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Rotation is back in vogue and rebuilding today joined reconditioning as an All Blacks' buzzword as New Zealand's World Cup rugby campaign approaches its first hurdle of the year.
Head coach Graham Henry today emphasised the need to rebuild the foundations of his dominant 2006 squad from the ground up when naming a "back to basics" lineup tasked with punishing a below-strength French side here at Eden Park on Saturday night.
Henry's hinted at a no-frills approach for the first of seven internationals scheduled before the All Blacks strive to end a 20-year World Cup drought in October after naming a strong.
"What we're trying to do is get back to basics , make sure we do the basic ingredients of the game well ... the set piece, lineouts, scrums, restarts, defensive patterns.
"We're trying to make sure our foundations are right from where we left off last year. If you start up the ladder a bit and think those things are there you have to come back and reinforce them.
"We're starting from scratch and rebuilding the team."
That philosophy could also be applied to the international careers of some of the starting 15, particularly centre Isaia Toeava, who starts for the first time since his error-ridden display against the Springboks in Pretoria last August.
Reuben Thorne will start on the blindside flank for his first test since breaking a thumb in Pretoria while in another departure from the first-choice pack, back-up loose forward Chris Masoe starts at No 8 to give him more experience in the position.
None of the recalled quartet will be able to rest on their laurels, however, because they are also destined for the reserves bench or grandstand as Henry confirmed his desire to give each member of his 30-man squad game time in the two tests against France or the one-off test against Canada in Hamilton on June 16.
"We want everyone on track in the first three games to make sure of selection is right for the Tri-Nations," said Henry, equating the early season programme as a virtual trial.
"We'll be picking the best team each week in the Tri-Nations."
Injuries governed Henry's selection although the casualty list is not considered serious.
Conrad Smith, Mils Muliaina and Byron Kelleher are recovering from minor hamstring strains, Jerry Collins has a sore heel and Anton Oliver also has a foot problem although Henry pointed out Kelleher and Collins could have played if required.
Toeava will play despite being hampered by an ankle injury picked up in the Super 14 semifinal while Ma'a Nonu was back in action today after suffering his own ankle problem yesterday.
The unpredictable utility has been named on the bench to cover the midfield as well as the three-quarters' berths occupied by Sitiveni Sivivatu and Joe Rokocoko.
Auckland lock Ali Williams also returned to training today after bruising a knee during club rugby last weekend and will partner Chris Jack in the second row.
Mindful of the controversy surrounding Williams' exile from the Blues squad after off-field incidents in Australia this month, Henry emphasised the 40-test veteran had been welcomed with open arms.
"He's been outstanding (in camp). He's matured into a very important player in the group," Henry said.
Meanwhile, Henry could not resist a sly dig at Blues management, suggesting wing Doug Howlett had been over used in the Super 14 while lock Troy Flavell could also have benefited from a break.
"Doug had a particularly good Super 14 during the first two-thirds of it but I think he needed some rotation to bring his sharp edge back," Henry said.
"I think he was overdone and we want to make sure he has time to recondition and he can get that edge back again."
Howlett's apparent over exertions mean Rokocoko, who could not break into the Blues starting 15 after the reconditioning period, could feature in each of the pre-Tri-Nations tests.
Waikato halfback Brendon Leonard is poised to become the latest All Black should he replace Piri Weepu off the bench.
ALL BLACKS
Backs
Leon MacDonald, Joe Rokocoko, Isaia Toeava, Aaron Mauger, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu.
Forwards
Chris Masoe, Richie McCaw (captain), Reuben Thorne, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Carl Hayman, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Troy Flavell, Rodney So'oialo, Brendon Leonard, Nick Evans, Ma'a Nonu
- NZPA
