Rokocoko included in All Black team to face Munster
However, an indication of the task awaiting a much under-strength Munster side is that eight of the side began the recent game against Scotland which they won 32-6 after a hesitant enough opening spell.
Piri Weepu, a second-half replacement at Croke Park on Saturday and a man with 27 Test caps to his credit, will captain the All Blacks for the first time.
Weepu, 25, who captained Wellington in this year’s Air New Zealand Cup, will lead the All Blacks in his 29th match in the black jersey.
Two other players, Tasman prop Ben Franks and Taranaki loose forward Scott Waldrom, have been chosen to make their run-on debuts. All Blacks squad members, Hawke’s Bay hooker Hikawera Elliott and Wellington scrum-half Alby Mathewson, have been named on the bench and will also make their debuts if they are called into action.
Weepu admitted that he had heard a whisper or two that Doug Howlett and his fellow Kiwis, Lifeimi Mafi and Rua Tipoki, were planning their own version of the Haka to-morrow night in response to the more traditional version.
With a twinkle in his eye, he urged them: “To bring it on — that would be very interesting”.
The tourists settled into their Limerick headquarters at the Strand Hotel yesterday afternoon and later attended the showing of John Breen’s Alone It Stands, the play that commemorates Munster’s famous victory over the All Blacks in 1978.
While Weepu made no secret of his belief that the days of the long tours are over, he believes the game as a once-off is very welcome, marking as it does, a famous occasion in the sporting life of this country.
Furthermore, All Blacks coach Graham Henry sees the game as a great opportunity for his team.
“The Munster match will be a special occasion and the guys are really looking forward to it,” he said. “The team also knows that it will be hard and physical against the European champions. The All Blacks are also delighted to be heading back to Thomond Park for the official opening of the renovated stadium. It’s a special part of rugby history.”
Meanwhile, Munster coach Tony McGahan was still unsure last night as to which members of the national panel would be available to him. The plan is to finalise the side this morning and announce it at a press briefing in Thomond Park around noon.
NEW ZEALAND: Cory Jane (Hurricanes); Hosea Gear (Hurricanes), Anthony Tuitavake (Blues), Isaia Toeava (Blues), Joe Rokocoko (Blues); Stephen Donald (Chiefs), Piri Weepu (Hurricanes); James Mackintosh (Highlanders), Corey Flynn (Crusaders), Ben Franks (Crusaders), Ross Filipo (Crusaders), Jason Eaton (Hurricanes), Adam Thomson (Highlanders), Scott Waldron (Hurricanes), Liam Messam (Chiefs).
Replacements: Hikawera Elliott (Hawkes Bay), John Afoa (Blues), Brad Thorn (Crusaders), Kieran Read (Crusaders), Alby Mathewson (Wellington), Richard Kahui (Chiefs), Miles Muliaina (Chiefs).
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