All Blacks keep Canes close to Cruden

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STAYING CLOSE: Aaron Cruden is congratuated by his All Blacks and Hurricanes teammate Cory Jane after scoring against Wales.

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Like watchful old dogs protecting the young pup, senior members of the All Blacks backline have closed ranks around Aaron Cruden this week as they ready the young five-eighth for the biggest moment of his rugby career.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry didn't even have to tell them to do it, he said in Sydney today as he unveiled a lineup to face Australia on Saturday night featuring five changes, the move was as instinctive as it was swift.

Of the three rookies who earn promotions to the starting lineup for the Tri-Nations closer - flanker Victor Vito and wing Israel Dagg are the others - Cruden is very much in his own boat. Henry made that clear as he reflected on the readiness of the trio for this pivotal juncture in their careers.

Cruden, unlike the other two, has yet to start a test, and through his five appearances off the bench this year his time in the saddle has been fleeting, to say the least. He has, after all, been understudy to the best in the business.

Thus Henry's deliberate move to surround Cruden with familiar faces. His Hurricanes team-mate Piri Weepu gets the nod at halfback, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith will be outside him and Cory Jane will also be lurking wider out. They will be reassuring presences for the 21-year-old who gets his first chance to show there could be life after Dan Carter.

Henry said his senior men had sensed exactly what was needed this week in terms of making Cruden's passage as comfortable as possible.

"They've done that automatically without me having to say it," said the New Zealand coach. "Conrad and Ma'a and Piri and others have stepped up because they feel they should. Because they respect the young fella who's playing 10 and want him to play well. They're trying to assist every way they can."

Henry is clearly less concerned about any nursemaiding that may be required for the 22-year-old Dagg, who has produced moments of brilliance in his five test appearances, including two starts, and the 23-year-old Vito who has also made five appearances including one in the run-on XV.

"They came on in the last test in Soweto and played superbly," added Henry. "They've made a difference all year. It's their opportunity to play – a pat on the back for what they've been doing through the last nine games really.

"Victor and Israel are two young players who have been knocking on the door pretty loudly for some time. They've played quite a bit of test football and I think they'll fit in easily.

"In Aaron's case he's a very competent young man, a good footballer who's done well at the levels below, but because Daniel has been there he hasn't had the opportunities.

"He realises he's going through this apprenticeship, but I think he'll play well. I think they'll all be influential on the game."

The other two changes see Weepu get the nod ahead of Jimmy Cowan and also assume the goalkicking responsibilities, and Owen Franks restored at tighthead prop ahead of brother Ben after being "rested" in Soweto.

"He needed to be rested," said Henry of his 22-year-old front-rower. "He's a young guy who's played a lot of test football over the last few months. He was just hitting the wall. Giving him some space has been very good for him.

"He's reassessed what he's doing, and come back revitalised with tons of energy. I think he'll play well."

Henry said Weepu's promotion, on form, was richly deserved for a player who was reaping the rewards for a rededication to his craft.

"He's a gifted player who can see things other players can't see, and he can help the other 14 on track. He's playing very well," said Henry.

Some special achievements now lie within reach of this slightly greener All Blacks team if they can continue their impressive season at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

A win would see them break new territory, with a 10th straight victory over the Wallabies and the first ever 6-0 Tri-Nations sweep. They're also getting very close to the all-time test winning streak mark, sitting tantalisingly on 14.

Exactly a year out from the World Cup, Henry was asked how he feels his team is tracking. Naturally he was less than effusive.

"I think we're doing it properly, making sure we're setting the foundations. Obviously we're thinking ahead a wee bit, we've got another tour coming up, and we're thinking about selections for that tour and what we want to achieve..

"It's one step at a time really. The Tri-Nations, then the tour, then 2011 and what we need to do there. We think we're on track."

It's hard to see how this All Blacks team, even with the introduction of a few greenhorns, won't be too strong all-round for a Wallabies outfit that's still a work in progress and which must be on its last legs after a draining fortnight in South Africa.

The match will kick off at 10pm (NZ time) on Saturday night at a venue still a long, long way from being sold out.

NEW ZEALAND: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Israel Dagg, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Piri Weepu; 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (capt), 6 Victor Vito, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Jerome Kaino, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Rene Ranger.

- © Fairfax NZ News