KEY POINTS:
Rodney So'oialo is slowly but surely adapting to life on the blindside, an area outside his rugby comfort zone.
The All Black loose forward's versatility has never been questioned but even the 42-test veteran was surprised to inherit the jersey occupied by his recently retired Wellington teammate Jerry
Collins.
Until the season opener against Ireland last weekend, So'oialo had been secure at No 8 in an imposing trio also comprising captain Richie McCaw.
However, the All Blacks coaching team unveiled an interesting tactical switch in Wellington, playing So'oialo and Jerome Kaino out of position in a bid to lessen McCaw's workload at the breakdown - not that there was any noticeable lack of intensity from the skipper at Westpac Stadium.
The decision to persevere with the trio was a feature of an All Blacks side to play England at Eden Park tomorrow night and although the players have expressed some reservations it looks set to continue.
"I feel it's a work in progress," said So'oialo, who makes no bones about his preference for the back of the scrum.
"I love No 8 and obviously I've built my game around that area but I've always known I might have to play certain different roles," the 28-year-old said.
Although set in his ways, one of the most experienced members of the All Blacks pack said the switch was not too problematic.
"There are certain adjustments on the (defensive) lines, instead of making an assisting tackle you're the first tackler there. Hopefully I can get stuck in and make some big tackles.
"I think it does enhance Richie's game too, instead of focusing on bashing all the time, we can share those responsibilities a bit and hopefully turn some ball over as well."
That's the intention according to All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen, who insists there could still a place for a traditional blindside later in the season.
"One of the key reasons we want to do it is it allows Richie to have a dual role, not just at the breakdown but as a ball-carrier as well. It should help his longevity in the game a wee bit."
Ironically, a fortnight after Robbie Deans left for Australia, the All Blacks are toying with an experiment straight out the playbook of former Wallabies' coach Eddie Jones.
Specialist opensiders Phil Waugh and George Smith were used in tandem to great effect, though the Wallabies eventually dispensed with the ploy to expand their lineout options.
Despite their relative lack of height, So'oialo and McCaw remain viable and reliable lineout options while Kaino, who played almost exclusively on the blindside for the Blues this year, may also be more involved at Eden Park.
McCaw, who often had the Waugh-Smith combo teamed up against him, thought there was no reason the tactic could not be successfully applied.
"You just have to get the set-up right and define how you're going to do it so you don't get in each other's way."
Meanwhile, both sides complete their preparations with light captain's runs at the match venue today.
The All Blacks will be sweating on the fitness of fullback Mils Muliaina who was in doubt yesterday with a hamstring strain.
Should he fail a fitness test there is a ready made replacement in Leon MacDonald.
- NZPA
