Rugby: Another day of rest in test build-up

By WYNNE GRAY

Forget the Ivan Vodanovich theories - this is the Wayne Smith era.

In preparation for the most pivotal test of their season, the All Blacks were excused training yesterday afternoon.

While Vodanovich was accused of flogging the All Blacks at training during the 1970 tour of South Africa, and other coaches have been questioned about similar gruelling sessions, Smith gave his side the day away from serious practice.

In another twist on the selection rotation ideas of the All Black panel, the squad had a morning skills session and the rest of the day off.

It seemed an unusual decision after they had already reduced their time at their Institute of Rugby base in Palmerston North.

The original plan did not require them to regroup until last Thursday after their Tri-Nations win against the Springboks.

Then that leave pass was extended until Sunday.

Assistant coach Tony Gilbert explained the latest practice cancellation: "We trained on Sunday then twice on Monday and after that much we felt physically we did not need more.

"We had a team meeting to talk more about our plans for this test.

"The team have had some time off from us but they have not been neglecting their physical preparation."

While the Wallabies yesterday named an unchanged starting XV and reserves group for Saturday's test, it would seem that the All Blacks will make a couple of changes from their last selection.

Alama Ieremia should come back at centre, especially after Mark Robinson has been struggling with a sore knee, while Norm Maxwell must also be favoured to start at lock instead of Troy Flavell.

If there are to be other changes, they would be in the front row and loose forwards.

During some extensive scrummaging practice, tighthead prop Greg Somerville got plenty of time with the other test front rowers as Kees Meeuws rested a sore arm.

Another intriguing idea was an occasional revamped loose trio mix.

For some time Taine Randell was used at No 8 instead of Ron Cribb, with Reuben Thorne on the blindside.

That may have been just rotation because certain openside starter Josh Kronfeld was protecting a slight injury, or it could be a pointer to the All Blacks' need to counter the Wallabies' lineout.

Whatever the team, which will be named tonight, the All Blacks will have only a diet of practice today and Friday to hone their combinations.

"We have not run the probable test team together yet." Gilbert said.

"But they will have an intense go for about 70 minutes [today] without having the daylights bashed out of them.

"We have been moving players round again at our sessions, slotting them in and out of the team without any great difficulty."

Wallaby coach Rod Macqueen said his test team was "not a really hard side to name."

Australia: Chris Latham, Stirling Mortlock, Daniel Herbert, Jason Little, Joe Roff, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan, Jim Williams, David Wilson, Mark Connors, John Eales (captain), David Giffin, Fletcher Dyson, Michael Foley, Richard Harry.

Reserves: Ben Tune, Rod Kafer, Sam Cordingley, Toutai Kefu, Matt Cockbain, Jeremy Paul, Glenn Panoho.