If any further proof of the flight of New Zealand rugby players was needed, it is provided by the flood of international rugby this weekend. In the five test matches being played in Europe, only one will not have a New Zealand player involved.
Leaving aside the All Blacks v Italyclash, only Ireland v South Africa does not have a New Zealand influence. Scotland v Japan, France v Australia and England v Canada are all Kiwi-coloured.
Scotland still have in their overall squad loose forward Cameron Mather and former Northland halfback Sam Pinder - although neither will be in the test match 22. Lock Adam Parker, a former Cantabrian, is playing for Japan this season and France have re-selected Tony Marsh, the former Counties player and think so highly of him that they have dropped French player of the year, Yannick Jauzion. Australian hooker Jeremy Paul was born in New Zealand even if he has never been tempted to play for his homeland.
And Another Paul, Henry, turns out for England against Canada after winning a place in the backline ahead of the highly respected Will Greenwood.
