The All Blacks, the camouflage camera man, and England's paranoia
All Blacks coach Graham Henry claimed yesterday that two men in camouflage were seen filming the closed training session at Grasshoppers Rugby Club.
Henry said: "They (England) are obviously taking this Test match very seriously. They had their cameramen there today - unless it was one of you (television) people at the back? Was anyone hiding behind the fence today in camouflage taking a video of the training? I think they (England) are pretty switched on and keen on the game.
"You look at strengths and weaknesses of the opposition and formulate a game-plan on that. How we played against Wales and Ireland is not necessarily how we will play against England. I guess they are trying to get more information.
"It is not necessary, is it? It's over the top."
When asked whether he was flattered by the attention, Henry replied: "That is not the word I'd use. It's paranoia."
All Blacks media manager Scott Compton explained television crews had briefly been allowed into the training session - but the two cameramen in question had not been lined up in the designated area and were seen filming outside the agreed time.
"When approached the two men claimed to be from the news agency Reuters, but then scarpered," said Compton.
A spokesman from Reuters said the organisation had not sent any television cameramen to the All Blacks' training session.
And England's denial was equally forthright, with a Rugby Football Union spokesman stating: "It's not true."
The "paranoid" tag was first given to England when Clive Woodward was in charge, though he was known for launching increasingly elaborate operations to protect his side's privacy, particularly when on tour.
Woodward was known to drive buses in front of gates and erect vast hoardings around rugby clubs to ensure all his preparation work was done in secret.
The camouflaged cameramen, whoever they worked for, will have seen a powerful All Blacks side in training after Henry and his sidekicks Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen finalised a potent selection to face England.
Saturday's game represents the focal point of New Zealand's Grand Slam tour, with the All Blacks desperate to lay down a marker at the world champions' doorstep.
Henry selected his teams for the 41-3 win over Wales and the 45-7 trouncing of Ireland before the All Blacks left New Zealand - but places for the England game were up for grabs.
And after the toughest selection meeting of his All Blacks career, Henry opted for Doug Howlett and Sitiveni Sivivatu, who each scored two tries against Ireland, to start on the wings ahead of Rico Gear and Joe Rokocoko.
Captain Tana Umaga and Aaron Mauger link in midfield, with Dan Carter, orchestrator of New Zealand's win in Cardiff, and Byron Kelleher the half-backs.
Keven Mealamu starts at hooker - Anton Oliver is suffering a calf problem - while Tony Woodcock and Carl Hayman complete a front row who will expect a fearsome challenge from England's giant trio.
Ali Williams and Chris Jack combine to lock the scrum while Richie McCaw, widely regarded as the best open-side flanker in the business, is joined by Jerry Collins and Rodney So'oialo in the back row.
"It is the most difficult team we have had to pick as selectors," said Henry. "Across the board we have guys who are playing outstanding rugby. For example, Rico Gear scored a hat-trick against Wales and can't get in the team."
New Zealand have averaged 39.5 points in 10 matches this year.
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