All Blacks shrug off tactic leak

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HAVING A BALL: First five-eighth Matt Giteau passes the ball to prop Benn Robinson during a Wallabies training session at Xavier College. The Wallabies will be looking to end their seven-match losing streak to the All Blacks when they meet tomorrow night at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.

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Mils Muliaina does not care that the world has copped an eyeful of the All Blacks' tactics.

Despite a photograph exposing their strategies ahead of tomorrow night's Bledisloe Cup test in Melbourne, Muliaina was adamant the players were not alarmed about the plans being exposed to the Wallabies.

"No, we haven't talked about it at all. Obviously, it is disappointing that it happened, but it is not really an issue for us," the fullback said.

"It is just one mistake, an isolated incident. But it is not a big deal for us, we have just moved on."

A sheet of tactical plays was photographed as the All Blacks trained in Melbourne on Tuesday, an act that infuriated some management and resulted in the photographer being told he was not welcome at the Etihad Stadium game.

Although admitting he was initially shocked to see them blown up in the sport sections of several newspapers, and wondering just what else a long-range lens would be able to see during practices, Muliaina did not believe it was a major drama.

"Having known what was on the sheet – it does not really affect anyone," Muliaina said.

"It was a defensive session anyway, and at the end of the day you have still got to go out there and make sure you do everything possible to get over the gain line and are in space," he said.

"The coaches are dealing with this behind the scenes, with what needs to be done."

James O'Connor, 20, who will start on the wing for just the second time in his life, against 63-test veteran Joe Rokocoko, said he took little notice of the leaked tactics.

"I saw a little bit on Twitter. I had a look, but you couldn't zoom in close enough though," he joked.

"I am more focused on our team's preparation and my preparation. That's the first I have heard about it, so thanks for the heads up."

O'Connor, who had a forgettable match at fullback when the All Blacks wrapped up the Bledisloe Cup last year with their 33-6 win in Wellington, again expects Dan Carter to torment him with an aerial attack.

"Carter has got the ball on a string. I am looking forward to the challenge, and yeah, bring it on."

For Muliaina, who turns 30 tomorrow and will earn his 86th cap, this test will be another step in a long career that began in 2003.

Although it is not uncommon for forwards to still be plugging away in their 30s, outside backs usually start drifting towards retirement or offshore contracts when they enter their third decade.

Until this year, in which he has been hampered by thumb and calf problems, Muliaina has had something of a charmed run with injuries.

Only recently, he has concentrated more on stretching.

Food was another important factor in retaining his condition, although he admitted he enjoyed "indulging" in takeaways more than the team's nutritionist would prefer. His speed has also increased slightly this season, something he attributes to being able to concentrate more on speedwork sessions when in camp.

"It's nice to just be able to open up without thinking about all the wee niggles I have had with my `hammies' and calf and things like that.

"Hopefully, I am getting my rewards from that."

Meanwhile, Carter is welcoming the chance to play under the Etihad Stadium roof after the wild winds of Wellington blew his goal-kicking radar off target a fortnight ago.

The All Blacks first five-eighth had a poor night with the boot against the Springboks at Westpac Stadium, missing five of eight shots at goal during the 31-17 win.

However, rather than get worked up over the dodgy conversion rate, Carter stated he had not felt the need to consult with kicking coach Mick Byrne or add any extra sessions to his programme this week.

"You pretty much just have to go back to what you do well, and sometimes you can over-complicate things."

In Wellington, Carter unusually offered Piri Weepu a long-range penalty, which Weepu nailed.

At least Carter won't have to worry about the weather conditions tomorrow night: "That [the wind] was a bit frustrating, but, obviously, this weekend with the roof on top, it will be a lot better."

- © Fairfax NZ News