Backline a real eyebrow-raiser
The All Blacks have sprung several major selection surprises for Friday night’s Rugby World Cup opener against Tonga in Auckland, with test regulars Mils Muliaina, Conrad Smith and Keven Mealamu missing from the 22.

In-form Israel Dagg gets the nod over 98-test veteran Muliaina at fullback, meaning captain Richie McCaw is likely to alone become the first All Black to play 100 tests in next week’s match against Japan.

McCaw and Muliaina have both played 98 tests heading into the World Cup.

Sonny Bill Williams, who did not feature in the 22 in the final Tri-Nations test against Australia two weeks ago, will start at second five-eighth with Ma’a Nonu moving out a spot to centre and Smith sitting the match out.

Centre Richard Kahui, who has brief experience at test level on the flank, replaces Zac Guildford on the right wing, while Cory Jane drops to the bench and Isaia Toeva takes his place on the left wing.

Jimmy Cowan and Dan Carter have predictably been named as the inside backs and the forward pack has a more familiar look about it.

Victor Vito, McCaw and Jerome Kaino comprise the loose forward trio while veteran Ali Williams, selected ahead of recent test regular Sam Whitelock who is providing loose forward cover on the bench in the absence of Kieran Read and Adam Thomson, partners Brad Thorn in the second row.

Thorn and Williams, who were the starting locks against Tonga at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, will start their 20th test together.

Tony Woodcock and Owen Franks sandwich Andrew Hore in the front row, with Corey Flynn the reserve hooker and Mealamu missing out on the 22 altogether.

Coach Graham Henry had always indicated this would be his strongest team, so in that sense he will raise plenty of eyebrows with the selections.

But in naming the team he suggested players who are considered to be outside the first 15 needed game time during the tournament.

”There is real competition in a number of positions, at fullback and on the wings and other positions as well, and the selection of the starting 15 reflects that,” he said.

”Those players selected have now been given the opportunity which is exciting and they will all look to make the most of their chance.”

Henry said that it was important for to give the ”backbone” of the starting 15 regular game time together in the pool matches, but balance it with the fact that other players needed to have the opportunity to get game time as well.

The non-selection of Muliaina will be a major talking point and Henry said the 31-year-old had been going through a ”flat patch”.

”He (Muliaina) has been one of the top fullbacks in the world for some time, having a bit of a flat patch at the moment but knowing Mils he will respond to that,” Henry told reporters at the team’s hotel.

Dagg had been tipped to replace Muliaina after a fine return to top class rugby against South Africa in Port Elizabeth last month following a serious quadriceps injury.

”The selectors didn’t think he’d make it,” Henry said of Dagg’s return.

”Now he knows he is up for potential selection in the top team and that puts extra pressure. He is obviously talented but inexperienced.”

Team:

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Andrew Hore
3. Owen Franks
4. Brad Thorn
5. Ali Williams
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Richie McCaw (c)
8. Victor Vito
9. Jimmy Cowan
10. Daniel Carter
11. Isaia Toeava
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Ma’a Nonu
14. Richard Kahui
15. Israel Dagg

Replacements:

16. Corey Flynn
17. Ben Franks
18. Anthony Boric
19. Sam Whitelock
20. Piri Weepu
21. Colin Slade
22. Cory Jane