Papa Jack back in black

27 Jun 2007

Chris Jack will restore parity to the All Black line-out when he returns from paternity leave this week.

Jack ruled himself out of the Tests against Canada and South Africa when his wife gave birth to his child. He now rejoins an All Black side that sees four changes from the team who won 26-21 in Durban.

The All Blacks have lost Jason Eaton and James Ryan for the year while Ali Williams was ruled out of the Tri-Nations after a nasty collision with Sebastien Chabal in the Test against France. The Wallabies have shown their ability to compete at the line-out with Nathan Sharpe and Dan Vickerman stretching the formidable Victor Matfield at Newlands. With Jack returning, Graham Henry will feel far more confident about their ability to win clean ball in this area.

Henry has also reshuffled his backline, with Rico Gear and Luke McAlister replacing Sitiveni Sivivatu and Aaron Mauger. The injury to Isaia Toeava sees Mils Muliaina shifting to No 13 while Leon MacDonald will join the starting team at fullback.

The All Black coach confirmed the MCG will witness an ardent effort by the visitors who are looking to retain the Bledisloe Cup.

“The Bledisloe Cup means a lot to the team and to New Zealanders and we have selected our best team,” Henry said. “It’s not the same team as last week, but it’s our best.

“The first two matches of the Tri-Nations have been hard fought and we expect the same against Australia on Saturday.”

New Zealand - 15-Leon MacDonald; 14-Rico Gear, 13-Mils Muliaina, 12-Luke McAlister, 11-Joe Rokocoko; 10-Dan Carter, 9-Byron Kelleher; 8-Rodney So’oialo, 7-Richie McCaw (c), 6-Jerry Collins, 5-Troy Flavell, 4-Chris Jack; 3-Carl Hayman, 2-Anton Oliver, 1-Tony Woodcock.
Subs: 16-Keven Mealamu, 17-Neemia Tialata, 18-Ross Filipo, 19-Chris Masoe, 20-Piri Weepu, 21-Aaron Mauger, 22-Nick Evans.


8 Comments

  • 1.Staal: Reply to this comment
    27 Jun 2007, 10:01 am

    Dragons – why was he rested!!!!! :lol:

  • 2.Durbstormer: Reply to this comment
    27 Jun 2007, 10:03 am

    I really like the look of the 2 centers. Aus are in for it!

  • 3.Staal: Reply to this comment
    27 Jun 2007, 10:03 am

    Having a child doesn’t come before “Pride & the Jersey” … :lol: …as some of the bloggers state on this blog!!!

    Good player but hell can’t he do something about that humongous blomkool oor ?

  • 4.TheTackler: Reply to this comment
    27 Jun 2007, 10:16 am

    Cauli ears and tight forwards go together like drk rum and cola; roast pork and apple sauce; pap en wors.

  • 5.Staal: Reply to this comment
    27 Jun 2007, 10:27 am

    4 is waar!

  • 6.bomskok: Reply to this comment
    27 Jun 2007, 13:02 pm

    shame – after their line-out performance we have seen here, they REALLY need him…

  • 7.Thapelo: Reply to this comment
    27 Jun 2007, 13:22 pm

    He might help in restoring their pride, after their where humiliated by Matfield and Bakkies…

  • 8.stew: Reply to this comment
    27 Jun 2007, 14:24 pm

    Our lineout performance/ tactics were worse – we should of drilled the ABs in the lineout , instead Botha couldnt hit a barn door and we didnt kick the ball into the stands where our world class locks could dominate – I think the ABs would have been very happy to escape last weekend – we messed up.

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