Family values to the fore for All Blacks

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Who said the All Blacks weren't about the warm-fuzzies?

They announced today that big Brad Thorn and Andy Ellis would both be released a week early from the current tour -- to go and indulge in some much-needed family time. And fair enough too.

They will both head for the shores of New Zealand after the test against France in Marseille this weekend, for special reasons that the All Blacks are only happy to embrace.

Ellis was making the early exit because his wife was expecting their first baby, while Thorn, said All Black manager Darren Shand, also has a large, young family which he was looking forward to being reunited with.

Ellis' situation is a no-brainer; but Thorn's indicates that these All Blacks are starting to see the big picture. Thorn has given his all to the cause this season; this is a small payback for a veteran figure who won't be missed for the fun and games of the Baabaas week.

"Family life is obviously very important to the All Blacks' players and management and we try and get players home when they need to be with their families," said Shand.

"Andy and Brad need to go home and we agreed before the tour that they would leave after the French test..."

Replacement hooker Aled de Malmanche, plucked from his beach holiday in Bali to cover for Corey Flynn's tight hamstring, will stay with the team in Marseille this week with a decision on his status for the final week to be made after the weekend.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks have confirmed a hectic start to the final week against a star-studded Barbarians side at a Twickenham ground that has yet to sell out.

Senior All Blacks Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Mils Muliaina, Ma'a Nonu, Jimmy Cowan and Kieran Read will all visit the adidas headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, on Sunday and return to London the following day.

And Neemia Tialata, Jerome Kaino, Stephen Donald, Liam Messam and Anthony Boric will also go to Iveco headquarters in Turin, Italy, and return to London on Tuesday.

 Shand maintained that despite the activity the Barbarians match was an important fixture for the All Blacks squad.

 "Once we have played France, the players will be really looking forward to this match, which is one of rugby's great traditions, and the squad will be keen to end the All Blacks' tour on a high."

The All Blacks have apparently made no contractual commitments as to the strength of their squad for the year-ending fixture; but do feel inclined to put out a competitive side to counter a strong Baabaas outfit.

- © Fairfax NZ News