Streetwise selectors ahead of the game

I wouldn't worry too much about what many people see as a weak build-up for the All Blacks for the first test against the Lions.

Some fans have just realised that we're having an All Black trial without many All Blacks in it; that some All Blacks are playing for the Maori, that others are being rested. If you've only just focused on this, it could look a bit messy, I suppose. Some are getting a bit jumpy that the All Blacks will be undercooked when they run out for the first test.

Let's be clear - it will be a difficult assignment for the All Blacks to change their style and way of thinking from Super 12 and from a warm-up test against Fiji. But we have a pretty streetwise set of selectors and coaches. That is why they'll select an experienced team who can switch from Super 12 and trials rugby into test rugby and grind out a victory at that level.

We'll have Tana Umaga, Justin Marshall and, if he's fit, Anton Oliver. That's three All Black captains right there. Add Richie McCaw, four All Black captains. If Reuben Thorne is involved, that'll be five All Black captains. That's a pretty experienced mob. These guys know how to come together as a test team and do the business.

Also, I have to say that Super 12 is not quite the dead loss for test match rugby that many say it is. I played in the first two years of Super 12 when it was in transition. Today's brand of Super 12 is much harder and physical, believe me.

But no matter what they do in the build-up, the All Blacks are in a bit of a no-win situation, if you know what I mean. If they are given a close game by Fiji, they'll be criticised for not being ready enough. If they win by 50 or 60 points, they'll be criticised for a romp which will not be much preparation for a test against the Lions. As I say, they can't win.

What you also have to remember is that the current All Blacks move into test rugby from a much busier and tougher level of rugby than in the old amateur era. When I started playing test rugby, you might have had a few pre-season games, some club games and the odd provincial match - of far less intensity than the Super 12 - before the first test arrived.

I think you can see which is the better build-up. Graham Henry and his team are getting ready the best way they know how and we must also remember that they took over the reins saying that many players had too much rugby, not too little.

From my earlier comments, you'll have worked out that I think Marshall should play. Justin's a feisty character. We haven't hired him to be public speaker, nor the best PR man, but he's the test halfback. There's daylight between him and the next contender.

I think it rankled deep within, being left behind last year. I know what he means with the reference to having to hand back the keys to the Ford after being dropped.

I can remember when I was dropped. I got a call, stimulated by the geniuses at the Kremlin (NZRU headquarters in Wellington), telling me to take the car to training that night and hand over the keys to Con Barrell, who was replacing me. I told them to go away. Only I didn't say go away.

All I can say is that there seems to be a wound between Marshall and Henry. If Marshall isn't selected for the first test, I'd say the wound runs deeper than we thought.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY