Pinetree: Give Mehrtens one last crack at No 10

Andrew Mehrtens

Legendary All Black Colin Meads believes Andrew Mehrtens should replace injured Daniel Carter for the final test against the Lions at Eden Park.

First five-eighths Carter, hero of the 48-18 second test win over the Lions in Wellington, has been ruled out of the third test in Auckland on Saturday night with a shoulder injury.

North Harbour's Nick Evans and Crusaders fullback Leon MacDonald are tipped as likely replacements for Carter, but Meads says a sentimental pick of former Crusader and 70-test veteran Mehrtens should not be ruled out.

Mehrtens, 32, is heading off to English rugby club Harlequins and Meads thought it would be an apt send-off for one of the country's most influential players in the professional rugby era.

"He's been a great player for New Zealand. He's served us well and I don't think he'd let the side down."

Experience was the decider over his second choice, North Harbour's Nick Evans.

"The All Blacks are on a roll at the moment. They want to keep it going, they want to make it a clean sweep and I think they'll go for the doctor."

Former half-back Sid Going was picking Evans.

"He's played well and he's the same type of player as Carter."

He said Evans was a logical choice for selectors looking to create a future All-Black squad.

The selectors also have to replace second five-eighths Aaron Mauger, who has withdrawn with a hamstring strain.


Leon MacDonald
Age: 27
Tests: 27
Test points: 105

Nick Evans
Age: 24
Tests: 4
Test points: 0

Stephen Donald
Age: 21
Tests: 0
Test points: 0

Andrew Mehrtens
Age: 32
Tests: 70
Test points: 967