Rugby: Seconds 'test' a show of talent

The "test between the Second XVs" has been causing almost as much interest as the opening Tri-Nations clash at Carisbrook this week.

The array of talent on show in tonight's clash between New Zealand A and the Australian Barbarians at Melbourne's Olympic Park (kickoff 9.45 pm NZ time) would be more of a match for most other countries' full national squads.

Throw in the added ingredient that at least half the players on the paddock have a chance of going to the World Cup in October, and the fixture fully deserves the "test" status it has been given by both coaches.

Despite being unhappy with his side's organisation in their recent big wins over France and the ACT Brumbies, New Zealand A coach Ross Cooper is confident three solid training runs in Melbourne this week will have his players peaking.

"We haven't really had a lot of time together for all three of our games so far this year and each time we've basically had a new-look team," said Cooper.

"This time around we've been able to introduce some new scrum and lineout variations and work on some of our faults from other games."

Veteran All Blacks lock Ian Jones said while the Australian Barbarians boasted a lineup with more international experience, New Zealand A had just as many individuals in form and on the verge of test match rugby.

"We've just had to spend time together, especially for those new in the team at this level.

"For a game like this it's all about having time on the training paddock and talking about team situations," Jones said.

"We've spent a lot of time just going through the fundamentals."

Barbarians coach Eddie Jones, who had a close look at New Zealand A when they beat his Brumbies team 51-29 in Canberra last Saturday, said the Barbarians started the week a little behind the eight-ball in terms of preparation.

"Unlike them, we haven't played together yet and obviously when you get players coming together from different states and down from the Wallabies, there's a fair bit of organisation work to do," Jones said.

"But certainly the attitude of the players has been extremely enthusiastic and we've been happy with the week."

Defence has been another focus this week for both sides, with Jones pointing to the running threat posed around the fringes by New Zealand A loose forwards Filo Tiatia and Scott Robertson.

New Zealand A: Bruce Reihana, Joeli Vidiri, Caleb Ralph, Marc Ellis, Walter Little, Carlos Spencer, Rhys Duggan, Filo Tiatia, Scott Robertson, Todd Blackadder (captain), Ian Jones, Troy Flavell, Gordon Slater, Norm Hewitt, Greg Sommerville.

Reserves: Adrian Cashmore, Craig Innes, Mark Robinson, Isitolo Maka, Glen Marsh, Paul Thomson, Slade McFarland.

Australian Barbarians: Matt Burke, Scott Staniforth, Jason Little, Damian Smith, Rod Kafer, Nathan Spooner, Chris Whitaker, Willie Ofahengaue, Brett Robinson (captain), Mark Connors, Tom Bowman, Jim Williams, Andrew Blades, Phil Kearns, Glenn Panoho.

Reserves: Graeme Bond, Christian Warner, Sam Cordingley, Stu Pinkerton, Daniel Manu, Richard Harry, Michael Foley. - NZPA