THE RADICAL shake-up of New Zealand’s starting line-up for tomorrow’s (8.35am, Sky Sports 2) Tri-Nations match against Australia emphasises that poor performances can no longer be tolerated, captain Richie McCaw said yesterday.
Saturday’s 32-29 defeat to South Africa in Hamilton not only assured the Springboks of a first Tri-Nations title since 2004 but appeared to finally break the resolve of New Zealand’s coaching staff.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry wielded the axe when he dropped five players and made two positional changes for this Saturday’s match at Westpac Stadium, where the loser will face the ignominy of receiving the tournament’s wooden spoon.
“It sends a good message that if the team doesn’t perform there are consequences,” McCaw said. “That’s what has happened this week.”
NEW ZEALAND:M Muliaina; C Jane, I Toeava, M Nonu, J Rokocoko; D Carter, J Cowan; T Woodcock, A Hore, N Tialata, B Thorn, T Donnelly, A Thomson, R McCaw (capt), K Read.
AUSTRALIA:J O'Connor; L Turner, A Ashley-Cooper, B Barnes, D Mitchell; M Giteau, W Genia; B Robinson, T Polota-Nua, B Alexander, J Horwill, M Chisholm, R Elsom, D Pocock, G Smith (capt).
