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TOULOUSE - He's not a man for flowery expressions but All Blacks lock Keith Robinson spoke volumes when he cast his steely gaze forward a week to their rugby World Cup quarterfinal.
The tough Waikato man's first emotion after yesterday's 85-8 win over Romania here was relief after surviving 55 minutes without aggravating the calf strain that sidelined him from the first three pool games.
He was still feeling fine when replaced by Chris Jack and is suddenly a genuine option for the New Zealand selectors in the knockout phase.
"It's good to finally get through some rugby," he said.
"I just have to be a bit more accurate but that will come."
Robinson described the win as a sound one against physical opponents but then set about describing the complete change in attitude the All Blacks would need to undergo in quarterfinal week in Cardiff.
"We're all well aware of the intensity and mental game we have to bring next week," he said.
"For myself, it's the knockout stages. This whole week is going to be about preparation.
"Everything's got to be pretty accurate as far as I'm concerned. The mental game will go up heaps."
Robinson may still be seen as too underdone to make the starting side at Cardiff.
Lock Ali Williams has been outstanding at this tournament while 66-test veteran Jack gave a reminder of what he can do with a brilliant athletic burst.
For several players yesterday, their performance may well have determined what - if any - role they have to play in October.
Greg Somerville and Neemia Tialata were evenly matched at prop, with both playing out 80 minutes in a tight duel for a reserve bench spot at Cardiff.
Loose forwards Chris Masoe and Sione Lauaki and lock Reuben Thorne all bring vastly different skills but at most just two of them will be on the bench next week.
At prop there was little between versatile duo Neemia Tialata and Greg Somerville, who are battling for a bench berth.
Keven Mealamu was industrious as he tries to wrestle the top hooker's job off Anton Oliver.
Third-choice halfback Andrew Ellis made a bright first test start but is unlikely to break into the top 22, while the same could be said of midfielders Aaron Mauger and Isaia Toeava.
There was little to separate the performances of Joe Rokocoko and Sitiveni Sivivatu, who are both in line for the left wing berth next week.
- NZPA
