Rugby: Jonah can't break up winning combination

By Chris Rattue

Jonah Lomu on the bench. Andrew Blowers in the starting line-up.

They were the predictable changes to the All Black side named last night for Saturday's opening Tri-Nations test against South Africa at Carisbrook in Dunedin.

The one other alteration to the side who trounced France at Athletic Park is the inclusion of lock Royce Willis on the bench in place of Ian Jones, although that move had been signalled already with the two players being swapped between the All Blacks and New Zealand A.

It will be Blowers' second start in seven tests - his first came against Ireland in Dublin two years ago - after he was forced out of this year's opening international against Manu Samoa with an ankle injury and reappeared via the reserves' bench in the final quarter against France.

Blowers was clearly the All Black selectors' first-choice blindside flanker this year after his fine form with the Hurricanes, and he will offer slightly more speed than Dylan Mika as New Zealand attempt to take advantage of what must be rated superior outside backs to the Springboks.

So what of THAT other change? Lomu, back in the test 22 in place of midfield back Pita Alatini, but not as far to the forefront as many demand.

There are two parts to the equation. Lomu's own form, and that of the players in front of him. What coach John Hart and company will certainly be loath to do is break up what is shaping as a potent combination of fullback and wings.

The familiar charges of Lomu may be tempting, but on the evidence of New Zealand A's win over France and even Counties Manukau's match against King Country last week, he struggles to take a pro-active part in matches if the ball is not delivered on a plate. (His form for New Zealand A against the Brumbies remains a mystery because of a lack of television coverage.)

In contrast, Jeff Wilson, Christian Cullen and Tana Umaga already look as though they belong together, covering each other in defence, producing high work-rates, and combining superbly in attack.

The try against France, when fullback Wilson swerved down the left-hand touchline and passed infield to a perfectly timed run by right wing Cullen, was exceptional, even against a side who looked a plateload of croissants short of a picnic.

New Zealand have often relied on exceptional combinations between their wings and fullback, all understanding and covering any weaknesses and knowing precisely what lines each runs in attack.

Lomu's role on Saturday will, according to Hart, depend largely on how the game is going.

"Jonah is making progress and starting to produce a bit more form but we've got some really in-form wingers at the moment," Hart said. "If the players out there are doing the job then it is less likely you are going to bring a player off the bench."

Meanwhile, Hart said the likely Springbok halfback combination of Dave von Hoesslin and Gaffie du Toit could offer the All Blacks an area of advantage.

"There's a lack of experience there but it will come down to how the tight five and the forwards go and if they have an advantage there they are very good players and that lack of experience won't matter," he said.

The Springbok management said they would still name their side tomorrow.

All Blacks: Jeff Wilson (v-capt), Christian Cullen, Tana Umaga, Alama Ieremia, Daryl Gibson, Andrew Mehrtens, Justin Marshall, Taine Randell (capt), Josh Kronfeld, Andrew Blowers, Norm Maxwell, Robin Brooke, Kees Meeuws, Carl Hoeft, Anton Oliver.

Reserves: Jonah Lomu, Tony Brown, Byron Kelleher, Dylan Mika, Greg Feek, Royce Willis, Mark Hammett.