Rugby: Experienced All Blacks pile into challenge for Ranfurly Shield

Richie McCaw will be making his first challenge for the coveted trophy. Photo / Getty Images

In a modern version of Peter Jones' immortal line, All Black lock Brad Thorn propped himself up against a pillar under the Sydney grandstand and calmly announced: "I'm knackered."

That was less than a week ago, but the 34-year-old has recovered from his Bledisloe Cup combat to suit up for Canterbury in tomorrow's Ranfurly Shield challenge against Wellington.

Similarly national skipper Richie McCaw has infiltrated the provincial playing ranks in what will be his first challenge for the famous domestic trophy.

In statistics which reveal a great deal about the life of a modern All Black, McCaw has just clawed his way past 30 games in a decade of provincial rugby. He has been involved in a number of Shield defences but no challenges, until tomorrow.

"If I didn't get to play in one of these weeks, I would've had one game [for the All Blacks] in five weeks and that is like being out injured again," he explained.

So McCaw, Thorn and Daniel Carter will front for the red and black challenge tomorrow while Sydney squad member Wyatt Crockett will also pull on the loosehead prop's kit. Isaac Ross and Kieran Read have been spelled after picking up knocks on national duty.

Meanwhile Wellington have been stripped of Conrad Smith, Piri Weepu, Tamati Ellison and Neemia Tialata because of injury though Cory Jane, Hosea Gear, Ma'a Nonu and Rodney So'oialo will be in action this weekend alongside other recent All Blacks like Alby Mathewson and John Schwalger.

All the comings and goings have added some spice to this game which may be a preview of the final of the national championship.

It has been a big week for Thorn who had to face his boisterous boys on his return from Bledisloe Cup duty and was also preparing his counter-discussion tactics if he had been stood down from the Shield game. He was also thinking about club play for Burnside.

But the man who also described himself as "a walking carcass" after the Sydney test has talked himself into the team.

So has McCaw, who will start the game at No 8, while Carter has also convinced the medics, the selectors, Uncle Tom Cobbly and All that he is healthy after a calf problem was reported to be hampering him early in the week.

"It's great to have these guys available for us, keen to play and that enthusiasm is the key. They are obviously quality players and are extremely excited about playing in this match," coach Rob Penney said. There are also some familiar faces on the bench.

Hooker Corey Flynn is on another comeback after his fourth broken arm while halfback Andy Ellis is also making his return after leg problems.