Duncan Johnstone, writing for the Dominion Post, provides his take on New Zealand's squad to face the Wallabies on Saturday.
"Graham Henry has responded to a heavyweight challenge by naming close to his full-strength team for Saturday night's Bledisloe Cup battle - gosh, he might just have afforded the Wallabies some respect.
Deep down it's more about fine-tuning his preferred lineup as time ticks away on this massive season but there's no doubt there's a need to get something close to a top lineup out to handle the worthy - and lippy - challenge from the Aussies.
This is largely built around about experience and combinations although some examinations continue in the outside backs where Sitiveni Sivivatu gets another chance to impress and Hosea Gear, the top wing by the end of last year, gets a belated start now he's overcome his hamstring twinge.
Of course, there's still Tony Woodcock to return and always a debate over the rich halfbacks stocks where Piri Weepu gets the starting jersey this year. But make no mistake - this is the backbone of the side that will carry New Zealand's World Cup hopes through the tournament that starts on September 9."
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