Umaga not surprised at changes in both teams

Two reshuffled backlines will contest the second All Blacks-Lions rugby test at Westpac Stadium here on Saturday, something that comes as no surprise to New Zealand captain Tana Umaga.

The veteran centre was relieved to be talking about rugby yesterday after enduring three days in the spotlight for his role in the incident that injured Lions opposite Brian O'Driscoll in Saturday's first test at Christchurch.

Umaga delivered his views on the incident briefly yesterday before interviews were steered towards the second test -- a match the Lions must win if they are to avoid defeat in the series following Saturdays' 3-21 first test loss.

Five of the Lions' seven personnel changes have come in the forwards but their backline boasts a radically different look, with only halfback Dwayne Peel starting in the same position as the back seven shut out at Jade Stadium. The new backs are a pair of gamebreaking Welshmen -- second five-eighth Gavin Henson and winger Shane Williams.

Umaga said the All Blacks would quickly adjust their planning for the new mix and believed half a week's preparation for the tourists wouldn't be a problem as that was often the standard lead-in time for a test.

While some read the wholesale changes as desperation from Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward, they came as no surprise to Umaga and his men.

"They're probably the only side in the world that can make such changes and still have the faith in their abilities and not lose anything," Umaga said.

"They're not calling in guys who haven't played international rugby before so this is nothing new to them.

"Every team would like to have that ability to change."

The Lions have replaced O'Driscoll at centre and as captain with Welsh veteran Gareth Thomas, who started at wing in Christchurch and moved to fullback.

"I believe he's a very good player," Umaga said.

"I can't recall if I've actually played him before. But I remember talking to him after the Welsh game last year. He's a very funny man."

The All Blacks have surprised with three changes of their own, all in the backline.

Veteran halfback Justin Marshall -- one of those to miss out along with Leon MacDonald and winger Doug Howlett -- yesterday voiced disapproval at his demotion to the reserve bench.

Umaga didn't think the All Blacks would be weakened by the introduction of fullback Mils Mulaina, winger Rico Gear and halfback Byron Kelleher.

" Going on form from Super 12, these guys who have come in were the form performers in their sides and have done the All Blacks proud before."

The All Blacks skipper said a dream scenario would be to wrap up the series on his home ground on Saturday.

However, that wouldn't come as easily as it did in Christchurch, he added.

"We all know that once someone's backed into a corner and there's no other way but to come out fighting, that's when they're at their best," Umaga said.

"We're not taking anything for granted. We're actually ready for a bigger test this week because everyone's against them."

Umaga said he had a role this week to ensure his players didn't let the comfortable win at Christchurch result in a drop-off in standards.

It shouldn't be a problem as the All Blacks environment was the "tightest" he had been involved with, he said.

"If we can keep growing that, who knows what can happen," he said.

- NZPA