Can Stephen Donald cut it in the centres?

The All Black’s selectors have named the All Blacks team to play the Tri Nations Test against South Africa at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, on Saturday 12 September.

Henry said the team was energised by this weekend’s challenge:

“Every Test match between New Zealand and South Africa is a massive occasion but this weekend it’s a ‘winner takes all’ Test which we are excited about.”

 The Starting XV is as follows: (test caps)

1.                Tony Woodcock (56 Tests)
2.                Andrew Hore (41)
3.                Owen Franks (5)
4.                Brad Thorn (31)
5.                Isaac Ross (7)
6.                Jerome Kaino (21)
7.                Richie McCaw – captain (74)
8.                Kieran Read (10)
9.                Jimmy Cowan (26)
10.             Dan Carter (60)
11.             Sitiveni Sivivatu (38)
12.             Stephen Donald (15)
13.             Ma’a Nonu (40)
14.             Josevata Rokocoko (58)
15.             Mils Muliaina (75)

Reserves:
 
16.             Aled de Malmanche (1)
17.             John Afoa (18)
18.             Adam Thomson (10)
19.             Rodney So’oialo (59)
20.             Brendon Leonard (11)
21.             Isaia Toeava (15)
22.             Cory Jane (6)

Graham Henry and his team have been trying out different backline combinations in the build up to Saturday’s test. The fact that Carter has been selected at #10 doesn’t fool me into believing he will remain in the #10 channel for the duration of the game. Look out for Donald switching into the #10 channel from time to time as with the Barnes/Giteau combination.

Henry is being very cryptic about what is in-store after the kickoff. This footage from the NZ Herald page on Youtube:

Very Cryptic, very cryptic indeed…

• Australia’s 21 – 6 win over the Springboks on Saturday has kept the All Blacks chances alive in this year’s Tri Nations tournament.
• The All Blacks starting XV features the same forward pack which started the Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney three weeks ago
• There are two backline changes to the starting XV, withStephen Donald starting at inside centre (second five-eighths) and Ma’a Nonuat outside centre.
• On the reserves bench, there are three changes, with Adam Thomson coming into the forwards and Isaia Toeava and Cory Jane in the backs.
• All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock, who is playing his 57th Test, will become the third most capped All Blacks prop of all time behind Greg Somerville (66) and Craig Dowd (60).
• Richie McCaw will play his 75th Test.
• Rodney So’oialo his 60th if he comes off the bench.
• Jimmy Cowan will be playing his 200th first-class match.