Category: New Zealand

The New Zealand Herald are reporting that Tana Umaga has signed a contract with the NZRFU which lasts until 2007. At 31 years old he only has a few years of top level rugby left in him. Although for once it is good to see the NZRFU retaining one of their senior players. In recent years it has been the norm for senior players from New Zealand to end their playing days in Europe or Japan. Meaning that up and coming players are not able to benefit from experience of the older players.

I am still not totally convinced that he is the best player to lead the All Blacks. Although he has gotten off to a good start as captain with two victories from two games. He is yet to be tested in a difficult game.

The game started off with a much more aggressive English forward play. England start well putting lots of pressure on the All Black team and earning two penalty goals for their efforts. But perhaps a bit too aggressive as English lock Simon Shaw was sent after 10 minutes for kneeing All Black Keith Robinson in a ruck.

New Zealand weathered the English storm and struck back with a break from Joe Rokocoko who fed the ball to Dan Carter who scored in the corner. Giving the All Blacks a 10 to 6 lead over England going into half time.
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Although the All Blacks haven’t ruled out Richie McCaw, it looks like he wont make the team for Saturdays game.

Meanwhile Clive Woodward has played down suggestions that his team is over coached. While hinting there may be a bit of biff in the game.

Doug Howlett is out of the All Blacks team to play England on Saturday and it looks like Richie McCaw may be out of the match as well.