Rugby: Christian escapes culling

By WYNNE GRAY

An All Black test reprieve is looming for fullback Christian Cullen, but a return may not be quite so rapid for Jonah Lomu.

Cullen's restoration will come against Italy, the team against whom he last started a test. That was in 2000, when the All Blacks finished that year's international schedule in Genoa.

Last year Cullen missed the first six tests as he recuperated from knee surgery. He came off the bench against the Wallabies in Sydney, and then was overlooked by new coach John Mitchell for the end-of-year tour.

That decision drew some acrimonious reaction, but the rancour evaporated last week when Mitchell selected both Cullen and Lomu in the All Blacks squad despite their erratic Super 12 form.

Cullen received a further boost yesterday when his rival at fullback, Leon MacDonald, was one of the four players trimmed from the squad of 26 to prepare for Saturday's opening test against Italy in Hamilton.

Others who missed the initial cut were outside back Tana Umaga, No 8 Scott Robertson, and tighthead prop Greg Somerville.

Mitchell pruned his squad as the All Blacks wound up their successful training camp at Whangamata.

The group will be refined further tomorrow into the test XV and reserves.

"We've been able to put in place the structures that we will use for the season while also establishing a positive team culture," Mitchell said.

MacDonald and Somerville have been given a rest after they played in all but one of the Crusaders' Super 12 matches.

Robertson is recovering from minor surgery on his thumb and Umaga will be taken to Hamilton to continue the rehabilitation on his knee.

MacDonald's breather signifies the selectors' satisfaction about his play and offers Cullen the chance to break back quickly into the big time.

That same pathway is not quite so clear for Lomu, who has to wait to find out whether he or Caleb Ralph will start on the left wing in the weekend test.

After his strenuous and strong Super 12 campaign, Somerville has also been given a rest, a break which will bring prop Kees Meeuws back into action after the Blues failed to make the playoffs.

The coaching staff suggested the quartet who missed the cut for Hamilton could have all played, but it seems they are being prudent about Robertson and Umaga.

That caution will bring a return to test rugby for Taine Randell and Mark Robinson. Former All Black captain Randell was not picked for the end-of-year tour under Mitchell and Robinson has not worn the black jersey since his second test against the Springboks two years ago.

Not so clear is the composition of the rest of the starting XV. The options are widespread, such as the chance to play Aaron Mauger at first or second five-eighths or be on the bench.

The coach will have to balance the needs of the team against giving some rusty players a start and spelling a few more Crusaders after their tough Super 12. That may open the way for Marty Holah to begin on the open flank, Simon Maling to be a lock and Tom Willis to be hooker.

Reuben Thorne will captain the side from blindside flanker.

Squad:

Backs: Christian Cullen, Doug Howlett, Mark Robinson, Caleb Ralph, Jonah Lomu, Daryl Gibson, Aaron Mauger, Andrew Mehrtens, Byron Kelleher, Justin Marshall. Forwards: Taine Randell, Marty Holah, Richard McCaw, Reuben Thorne (capt), Simon Maling, Chris Jack, Norm Maxwell, Kees Meeuws, Mark Hammett, Tom Willis, Dave Hewett, Joe McDonnell.