All Blacks At Full Strength Against Welsh
Graham Henry has once again selected a full strength side for the Grand Slam tour, and this time the Welsh will feel the full force of the All Blacks. The only change from the side that played Ireland last weekend comes at center, where Richard Kahui replaces the injured Conrad Smith. Smith has been suffering from a groin injury for some time now, and will not be risked against Wales.
Kahui has been in outstanding form when given his opportunity's in the black jersey, so the All Blacks won't lose much with Kahui at 13. Many people doubted his selection at the beginning of the year, but the more Kahui plays the better he seems to get.
The only other selection concern comes from Tony Woodcock, who has been bracketed with John Afoa and Neemia Tialata, who could also miss the game due to illness. If Woodcock gets suspended, Afoa will move into the starting lineup, meaning either Ben Franks or Jaime Mackintosh will get a chance on the bench. There could be a possibility that both will get game time if Tialata succumbs to his illness before kickoff.
Both newcomers have a lot to learn at the highest level, but there's no better place to learn than being thrown into the lions den.
Based on the evidence we don't think Woodcock should be suspended (for what looks like a little push to the face rather than a punch), but then again we won't be surprised if the English board comes down hard on him.
Joe Rokocoko is certainly making up for lost time as he plays his third game in seven days, backing up from the clash with Munster on Wednesday. He is back to his best form, and deserves to be considered the best winger in the country at the moment. He makes a point of going hunting for work, and when he gets the ball in hand he poses a real threat for the opposition. Based on the Test against Ireland he also seems to be motivating his cousin, Sivivatu, to start finding the form we know he's capable of - which can't be a bad thing, if both of them are in good form.
Piri Weepu, Corey Flynn and Stephen Donald will also back up from Wednesday, but will start off the bench, while Kieran Read also retains his spot on the bench, alongside Isaia Toeava.
Like the game against Ireland, the All Blacks should be too strong for the Welsh - who were unimpressive against the Canadians last week. We expect them to come out fired up for the first twenty minutes, only to fade as the game goes on. This All Blacks side is one of the best we've seen for a while now, and are well on their way to securing another Grand Slam victory.
Here's the full team:
Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Richard Kahui, Ma'a Nonu, Sitvini Sivivatu, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (c), Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata/John Afoa, Kevin Mealamu, Tony Woodcock/John Afoa/Neemia Tialata.
Reserves: Corey Flynn, Anthony Boric, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava (one to be added).
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