27 Jul 2009

Changes for the All Blacks?

10:38 am on 27 July 2009

A couple of changes at least appear to be on the cards for the All Blacks following their error-ridden tri-nations loss to the Springboks in Bloemfontein yesterday.

Prop Neemia Tialata is in doubt with a knee strain, and the medical staff will give him at least another day before assessing his future.

It appears unlikely the All Blacks will field the same starting 15 in Durban.... assistant coach Steve Hansen says they haven't discussed changes, but there's likely to be some.... but he wouldn't give any details.

Brendan Leonard's position at halfback will be questioned with either Jimmy Cowan returning or Piri Weepu getting a start.... while up front the lineout was again wobbly which could see hooker Keven Mealamu get a start... while number eight Rodney So'oialo is still to reach the form he showed before taking an injury break.

After having a relatively light buildup last week, the intensity at training should lift this week although Hansen says sometimes it's not about beating each other up at training, it's about working on those little parts of your game and making sure they're 100 percent right.

He says it's not about attitude or lack of physicality or lack of character.... it's the little parts of their game that they have to get right.

Meanwhile Bok second five Jean de Villiers with a knee injury and first five Ruan Pienaar with a foot injury are the concerns for the homeside.