AUCKLAND, 7 Oct. – The All Blacks have selected 31-year-old full back Mils Muliaina to play his 100th Test match in Sunday’s quarter-final against Argentina.
Muliaina is just the second All Black to reach the milestone after Richie McCaw reached his century against France a fortnight ago.
New Zealand are hoping their most experienced side ever will get them through to the semi-finals and avoid the disappointment of Rugby World Cup 2007, when they exited at this stage of the tournament.
“Finals football is all about this week,” said Muliaina. “We learned that last time. We went home and we certainly don’t want to do that this weekend.”
Their starting XV have 769 caps, surpassing the record of 766 set in the first Bledisloe Cup match against Australia in August.
Coach Graham Henry is taking no chances against Argentina, a team known for their strength up front.
Scramble well
“Thick scrum, driving lineout, ball in the air, big physical presence at the breakdown and they scramble well in defence,” said Henry.
He has made six changes to the New Zealand side that beat Canada in Wellington a week ago.
Keven Mealamu, Brad Thorn, Richie McCaw and Piri Weepu replace Andrew Hore, Ali Williams, Victor Vito and Jimmy Cowan, who all move to the bench.
McCaw returns to the side after missing the final pool match due to a sore foot.
“He runs on it and it feels good, then wakes up the next day and it’s niggly again,” said Henry.
Weepu’s strong performance against France cemented his spot at scrum half.
Long journey
“It’s been a long journey and I’m pretty excited to be here playing and to have been given the opportunity to start in the quarter-finals,” Weepu said.
Ma’a Nonu and Cory Jane replace Zac Guildford (hamstring) and Israel Dagg (thigh haematoma), while Sonny Bill Williams moves to left wing.
Aaron Cruden, called into the All Blacks squad this week for the injured Dan Carter, is on the bench.
However, all eyes will be on Colin Slade, who starts at fly half, determined to emerge from the superstar’s shadow.
“I’m going out there to be me, I’m not going out there to be DC. I’m going to play my game and lead the team the best way I know how,” said Slade.
New Zealand and Argentina’s do-or-die clash is at Eden Park on Sunday.
RNS eg/omg/mr
