All Blacks to go under the World Cup microscope

Graham Henry congratulates All Blacks Tamati Ellison (R) and Anthony Boric (L) on their selection at yesterday's squad announcement. Photo / Getty Images

The All Blacks' rugby tour of Japan and Europe doubles as a six-week trial in the eyes of coach Graham Henry.

The performance of test veterans will be monitored just as keenly as the four newcomers, with Henry taking his first steps down the path of 2011 World Cup player identification.

Henry said results were as important as ever in the five tests plus the tour finale against the Barbarians on December 5, but player progress both on and off the field would add a steely edge to proceedings.

"This tour is very much about selection going forward. There is a small eye for the rugby World Cup and we have to make sure our selections are right," Henry said.

"There are probably about 10 guys injured at the moment and there are a number of very good players left behind. They've got an opportunity to come back (so) it's important these guys cement themselves in the team."

Yesterday's 33-man squad announcement contained more surprises than expected, with uncapped backs Zac Guildford, Tamati Ellison, Ben Smith and Mike Delany included, the latter pair falling in the bolter category.

Henry had suggested after the Tri-Nations that the Air NZ Cup would not throw up any late contenders but that proved to be a red herring.

He said the newcomers had forced their way in through provincial form and that last weekend's round of matches had helped to finalise three tricky selection issues.

"Form for new caps is critical, obviously," he said.

"The Air NZ Cup is not as high as Super 14 but it gives us a selection base.

"It's the avenue we've got to select from ... there's been some quality rugby played.

"But there's no better measuring stick than international rugby and playing at the highest level to see if guys are up to the level required."

Henry said it was too soon for others such as young backs Aaron Cruden (Manawatu), Robbie Robinson (Southland) and Israel Dagg (Hawke's Bay), who needed to prove themselves at Super 14 level.

Henry was happier discussing selection issues than the surprise reshuffle of coaching duties also announced yesterday.

It sees he and assistants Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen handling different portfolios.

The veteran coach played down the changes, which sees Henry's focus change from defence to the forwards, Hansen from the forwards to attack and Smith from attack to defence.

"We're always trying to improve what we're doing and we think this is an opportunity to do that and to get better."

The first test of the new structure comes at Tokyo on October 31.

Henry said the tour-opener against Australia was set up perfectly for the Wallabies, who will be stinging after their humbling 6-33 loss in the third Bledisloe Cup test at Wellington last month.

"They'll have huge motivation, they've changed their skipper (Rocky Elsom for Stirling Mortlock) and they'll give other guys a challenging situation for their future in the game. I'm thinking Mortlock, for example, will want to prove himself," Henry said.

"They'll be the best they can be, mentally, for this game. That's a big challenge for us to make sure we're on the edge.

"If we can set the standard in that game, it will help us have a very positive tour."

All Blacks squad

Backs: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Ben Smith, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Tamati Ellison, Ma'a Nonu, Luke McAlister, Dan Carter, Stephen Donald, Mike Delany, Jimmy Cowan, Brendon Leonard, Andy Ellis

Forwards: Rodney So'oialo, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Tanerau Latimer, Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Liam Messam, Jason Eaton, Anthony Boric, Brad Thorn, Tom Donnelly, Owen Franks, John Afoa, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Andrew Hore, Corey Flynn.

- NZPA