Unwanted All Blacks hint at switch

By SAM WORTHINGTON - The Dominion Post

Pick us or let us go - that's the only conclusion to draw after the messy meltdown between Wellington and their All Blacks rumbled on yesterday with revelations that Neemia Tialata sought a loan to Taranaki and Piri Weepu and Cory Jane have also been exploring their options.

After being dumped from the All Blacks, Tialata and his agent, Tim Castle, sought a loan to Taranaki in a bid for regular gametime, The Dominion Post was told.

Tialata and Jane were ignored by Wellington coach Jamie Joseph last Saturday against Bay of Plenty and instead played for Wellington B.

The potential loan broke down, with Taranaki unable to meet Tialata's price tag but the talks sum up the level of confusion between the All Blacks and NPC teams.

All Blacks management are in discussions regarding the release of players for the three-week window after tomorrow night's Bledisloe Cup test and Wellington are expecting a raft of players to suddenly become available despite earlier receiving indications otherwise.

With the goalposts shifting, Joseph has softened his stance on playing his All Blacks, which is likely to appease Tialata, Weepu and Jane, all in need of regular gametime to keep knocking on Graham Henry's selection door.

Rodney So'oialo and Ma'a Nonu's demotions to the All Blacks bench mean they, and Tamati Ellison, will probably be available for next Saturday's match against Canterbury, a Ranfurly Shield defence should the Lions overcome Auckland at Westpac Stadium tomorrow night.

Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, both lacking recent gametime, could also be available for Canterbury, with an announcement likely after the Bledisloe Cup test.

Jane and Weepu had previously been linked to a loan deal with Manawatu but Manawatu boss John Knowles said yesterday they were not pursuing the pair.

On the field Joseph has also changed tack, overhauling his side with six changes from the flat effort against Bay of Plenty.

Gone are fullback Tamati Ellison (All Blacks), first-five Daniel Kirkpatrick (benched), No8 Mathew Luamanu (benched), openside Scott Fuglistaller (benched), lock Api Naikatini (dropped) and hooker Ged Robinson (benched).

In come Buxton Popoalii, Fa'atonu Fili, Serge Lilo, Mark Reddish, Jeremy Thrush and Dane Coles, with Fili's inclusion the biggest talking point.

"Fa'atonu's come on in the last three matches and contributed positively and in some cases has been an inspiration," Joseph said.

"I think it's only fair that he gets a crack. Daniel will play a huge part in the game in the later stages."

The 27-year-old Fili's experience was one of the factors in his selection and Joseph said he wouldn't be putting the shackles on him.

"A player like Fa'atonu, who's incredibly gifted, needs to express himself. That's how he does it and that's what we've got faith in."

Tialata is on the bench, with Joseph expecting him to prove a point both to him and to the national selectors.

"I just want him to have a blinder. That's what he says he's going to do so that's exciting."

Joseph admitted Auckland's proud provincial record had him on red alert despite their performances being largely underwhelming in recent times.

"I always fear Auckland because they've always been a good rugby side."

Lilo adds valuable experience and physicality on return from injury and with Fuglistaller on the bench Wellington are unlikely to be beaten at the breakdown.

Their lineout has also been beefed up, with Reddish named on the blindside, Thrush back from injury and another tall target, Victor Vito, moved to No8.

Auckland have kept faith with the young halves pairing of Grayson Hart and Ash Moeke, the latter having been particularly impressive against Northland last weekend.

A shield challenge in Wellington is a massive step up, however, and Auckland coach Mark Anscombe can be expected to turn to his bench options, Taniela Moa and Daniel Bowden.

Paul Williams returns from suspension on the wing, while Isaia Toeava is retained at fullback.

In other changes, flanker Dean Budd replaces Jerome Kaino, tighthead Tevita Mailau comes in for John Afoa and loosehead Paea Fa'anunu slots in for Pauliasi Manu.

Wellington: Buxton Popoalii, David Smith, Robert Fruean, Charlie Ngatai, Hosea Gear, Fa'atonu Fili, Alby Mathewson, Victor Vito, Serge Lilo, Mark Reddish, Daniel Ramsay, Jeremy Thrush, John Schwalger, Dane Coles, Jacob Ellison (c). Reserves: Ged Robinson, Neemia Tialata, Mathew Luamanu, Scott Fuglistaller, Ruki Tipuna, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Alipati Leuia.

Auckland: Isaia Toeava, Paul Williams, Winston Stanley, Benson Stanley (c), Dave Thomas/Atieli Pakalani, Ash Moeke, Grayson Hart, Peter Saili, Onosai Auvaa, Dean Budd, Jay Williams, Kurtis Haiu, Tevita Mailau, Tom McCartney, Paea Fa'anunu. Reserves: Francis Smith, Charlie Faumuina, Andrew Van der Heijden, Hamish Paterson, Taniela Moa, Daniel Bowden, Jamie Helleur.