Larkham raises warning flags

SYDNEY - Stephen Larkham's return as Wallaby playmaker has been largely ignored this week, but not by the All Black management in their planning for tonight's test.

Much focus has been on the selection of openside flankers Phil Waugh and George Smith in tandem, and on the trio of former league outside backs Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers.

Largely unnoticed is the first test start of the year for Larkham, the creative first five-eighth who played 20 nervous minutes off the bench against South Africa a fortnight ago after two months out with an elbow injury.

All Black coaching co-ordinator Robbie Deans said the Wallabies would pose more attacking problems with Larkham back directing traffic, pushing Elton Flatley out to second five-eighth.

"He's a great footballer," Deans said. "He'll be better for the time he had against the Springboks.

"He's a very intelligent carrier of the ball because he's prepared to carry it right to the line.

"And he's very good with his hands so you have got to consider the people around him. If you don't, he'll slip the ball to them."

Deans said Larkham's style was the prototype of how modern first five-eighths were trying to play.

He agreed that the Wallabies had been leaders in back-play methods over the past five years.

"The Australians have always been creative," he said. "In the early years they didn't have a forward pack which was that competitive, so they always had flyers in the backs who were prepared to attack and chance their arm.

"I think they still retain that outlook to a large extent. They are creative and you can never be sure what they are going to throw at you."

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones said Larkham was lacking match fitness, but had to be selected to break down an impressive All Black defence.

"At his best Steve's a world-class player because he puts the defence in two minds," Jones said.

"He's very important. He's had a long time out of the game now, but he's moving nicely and we need him playing rugby to get him at his best."

Jones suggested Larkham might not see out the full 80 minutes.

"If it's a high-volume running game, I imagine replacements in the second half are going to be pretty important."

- NZPA