Dunedin, New Zealand – The All Blacks are set to unleash a new game plan as they start their World Cup preparations with a one-off Test against Fiji on Friday.
New tactics could include an increased readiness to try drop goals, a scoring system not popular in New Zealand that arguably contributed to the All Blacks quarterfinal loss at the last World Cup.
While the players have been involved in Super rugby over the past six months, their coaches have been busy analysing the game and new trends that have emerged this season, head coach Graham Henry said.
While the coaches were giving nothing away, fly-halves Dan Carter and Colin Slade have been practising dropped goals.
Co-coach Wayne Smith said the Fiji Test would provide an opportunity to assess the All Blacks, before the Tri-Nations Series against South Africa and Australia before heading into the World Cup in September.
“We've looked at the game, looked at the trends and we'll play differently than we did last year.”
Smith said it was evident from Super rugby there was a lot more kicking this year but “kicking the ball aimlessly just because you're under pressure is not the answer. How you do it is the key.”
Fiji, meanwhile, had their sole training run in New Zealand on Thursday and are determined to make the most of their rare opportunity to play the All Blacks despite being forced to field a weakened side.
“Playing against the All Blacks, you don’t need any more motivation, if that’s the case then we shouldn’t turn up,” coach Samu Domoni said.
“This is a once in a lifetime dream for all of us ... we’ll grab it with both hands and take the opportunity.”
A New Zealand travel ban on members of the Fiji military and the opposition of northern hemisphere clubs to releasing players meant up to 20 likely members of their World Cup squad are unavailable for the Test.
“There are a few things that have been involved in selections and a few club issues but we can control what we have at the moment,” Domini said before putting a positive spin on the situation.
“The guys that are here have the heart to play for Fiji and that’s what matters. It’s a matter of heart.”
Fiji have never come close to beating the All Blacks in their five matches.
Their best result was a 0-33 loss in 1980 while the biggest losing margin was 0-91 in 2005.
TEAMS (15-1)
New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Colin Slade, Jimmy Cowan, Liam Messam, Richie McCaw (captain), Adam Thomson, Ali Williams, Jarrad Hoeata, Ben Franks, Andrew Hore, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Piri Weepu, Dan Carter, Ben Smith.
Fiji: Iliesa Keresoni, Timoci Naqusa, Albert Vulivuli, Ravai Fatiaki, Napolioni Nalaga, Seremaia Baikeinuku, Nemia Serelevu, Sakiusa Matadigo, Akapusi Qera, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Rupeni Nasiga, Sekonaia Kalou, Deacon Manu (captain), Sunia Koto, Campese Ma’afu
Reserves: Viliame Veikoso, Setefano Somoca, Josefa Domolailai, Malakai Ravulo, Vitori Buatava, Taniela Rawaqa, Vereniki Goneva.
Referee: Stuart Dickinson (AUS) – Sapa-AFP