England v New Zealand: New Zealand's team selection for Saturday's Test against England was always likely to take the breath away. No other squad in the world possesses as much strength in depth as the All Blacks', and confirmation that such prolific try-scorers as Joe Rokocoko and Rico Gear have failed to make the starting line-up merely reinforced the message yesterday.
Graham Henry called it his "most difficult" selection as New Zealand coach after he and his fellow panellists Steve Hansen, Wayne Smith and Brian Lochore finally plumped for Doug Howlett and Sitiveni Sivivatu out wide in an ominous-looking XV that also features Aaron Mauger at inside centre.
Seven of the starting line-up played against Ireland last Saturday and eight in the equally convincing thrashing of Wales the previous weekend. The net result is a near identical team to the one that brushed the Lions aside to clinch the series in Wellington in July, with Howlett set to win his 50th cap.
"Doug's playing probably the best rugby of his life," said Henry, explaining the rationale for omitting Rokocoko (32 tries in 28 Tests) and Gear, who scored three tries against Wales. "He's played about 40 Tests more than Rico so he's more experienced and he's playing right at the edge of his ability. You have to make a decision; you can't play 17. Across the board we have guys who are playing outstanding rugby."
England may still feel they are up against a couple of extra opponents if New Zealand get some early momentum, but the All Blacks' scrummaging strength may have been slightly weakened by the absence of their hooker Anton Oliver, who would probably have featured ahead of Keven Mealamu but for a calf injury.
Otherwise Henry has selected what he regards as his optimum line-up for what he expects to be the sternest challenge of the tour.
"We were very impressed with the way (England) played against Australia and we're expecting a huge Test match," he said. "We always respect them and, like us, they're trying to build a foundation. They're on the right track again."
England will have to cope with Dan Carter, scorer of 26 points against Wales, who has been reunited in the All Black midfield with Mauger and the captain Tana Umaga.
England meanwhile, have rejected allegations they launched a spying mission on their opponents.
Henry claimed two men in camouflage were seen filming the closed training session at Grasshoppers Rugby Club.
He said: "They had their cameramen there today - unless it was one of you (television) people at the back? Was anyone hiding behind the fence today in camouflage taking a video of the training? I think they (England) are pretty switched on and keen on the game."
When asked whether he was flattered by the attention, Henry replied: "That is not the word I'd use. It's paranoia."
England's denial was forthright, with an RFU spokesman stating: "It's not true".
New Zealand centre Ma'a Nonu, who appeared before a citing hearing at a Heathrow Airport hotel yesterday, will find out tonight if he is to be punished for his controversial tackle on Gordon D'Arcy at Lansdowne Road last Saturday.
Having heard submissions from the player, who was accompanied by Henry and a legal representative, the IRB Judicial Officer, judge Wyn Williams QC (Wales), decided to defer his decision overnight.
