome -- Chiefs and Blues and that sort of stuff -- but everyone's got a common purpose of trying to get their name ahead of the other guy."

All Blacks and Probables coach Graham Henry names his 26-man squad to face England tomorrow morning. He admitted a Possibles win would give he and his fellow selectors a long, troublesome night tonight.

Possibles co-coach Colin Cooper said Henry had made it clear he wanted a focus from both teams on the scrum, lineout and tight exchanges, with most of his selection puzzles to be resolved up front.

Cooper was impressed with how experienced former All Blacks such as hooker Keven Mealamu, props Carl Hayman and Kees Meeuws, lock Simon Maling and No 8 Xavier Rush had taken a prominent role during the buildup.

"We've got a pack that can really take it to the Probables team," Hurricanes coach Cooper said.

"It's a huge challenge but particularly with the experience of the pack here, there's plenty of motivation to perform.

"The players have seen where we are in the ranking, being in the Possibles, so everyone knows that they need each other to push for a place in the All Black team, which is the ultimate goal."

Probables and All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, aware of the motivation of his opponents tonight, disputed a suggestion that the result of the match had little relevance.

"I think the result is very relevant for all the players. It's a chance to become an All Black," he said.

"We're not taking anything lightly, we're preparing like all our dreams depend on it, because in the end it could."

Henry said the selectors were watching for players to grab the moment. There was no point regretting a lack of effort the following day.

"But we are a fair way down the track and should be. There have been 13 weeks of trial (Super 12) and this is the 14th week," he said.

"There's probably about four to five grey areas that we need to clarify."

Meanwhile, Possibles co-coach Ian Foster said winger Sitiveni Sivivatu was disappointed to hear the bid to hasten his All Blacks eligibility had been rejected by the International Rugby Board. The Fijian flyer must wait until December 11 to serve out a three-year residency period.

"He wants to be an All Black and that's been taken away from him," said Foster, also Sivivatu's Super 12 coach with the Chiefs.

"I guess he just has a challenge now to nail the next six months, get better and push his claims early next year.

"He's coping well. The good thing about Siti is that he'll just do whatever's in front of him."

Henry said Sivivatu remained one of several young players in the trial who were regarded as more of an investment in the future.

Kick-off is at 7.35pm.

Teams:

Probables: Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Tana Umaga (captain), Daniel Carter, Joe Rokocoko, Carlos Spencer, Justin Marshall, Mose Tuiali'i, Marty Holah, Jerry Collins/Reuben Thorne, Keith Robinson, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Deacon Manu. Reserves: Hosea Gear, Andrew Mehrtens, Luke McAlister, Jimmy Cowan, Angus MacDonald, Tony Woodcock, Derren Witcombe.

Possibles: Nick Evans, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Ben Atiga, Sam Tuitupou, Caleb Ralph, Aaron Mauger, Byron Kelleher, Xavier Rush, Josh Blackie, Craig Newby, Simon Maling, Jono Gibbes (captain), Carl Hayman, Keven Mealamu, Kees Meeuws. Reserves: Brent Ward, Tane Tuipulotu, Isaac Boss, Sione Lauaki, Ali Williams, Carl Hoeft, Corey Flynn.

Referee: Paddy O'Brien

- NZPA