John Drake: No quarter given to frail egos in modern game

The All Black selectors had most of us in the comfort zone leading up to yesterday's tour selection announcement.

They've been in the job for 18 months and everything would be business as usual. No surprises, right? Distant and recent history proves this wrong.

Graham Henry, in particular, has never been afraid to make changes and look to the future. When coaching Auckland, he made the decision to dump the likes of All Blacks Alan Whetton, Bernie McCahill and Terry Wright. Some thought these axings were harsh and handled badly.

This year, he has dropped Doug Howlett and Joe Rokocoko as their reputations were not matched by their form. These were well handled and the recent form of both has proved that the quick jolt to the ego may have been the best thing for the individuals and the team ethos.

This All Black selection seems firmly aimed at keeping the incumbents on their toes and with a clear eye on the 2007 World Cup, where utilities will be vital to the chances of success.

This has opened the door for Angus Macdonald, Chris Masoe and Isaia Toeava. The unlucky players - and there are probably too many to mention, particularly in the forwards - will have the Super 14 to prove they should be in the mix.

For the new players, it will be an opportunity for the All Black management to see how they react in the environment. Some will get little game time, but this is part of modern touring with nothing other than tests.

While the depth in certain areas is growing well - particularly locks, loose forwards and backs where other nations would die for the talent we've got - we still seem thin in the front row.

There is daylight between Tony Woodcock and the rest at loosehead prop. Greg Somerville is a converted tighthead and he and Neemia Tialata have been given the job as backups.

Both are sound players and great around the park. I still wonder if they consistently do the job at scrum time.

This tour will be make or break and the scrum coach, Mike Cron, will get to the bottom of their futures one way or another.

Touring is about opportunity and should this group not reach the standard Henry and co require, they will be shown the door. Just ask AJ Whetton and Howlett.

Wins over the four home nations may be on many people's minds, but this team is about building for France in two years' time.

So, Auckland win the last NPC title as we know it. They've now won 15 of the 30 titles since it began in 1976, far more than any other team. But it was the manner of the win over Otago which impressed.

Much has been made of the unstructured way Auckland play. Frankly, I don't buy this. They won the title with a strong set piece, particularly at the scrum where they were able to upset the flow of ball at the back of the Otago scrum.

While Tasesa Lavea showed his usual passion to pass and run, it was his sound kicking game which left the firmest impression.

I have doubted his ability to kick for territory and turn the opposition around. On Saturday night his kicking was accurate, well judged and exposed the frailties of the flat Otago defensive screen.

The other area where Auckland dominated in a way few would have expected was the breakdown. Not only did they manage to gain quick ball for themselves but on at least six occasions they turned over Otago possession.

Daniel Braid was a standout and No 8 Jerome Kaino showed what a contribution he can make.

Otago as always left nobody questioning their heart. The defence was outstanding for most of the match. Unfortunately it took its toll and even highly-trained professionals eventually run out of gas.

This was a victory for Pat Lam, the management and the Auckland union hierarchy who stuck with the coach after an ordinary 2004. Comments from Lam and his assistant Shane Howarth after the match made reference to some parts of the media and public criticism. Get used to it guys, it comes with the territory.

* John Drake is a former All Black prop.