All Blacks: Gap to second-stringers a worry, says Henry

Stephen Donald failed to cement his place as Dan Carter’s backup. Photo / Getty Images

LONDON - Coach Graham Henry admits to concerns about the gap between the All Blacks' top-15 and the rest, and will continue to rotate his rugby squad in next year's tests as the World Cup looms.

Henry gave his side a seven out of 10 mark for their season which ended with the second-stringers losing 18-25 to a powerful Barbarians side at Twickenham yesterday.

While players like halfback Brendon Leonard and five-eighth Luke McAlister made strong finishes, the match showed depth still remains an issue in New Zealand rugby when the stars like Dan Carter and Richie McCaw - whose absence was notable in the second half - are removed.

Henry said next year's test season, which begins against Wales and Ireland in June, would continue their strategy from this tour of winning being first priority, as well as developing depth to cover for key injuries.

"I've got concerns about that (gap). The trouble is you can't play them as much as you'd like to because you leave yourself vulnerable. So we've tried to mix and match as much as we can and we've got to continue to do that to develop the depth.

"It's called rotation and people don't like it, but it's the only way that we can develop a rugby side."

The All Blacks won all five tests on their tour, and the only match in which they played their absolute top-15 saw easily their best performance of the year, the 39-12 win over France in Marseille.

Henry said up to 10 players would return to the reckoning next year after missing this tour due to injury, including the likes of lock Ali Williams, hooker Keven Mealamu and centre Richard Kahui.

There was also the question of returning overseas players, with Newcastle prop Carl Hayman the obvious target ahead of the World Cup.

Henry spoke to "one or two" England-based players at a social function and said the coaches were in regular touch.

Asked about Hayman, he said: "It would be great if Carl Hayman came home because he's world class, probably the best tighthead prop in the world and that would be helpful.

"But in saying that, the guys who played prop this year have done a good job."

The All Blacks won 10 and lost four of their tests in 2009, a tick over 70 per cent success rate which moved Henry to give the seven out of 10 rating.

He said recovering from a four win, four loss record mid-year to win six tests in a row was pleasing, and the team culture strengthened with the likes of Carter and McCaw returning from injury.

"We're probably in the best position we've been in since the World Cup at this point. I don't think we're complete, but we're in the best position we've been in."

In the top side, prop Neemia Tialata, lock Tom Donnelly, No 8 Kieran Read and winger Cory Jane cemented their spots as frontliners by tour's end, while Adam Thomson and Jerome Kaino's absorbing duel for the No 6 jersey will continue into next year.

Outside Carter and McCaw, the dynamic Read was perhaps player of the season - along with the ageless Brad Thorn - and left veteran Rodney So'oialo with a fight to retain his test jersey next year.

Of the newcomers, wingers Zac Guildford and Ben Smith both impressed and showed the outside back stocks were healthy.

There remained some questions over backup prop, where Wyatt Crockett and John Afoa didn't seize their limited chances, while Carter's backup was also an issue for debate.

Stephen Donald had an up and down first half at Twickenham while Mike Delany was solid without really shining. Manawatu's Aaron Cruden may shift towards a black jersey with a strong debut season for the Hurricanes.

Henry said the coaches had a clear idea of who did or didn't have the goods after this tour, but next year's Super 14 would provide those who hadn't performed a chance to redeem themselves. He was reluctant to name players, or which positions concerned him.

"We've got players on this tour who are new and put their hands up and done well, while others will be disappointed by their performance."

- NZPA