Wynne Gray: Rotation benched as Henry searches for crucial

All Black coach Graham Henry (R) with captain Richie McCaw. Photo / Getty Images

Rotation? No way Jose. Not when you have lost the last test against the Springboks and two out of five internationals already this season.

It is time to park the theory that players struggled to put together three performances in succession. Too bad. This is judgement time, a crucial phase of the All Blacks' season as they seek some inroads in defence of their Tri-Nations title.

A dozen players will make their third straight appearance as Neemia Tialata's knee injury and Brendon Leonard's form meant they had to be shelved for this week's contest at Durban.

John Afoa is promoted to the reserves while Tamati Ellison, Aled de Malmanche, Bryn Evans and Tanerau Latimer were not required for the Eden Park win against the Wallabies or the twin tests on this trip.

Fair enough, though the selectors must have given extra thought to selecting Evans on the bench rather than Jason Eaton after his messy work last weekend in Bloemfontein.

The extensive air travel then three tests in a fortnight is a serious assault on the All Blacks' endurance, skills and mental health.

But this is what they do, these are the challenges they prepare for, these are the dramas they are conditioned to in this modern rugby age.

When this trinity of tests is complete, the All Blacks have a three week lull before they meet the Wallabies in Sydney, another three week gap before they tackle the Springboks in Hamilton and then the Wallabies in the final match in Wellington.

Those gaps and a belief they could wring much more from the bulk of the team they used in Bloemfontein, persuaded the selectors to go with the same mob again at sea-level in Durban.

Rodney So'oialo's form has spluttered, so too Ma'a Nonu and Joe Rokocoko but they have been given another chance while Owen Franks' selection is one of the story lines of the winter.

Going from a fringe Super 14 player to test starter is a impressive rise for the youngster.

You just hope he does not become the latest in a list of Saimone Taumoepeau, Campbell Johnstone, Clarke Dermody, John Schwalger, brother Ben Franks, Jamie Mackintosh and Wyatt Crockett who have been picked as props during the Henry era, but then been discarded.