New Zealand are determined to avoid an upset like that suffered by Australia last week when they get their season underway in a test against Fiji in Dunedin on Friday.
Embarking on a campaign they hope will end up with a World Cup triumph in October, the All Blacks should have little problem seeing off the Fijians in their only warm-up before they open their Tri-Nations title defence next week.
Skipper Richie McCaw, however, has warned his team mates that a lack of attention to the basics could expose them to a shock reverse like that the Samoa inflicted on the Wallabies last week.
“We’ve got to make sure we get the physicality right, get the little things right at the breakdown. They’ve got the ability if we loosen up to put the pressure on,” the openside flanker said in the captain’s run on Thursday.
“You’ve only got to look at last Sunday’s result to see if you don’t get things right and things start going against you, you can be in trouble.”
McCaw leads a largely experienced side at Carisbrook with just one new cap, lock Jarrad Hoeata, and an unfamiliar face at flyhalf, Colin Slade.
Dan Carter, who starts on the bench, unquestionably remains the first choice in that slot but Slade will be out to secure the position as his back-up in his first start for the All Blacks.
Coach Graham Henry has made it quite clear what he wants from the 23-year-old, who has moved above Aaron Cruden and a string of other contenders to deputise for Carter.
“I think he needs to play with a wee bit more sharpness and physicality than he’s played in the games leading up,” Henry told local media.
“I’m not being critical. He’s just trying to get some football under his belt. I think he understands the game and he’s got a good feel and can call the shots. But as an individual, I just think he needs to step up what he’s doing.”
Unlike the Samoans, who were at near full strength in Sydney last Sunday, Fiji coach Samu Domoni reckons he has been forced to do without 20 members of his squad.
The Fijians, who lost their last test against New Zealand 91-0 in 2005, will be highly motivated though.
“Playing the All Blacks is like playing in the World Cup — it only comes around every four years,” Domoni said. “The guys that are here are looking forward to the challenge.
“This is a once in a lifetime dream for all of us … we’ll grab it with both hands and take the opportunity.”
Teams:
New Zealand – 15-Mils Muliaina, 14-Zac Guildford, 13-Conrad Smith, 12-Ma’a Nonu, 11-Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10-Colin Slade, 9-Jimmy Cowan, 8-Liam Messam, 7-Richie McCaw, 6-Adam Thomson, 5-Ali Williams, 4-Jarrad Hoeata, 3-Ben Franks, 2-Andrew Hore, 1-Wyatt Crockett.
Fiji – 15-Iliesa Keresoni, 14-Timoci Naqusa, 13-Albert Vulivuli, 12-Ravai Fatiaki, 11-Napolioni Nalaga, 10-Seremaia Baikeinuku, 9-Nemia Serelevu, 8-Sakiusa Matadigo, 7-Akapusi Qera, 6-Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5-Rupeni Nasiga, 4-Sekonaia Kalou, 3-Deacon Manu, 2-Sunia Koto, 1-Campese Ma’afu.
Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
