Henry explains Mehrtens decision

The decision not to include Andrew Mehrtens in his team to face England was not an easy one to make, according to New Zealand coach Graham Henry.

The former Wales and British Lions chief opted to keep Carlos Spencer, a player he has worked closely with since the early 1990s, in the number 10 jersey with new cap Nick Evans on the bench as cover for the full-back, fly-half and wing positions.

Mehrtens will join Crusaders team-mates Greg Somerville and Mose Tuiali’I and Highlanders lock Simon Maling in the stands at Carisbrook on Saturday instead.

“We looked at Andrew pretty seriously,” Henry said. “I think Andrew has had a bit of a fairytale last three or four weeks. He’s been a very positive influence in what we have been doing.”

Mehrtens had looked to be completely out of All Black reckoning until he replaced Cameron McIntyre in the Super 12 final and when he came on for the Probables during the All Blacks trial he helped them come from behind to narrowly beat the Possibles.

“To keep it in balance, he came on in the last 25 minutes when the Probables started to get a wee bit of control up front,” Henry explained.

“So, he had a better ride as far as go-forward ball than Carlos did and I think that was a significant factor.

“Also, when he came on for the Crusaders, he had to play. Otherwise the heavens would have fallen in – so I think the bounce of the ball has been with Mehrts a wee bit.

“But in saying that, he has played bloody well and that’s why he’s in this group.”

New Zealand face England in the first of two Tests in Dunedin on Saturday.

The re-match takes place at Auckland’s Eden Park a week later.