New All Blacks dad to miss two tests

New father Mils Muliaina will only join the All Blacks after next week's test against Scotland in Edinburgh, meaning he will miss the first two internationals of the tour.

Muliaina contacted the All Blacks management in Hong Kong and decided that after being at the birth of his first child, son Max, on Tuesday it would be best for him to remain in New Zealand rather than rush back into the All Blacks.

 

That means his place at fullback for the historic Bledisloe Cup test in Hong Kong against the Wallabies on Saturday will be taken by Isaia Toeava.

Wellington rookie Cory Jane comes on to the bench.

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith said they were comfortable with the decision and felt it was a sensible one under the circumstances.

But he also revealed that Muliaina would miss the test against Scotland, the opening assignment on the All Blacks' Grand Slam attempt.

That means Muliaina, New Zealand's first choice No 15, will be in line to front for consecutive tests against Ireland, Wales and England.

"It's obviously best for Mils and the family. He decided it's a pretty big ask. It's getting a bit late and he was only going to arrive today. It's better that he takes time with the family now," said Smith who added that the decision was Muliaina's alone.

The All Blacks are comfortable with Toeava at the back.

"Ice has been training there. We prepared him last week when we were in camp for this eventuality."

Toeava came back into the All Blacks during the Tri-Nations and got a run in the win over the Springboks in Cape Town where he performed admirably on the wing. Now he gets to play fullback, one of his preferred positions given his ability to cover virtually anywhere in the backline.

"We thought he did things that we think are important under the ELVs - he did well in the air, he defused high balls and he ran strongly. He can kick well, too.

"He's pretty confident that given a good week (of training) he can do himself justice and the team justice."

Smith conceded that Muliaina would be a major loss given his experience that includes 65 tests dating back to 2003.

Toeava has accumulated 17 tests in a stop-start career that began in 2005 - when he played fullback in the Grand Slam-clinching win over Scotland.

"The thing I have noticed over the years with Mils is that the bigger the game, the better he plays. He's a big game player. He captains the back three and he has a huge amount of mana. So the three boys (Toeava and wings Hosea Gear and Sitiveni Sivivatu) have to step up."

The All Blacks back three are certain to get an aerial examination from the Wallabies kickers, soemthing the Kiwis have been working on in training.

Smith said the All Blacks weren't surprised by the Wallabies' decision to retain Stirling Mortlock at No 12 where he will have a head-to-head battle with Dan Carter.

He backed Carter's defence to negate Mortlock's strong running and felt this would be one of many areas of intrigue in the test.

The All Blacks have looked sharp at training and have certainly pleased their bosses.

"They have worked bloody hard and last week's camp was important for us," said Smith who added the All Blacks were thankful to have several players in their midst who had played for Canterbury and Wellington in last week's Air New Zealand Cup showpiece. He backed their match hardness to come through.

"There were eight in the cup final and they have played under a bit of pressure so we are counting on them as being match leaders here."

 

NEW ZEALAND: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Hosea Gear, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Dan Carter, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Jimmy Cowan; 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Greg Somerville, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Ma'a Nonu, 22 Cory Jane.

Is having Isaia Toeava at fullback a potential weakness for the All Blacks? Or can he use this to prove his test class? Post your comments below.

- © Fairfax NZ News