McCaw to lead All Blacks in tour finale

BY TOBY ROBSON IN LONDON

Last updated 05:00 03/12/2009

LAWRENCE SMITH/Stuff.co.nz

NO RESPITE: Captain Richie McCaw is one of only two starters from the France test, along with Cory Jane, to get the start against the Barbarians.

Relevant offers

All Blacks

Former All Blacks captain Tom Willis retires All Blacks to play at La Plata against Argentina Ian Foster reveals why ABs news was a secret Steve Hansen recruits old mate McLean on merit Fox 'on the outside looking in' for All Blacks

Ian Foster named All Blacks assistant coach Hansen has much to prove as All Blacks coach Aussie McLean to be added to ABs coaching team Headgear won't protect players from concussion 'Sir Ted' still courted for help with All Blacks

Richie McCaw will see out the final match of the All Blacks' end-of-year tour as captain of a side with points to prove in the season finale.

First five-eighth Stephen Donald and prop John Afoa finally get their first starts of the tour in a side that is in many ways a mark of respect to the strength of the Barbarians.

Donald's selection ahead of Mike Delany, who is in the reserves, is an interesting one with neither man having been given much scope to press his claims on the tour.

Delany has had just 64 minutes against Italy, while Donald, who has been told to reinvent himself as a second-five next season, has been limited to just 26 minutes all tour.

However, it would not surprise if the Delany-Donald combination was seen during the second half at Twickenham.

Blindside flanker Liam Messam and No8 Rodney So'oialo are both given another chance to make a final statement for the season.

Messam, who will be disappointed he didn't have a bigger impact against Italy, has been handed a golden opportunity. The festival match should suit his style, and alongside the experience of So'oialo and McCaw on the openside it is a chance Messam can ill afford to miss.

So'oialo has slipped behind Kieran Read on this tour, but with a big effort against the Barbarians can remind the selectors that he plans to push even harder next season.

Afoa gets a rare start at tighthead prop, just his fifth start of his All Blacks career and first since he ran out against Italy in June.

Locks Jason Eaton and Anthony Boric pair up in the second row in what is suddenly shaping as one of the most competitive positions next year.

At halfback Brendon Leonard badly needs a commanding performance to reinstate himself among the top halfbacks after falling behind Andy Ellis in the pecking order.

And out wide Cory Jane gets a second chance in his preferred position of fullback in an exciting backline that includes young wings Ben Smith and Zac Guildford.

Luke McAlister's return continues at second-five, while a solid performance from Tamati Ellison at centre would make for a successful first tour for the Wellingtonian.

The All Blacks' full squad was reunited in London yesterday after two groups returned from sponsors commitments.

Ad Feedback

Assistant coach Wayne Smith confirmed that the Barbarians side, which includes a host of top South African and Australian players, was being taken seriously.

"We are playing a team full of world-class players. We need to make sure we are right and mentally refreshed at this stage," Smith said.

The Barbarians side was to be named today.

All Blacks: Cory Jane, Ben Smith, Tamati Ellison, Luke McAlister, Zac Guildford, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (c), Liam Messam, Anthony Boric, Jason Eaton, John Afoa, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Adam Thomson, Tanerau Latimer, Jimmy Cowan, Mike Delany, Sitiveni Sivivatu.

- © Fairfax NZ News