Lions tamers back in All Blacks line-up

Wing Doug Howlett's work rate will have won him a place in the All Blacks side against England. Ross Land / Getty Images

Byron Kelleher and Sitiveni Sivivatu reclaimed their international reputations yesterday as the selection rivalry within the All Blacks was resolved for the Grand Slam decider against England.

The Waikato pair were restored to the premier XV after their starring roles against the Lions had been interrupted by serious injuries during the Tri-Nations series.

Sivivatu was picked for that squad but succumbed to knee and calf injuries and gave way to his cousin Joe Rokocoko. Sivivatu struggled for some time in the NPC and there was doubt he would recover for the Grand Slam odyssey.

Rugged halfback Kelleher was concussed early in the first Tri-Nations test, when he was hit hard by Springbok lock Victor Matfield, and missed the rest of the series.

In his absence, Piri Weepu made a huge impression and continued that against Ireland to provoke what must have been a lineball decision from the selectors.

Those north of the border in Scotland will protest that they can halt the All Blacks' search for their first Grand Slam since 1978 but the reality is that Twickenham this Sunday will decide that quest.

So the curiosity after such massive All Black victories against Wales, then Ireland, was to discover the selectors' take on their strongest combination.

The result was as close to an even split as possible in XV - seven of those who started against Ireland and eight who began the tour against Wales have been chosen for the test against the World Cup holders.

That division may have been altered slightly if Anton Oliver was fit but that became conjecture yesterday when the seasoned hooker failed a test on a calf injury. Both he and lock James Ryan were not considered.

That left a straightforward choice in the forwards. The only debate would have been about those needed on the bench.

Neemia Tialata was a shoo-in to cover prop, Andrew Hore was the next hooker while Jason Eaton's extra height probably got him past Angus Macdonald to cover at lock. With versatility offered by Rodney So'oialo, it was deemed best to have Mose Tuiali'i as the spare loosie and specialist No 8 cover.

If the forwards created little discussion, there would have been plenty of chat about backline options.

The results were the comeback for the Waikato pair, the selection of Doug Howlett and the decision to use captain Tana Umaga in his more traditional position at centre.

Aaron Mauger got the nod at second five-eighths where he can be used as another kicking pivot while Umaga can lead the defensive line.

Whether Mauger was picked first, Conrad Smith overlooked or Umaga judged to be most effective at centre will not be revealed. Instead the panel will talk about the selection difficulties posed by the contenders' quality form.

That was probably nowhere more evident than the tussle between the four wings with Rico Gear and Rokocoko the unlucky speedsters.

The difference may have been defence and work rate. Howlett covers incessantly, does a great deal of work off the ball and has played fullback, all qualities which will help defuse an England kicking game.

Similarly, Sivivatu has a knack of popping up in the right place, is strong on the tackle and perhaps a shade tougher, mentally, than his cousin.

In the reserves, Leon MacDonald's experience allowed him to sneak in ahead of Nick Evans, who can also play fullback, wing, first five-eighths and kick goals.

Meanwhile, England have delayed the announcement of their side because of the groin injury to first five-eighths Charlie Hodgson. If he is ruled out, coach Andy Robinson has rejected a return for World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson.

It was too soon for that, Robinson suggested, because Wilkinson had scarcely played since the Lions tour because of further injury. If Hodgson was unavailable, Olly Barkley would take his place.

Of more concern to Robinson was his side's ability to defend against the multiple attacking threats of the All Blacks.

"There is one part of our game that we know the All Blacks will put under severe pressure and we therefore have to carefully control the ball and we definitely must try and get dominance up front," he said.

* Scottish citing commissioner Douglas Hunter has decided Ma'a Nonu has a case to answer for an alleged dangerous tackle on Ireland centre Gordon D'Arcy in the 50th minute of Sunday's test.

The hearing was to be before the IRB-appointed Judge Wyn Williams, QC, of Wales at Heathrow Airport this morning.

New Zealand:
Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Tana Umaga (captain), Aaron Mauger, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Byron Kelleher, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw, Jerry Collins, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Carl Hayman, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves:
Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Jason Eaton, Mose Tuiali'i, Piri Weepu, Joe Rokocoko, Leon MacDonald.