Following South Africa bringing a weakened side to New Zealand - All Blacks head coach Graham Henry has delayed picking his strongest XV
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Writing for The Dominion Post Marc Hinton looks at All Blacks boss Graham Henry's decision to delay unveiling the All Blacks strongest XV.
"The moment the Springbok touring squad for the away-leg of the Tri-Nations was announced we knew that the team was going to struggle against their Antipodean rivals.
"Smart guy that Graham Henry. The All Blacks coach recognises this week for what it is - another glorified trial against opponents of limited ability.
Thus the weary get another week to recuperate and the scratchy get another game to search for that form. And some key fringe men - I'm thinking of Adam Thomson, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Ali Williams to name but three - get another chance to not only press their claims, but gain much-needed test experience.
That's the upshot of this Springboks "B" team that Peter de Villiers has elected to bring out for the away leg of their Tri-Nations. Never mind what he says this week, this is a team full of tackle dummies, few of whom will see the light of the World Cup from anywhere but their couches."
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