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MARSEILLE - Graham Henry will raise the subject of drinks breaks with rugby World Cup officials as his team prepare for a scorching hot opening pool game against Italy on Saturday.
Temperatures around 30degC have greeted the New Zealand team in Marseille this week and they are forecast to remain, or even increase, for the Saturday afternoon clash at Stade Velodrome.
International Rugby Board laws say a game can be stopped once in each half to allow a water break if conditions are deemed to be unsafe for players.
At a meeting between coaches and match officials in Paris today, Henry was to clarify the rule, ensuring it can be employed if heat was taking an obvious toll on the players in the match, scheduled to kick off at 1.45pm (11.45pm NZ time). He was going to suggest some leniency be allowed for extra trainers taking water onto the field.
"We'll make sure there's a safety-first emphasis in the heat," Henry said.
"We've got to be aware of the heat and make sure there's plenty of water available. I'll be talking to the officials about that."
The rule has been employed in recent times at first class level, most notably in Australia for early-season Super 12/14 matches.
It is rarely needed at test level in a winter code which features numerous night tests.
One benefit of the team's 2-1/2 day stopover in Corsica was that they had adjusted quickly to the heat of southern France.
Henry believed his players would perform to a high standard if temperatures became uncomfortable - as long as they were well hydrated.
"The guys are very fit and fit people will acclimatise quicker than the majority."
Henry will be joined by scrum coach Mike Cron, who will seek guidance from a panel headed by former New Zealand whistler Paddy O'Brien on how referees will control the scrums at this tournament.
The key from Cron's point of view will be a consistent attitude and method from every referee.
All Blacks prop Neemia Tialata described scrums overall this year as a "shambles", under the new engagement laws.
"It is hard playing one week with one referee and then the next week with someone who does it differently at scrum time," Tialata said.
Scrums and lineouts were an obvious focus when the All Blacks trained for the first time here yesterday under bright sunshine at Stade Jean Bouin, a secluded, suburban ground which has been improved for the All Blacks to use at considerable cost by the council here.
The training was a private one, in stark comparison to the 9000-strong crowd who watched Australia in their first training run at Montpellier, just along the coast from Marseille.
Lock Keith Robinson, who has been ruled out of the Italy test with a calf injury, largely watched on although he took a small part in some drills.
Henry is expected to announce a strong team, with centre Conrad Smith and second five-eighth Luke McAlister possibly having the inside running to form the first New Zealand midfield partnership of the Cup.
Keven Mealamu may win the starting spot from Anton Oliver at hooker but otherwise there should few changes from the their last test team, who beat Australia at Eden Park to retain the Bledisloe Cup.
- NZPA
