Share

Henry: RWC selection critical

Auckland - All Blacks coach Graham Henry says selectors face the delicate job of ensuring New Zealand's entire squad gets enough quality game time while also winning test matches as it prepares for the Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand plays five Tests before it opens the World Cup against Tonga on September 9.

Henry said selectors will have to balance naming their best team with giving game time to key backup players in Tests against Fiji and in the Tri-Nations series against Australia and South Africa.

"We can't take the risk of going into a sudden death rugby World Cup and having to play somebody who hasn't played a big test match for all of 2011," he said. "I just think we need to be pragmatic there and make good decisions."

Henry said quality backup was needed in every position, not just for star players such as captain and flanker Richie McCaw and flyhalf Dan Carter.

"It may be fullback, it may be 10, it may be seven, it may be the fourth lock," Henry said.

Henry was unwilling to identify Carter's probable back up, saying there were several candidates who could fill in as the backline playmaker.

"There's debate still about if you need a specialist or can Adam Thomson or Liam Messam, or Kieran Read or somebody play in that position," he said.

Providing rehabilitation for injured fullback Israel Dagg is causing most concern for the New Zealand team management.

Dagg inured his right thigh in the Canterbury Crusaders' win over the Cape Town-based Stormers in the Super 15 last month.

Henry said the tendon that connects the quadriceps was ripped off the bone and there was not a lot of research on such an injury.

"Our best guess is that he will be coming right perhaps near the end of July," and will have to come back via the domestic rugby competition, Henry said. "I thought he was playing outstanding footy when he did the injury and we just have to wait and see how that responds."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE