D2 WEEKENDSPORT Saturday, October 4, 2014 THE PRESS,

RUGBY Carter a casualty – rookies will start Coach plugs gaps for game against Makos

Tony Smith Fantasy gets [email protected] ● ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● ●

Scott Robertson may feel more like a casualty ward medical director serious in France than a rugby coach but he is look- ing at the loss of experienced Can- A computer game has just been the region of €1m ($NZ1.6m). terbury halves and released allowing fans to take on The former as a golden oppor- the role of director of rugby at playmaker duly signed on for tunity for two tyros. their favourite club. They can three more years with Toulon, Carter’s comeback has proved sign the best players in the but that is likely to be just the shortlived, with the All Blacks ace world and build a team capable first of many transfer invalided out of tonight’s game of winning anything. Mourad skirmishes between Boudjellal against the Tasman Makos at AMI Boudjellal, the Toulon owner, and Lorenzetti over the next Stadium. The 32-year-old returned has been playing that kind of year as rugby gears up for a last week after breaking a bone in fantasy rugby for years. mass migration of talent after his lower right leg in the He now has his eyes on what the 2015 World Cup. ’ grand he calls ‘‘les quatres Significantly, it is not just the final defeat in on August 2. fantastique’’, an all-star list that old guard in the market for one But he suffered a knock to his he has declined to name but last lucrative payday who could shin in Canterbury’s 28-26 loss to appears to include three key All be bound for Europe. Southland on Sunday and has not Blacks – Dan Carter, Ma’a Nonu , widely con- recovered in time to play national and Richie McCaw. sidered to be the All Blacks’ provincial championship co- The most prized signature of captain-in-waiting, is said to be leaders Tasman. all is that of Dan Carter, who exploring the possibility of a Carter will join captain Heinz would also command about €1m lucrative stint abroad, while on the sideline with the senior ($NZ1.6m). Toulon and Racing , his team-mate at halfback nursing a knee injury. are both chasing the New Zea- international level, is another Robertson said it was a ‘‘tight land fly half, although the believed to be on Toulon’s radar. call’’ on Carter. He gave the cham- club are also thought to have , pion first five-eighth every chance signed Remi Tales, the France and Adam Ashley-Cooper could to shake off his injury by delaying fly half. all feature in a mass Australian the team naming until last night. Jacky Lorenzetti, the Racing exodus. Faced with that stark But caution ultimately pre- Metro president, has joined the reality, the Australian Rugby vailed. ‘‘He’s just got a bang on his high-stakes bidding war after Union had to change its policy shin and he’s about 80 per cent his club returned to the , and allow players to build a [fit],’’ Robertson said. making a bid last month to sabbatical year into their con- ‘‘We’ve decided to let him be tempt from Toulon tracts. It was dubbed the ‘‘Folau 100 per cent before he plays again.’’ to replace , trump card’’. Robertson said Carter was with the promise of a contract in Times ‘‘really keen’’. Stop-start: Dan Carter was in action last week for Canterbury but took a knock to a shin and has been sidelined for tonight’s game. Photo: GETTY IMAGES ‘‘But it was a combined decision; we just want to make Johnny McNicholl, Patrick AT A GLANCE trial but the Makos believe it is the likely to get noticed by the sure he’s at 100 per cent when he Osborne, Milford Keresoma, Dan ‘‘big one’’. Crusaders and other Super Rugby plays again.’’ Carter, Tyler Bleyendaal and Jack Robertson and Canterbury - teams. They have been the Whether that is against Tara- Goodhue all out with injuries, not Canterbury: Luteru Laulala, Manning, , Steve Siua Halanukonuka. Reserves: tain both took the line frontrunners in this competition naki tomorrow week in Canter- to mention the players we’re miss- Nathaniel Apa, Adam Whitelock, Alfeld, Brett Mather, William Jesse MacDonald, Reuben that every NPC game is a virtual for the past half-dozen years and it bury’s final round-robin game, or ing with the All Blacks, our Rob Thompson, Michael Green, Saukuru. Northover, Tevita Cavubati, Super Rugby trial, although Manu will be a really good test for us. for the All Blacks against Aust- backline stocks are very stretched Richie Mo’unga, Mitchell Tasman: Robbie Malneek, Bryce Nemani Nagusa, Billy Guyton, agreed Canterbury v Tasman was ‘‘They will be looking to make ralia in on October 18, at the moment. Drummond, Nasi Manu (c), Matt Heem, Kieron Fonotia, , Rohan Saifoloi, Mitchell Scott. always ‘‘big brother against little amends after dropping their last now remains to be seen. ‘‘But I’ve got full confidence in Todd, , Matt James Lowe, Marty Banks, Jimmy Kickoff: 7.35pm tonight at AMI brother’’. couple of games, so there will be no Robertson has named two the players that will take the field Symons, Dominic Bird, Nepo Cowan, Vernon Fredricks, Shane Stadium. But Tasman lock Joe Wheeler, problem getting pumped up for 20-year-olds – and I know that there is some Laulala, , Daniel Christie (c), Tevita Koloamatangi, Referee: Garratt Williamson. who now plays for the Highlanders this week’s game. and Richie Mo’unga – at halfback exciting young talent in there who Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Ben Joe Wheeler, Alex Ainley, Ross TAB: Canterbury $1.35. Tasman after a short stint with the ‘‘Now that we have guaranteed and first five-eighth. will be determined to show what Funnell, Siate Tokolahi, J J Geldenhuys, Quentin MacDonald, $3. Crusaders, said the Makos our spot in the semis, our goal is a ‘‘It’s a huge opportunity for they’ve got,’’ Robertson said. ‘‘always circle this match on the home semifinal.’’ them. They’re diligent and Canterbury – yet to field the calendar – it’s the big one for the The Makos have extra incen- aspiring young men and have got same team in two consecutive Southland and is not in the match- All Blacks squad member Dominic called up by Canterbury as reserve year’’. tive. Tonight’s match is captain good minutes under their belt. games this campaign – have made day 22. Daniel Lienert-Brown will Bird in the second row. halfback, attended the same school Wheeler, writing in his Marl- ’s 50th match for his ‘‘This is their opportunity.’’ three changes to their pack. take the No 1 jersey, with Codie Carter’s defection has put paid as Southbridge scion Carter. borough Express column, said: province and the Highlanders Luteru Laulala takes over at Loosehead prop Alex Hodgman Taylor starting at hooker for Ben to a rare rugby reunion for two The Canterbury camp is ‘‘Everyone gets excited and wants openside flanker will be pumped fullback from Mo’unga. is still recovering from an off-the- Funnell. Ellesmere College alumni. playing down tonight’s game with to show their hand because if you for a big performance against Can- ‘‘With the likes of Willi Heinz, ball blow in the game against lock Matt Symons joins product Steve Alfeld, Tasman as a potential Crusaders’ do well against Canterbury, you’re terbury’s All Black, . Horwill denies knifing Deans

Darren Walton bie and I don’t think I ever went ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● ● Brains trust: out there and did anything not to Assistant coach World Cup captain my fullest.’’ (right) has denied helping plot Robbie Nor did he, Horwill said, meet says All Blacks Deans’ demise as Wallabies coach, with Pulver or anyone else to coach Steve but admits he erred in playing in endorse a coaching change – win Hansen (left) is Australia’s ill-fated series-deciding or lose the Lions series. always loss to the British and Irish Lions ‘‘I never met with Bill Pulver challenging him last year. about anything to do with the for the ARU boss Bill Pulver Wallabies,’’ he said. betterment of terminated Deans’ contract two The second-rower does now the team. days after Australia’s 41-16 third- agree with Deans that he should test capitulation in Sydney, with not have played with a calf injury, Horwill’s performance savaged in which, according to the former the coach’s autobiography coach’s autobiography, led to the released on Thursday. ‘‘Australian scrum getting The book, Red, Black & Gold, murdered’’. written by Deans’ trusted former Horwill conceded he’d been so Wallabies media manager Matt worked up by the IRB intervening McIlraith, also documents Deans’ to reopen a foul play charge disillusionment at senior players against him that, when he was being involved in ‘‘clandestine finally cleared to play, nothing was meetings’’ about the coach’s pos- Offside: James Horwill, foreground, and address a press conference going to stop him. ition leading up to the test. after a test loss to the Lions last year. Photo: GETTY IMAGES ‘‘Probably in hindsight I ‘‘I don’t know about that,’’ shouldn’t have [played],’’ he said. Foster’s punt proves Horwill said ahead of tomorrow’s While the book did not name Lions loss. ‘‘It’s disappointing that ‘‘But I wasn’t going to let a tiny test against in Mendoza. names, as such, when referring to individually you get blamed, but little calf injury stop me from ‘‘Not to my knowledge. We were the senior players working that’s part of footy – you live with playing in what I thought was focused on playing and what ‘‘behind the scenes’’, only Horwill what you’ve done,’’ Horwill said. probably the biggest game of rugby happened afterwards, happened. and vice-captain were ‘‘In the end, I feel like had a played in Australia in a long, long to be a master stroke That was not our doing.’’ singled out for criticism after the very good relationship with Rob- time.’’ AAP

Liam Napier involved. It was a bit of a punt but in I heard he ● ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● ● I’m pleased he took it.’’ might have Others, such as Irish coach Joe Northland Three days before Ian Foster was Schmidt and coach John T-shirt change sparked to fly to Ireland and, in all likeli- been going to an Kirwan, were suggested to Hansen hood, sign a lucrative three-year Irish club. I when he took over. Ultimately he win thriller contract with a powerhouse club, was interested only in Foster. called. personally thought ‘‘There were no promises or ugly mid-flight argument Northland enhanced their semi- The typically direct and honest guarantees,’’ Foster said. ‘‘I was final chances by dominating a message proved enough for Foster that was stupid if prepared to stick around and see Georgina Robinson a bitter loss and concerns about Her responsibilities, include thrilling national rugby champion- ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● ● to take a big gamble. He still went he had a desire to what happened after the World growing unease within the side. management and oversight of indi- ship match 58-27 against North to Ireland and surveyed the highly Cup. Steve had to go through and A request that Stuff understands McKenzie vidual and squad disciplinary Harbour in Whangarei last night. rated club. In the back of his mind, be an All Black firstly get selected and then pick change his T-shirt escalated into a was sitting next to Patston on the matters, Wallabies staff, team Northland had too much vigour though, things had changed. The coach. candidates for my role.’’ heated inflight argument that has flight and that it was a request finances, and acting as a liaison up front for their neighbours with potential to join the All Blacks’ Hansen and Foster’s relation- shrouded the playmaker in contro- from the coach – that Beale change officer for the team. a back row superbly led by Dan management was an opportunity Steve Hansen on Ian Foster ship has been integral to the All versy, put a staff member’s future his T-shirt for another piece of Many inside the Wallabies con- Pryor dominating the breakdowns he could not turn down. Blacks’ success over the past three in doubt and now threatens to team gear – which sparked the sider her a hard-working and and big lock Shane Neville bring- It was 2009 – the year Foster’s shy, Hansen made it clear he years. Even now, there’s never a engulf the Wallabies a day out encounter. indispensable team member who ing some set piece solidity. Chiefs lost the lopsided final wanted Foster as his right-hand dull moment between the pair. from a . McKenzie had made the same has taken on more responsibility With that sort of platform, against the Bulls in . At man should he take over from Gra- ‘‘He’s challenging,’’ Foster Wallabies team business man- request of rookie second-rower as ARU budget cuts bit hard. halves Sonatane Takulau and the time he was highly regarded ham Henry after the tournament. smiles. ‘‘He interrogates you all ager Di Patston flew back to Syd- , it is understood, and Patston is also understood to be Daniel Hawkins were able to dic- and in hot demand, but until Han- ‘‘He was always one to chal- the time about what we’re doing ney on Wednesday, two days after both players complied. heavily involved with the families tate play and get the upper hand sen intervened he believed the lenge the norm, which I thought but you always know it’s from a she and Beale were involved in a But Beale, in a foul mood after of the squad’s Polynesian players, amongst two young and enterpris- next step in his coaching career was quite good,’’ Hansen said. perspective of how can we make heated stoush across the aisle in the side’s 28-10 loss to the and often organises buses to games ing backlines, finishing with six lay overseas. ‘‘That would lead to reasonably this team better. Because his the business class cabin of South Springboks 15 hours earlier, made for their wives and girlfriends. tries. ‘‘I was weighing up some over- robust discussions between us. motives are pure, he cares, and it’s Africa Airways flight 222 from a sarcastic comment as he But it is understood some Fairfax NZ seas offers and thinking that was Over a period of time we came to all about helping the team, they’re Johannesburg to Sao Paulo, this returned to his seat. members of the playing group and probably the next step,’’ Foster trust those conversations. great conversations. week. The comment was questioned management have felt growing AT A GLANCE recalled. ‘‘He [Hansen] caught ‘‘I heard he might have been ‘‘Knowing you’re in a room The incident is under investi- by Patston, according to witnesses unease at Patston’s expanding but wind of it, as he does. We had a going to an Irish club. I personally where you can speak your mind – gation by the head of the ARU’s in the cabin, and the pair argued. blurry role within the team. yarn. It was a short conversation. thought that was stupid if he had a give and receive things – and it’s integrity unit, Phil Thomson. Patston is a close and trusted confi- That has seen her sit in on disci- Northland 58 (Ross Wright, Matthew He said he was interested in work- desire to be an All Black coach. If I not personal is vital.’’ Wallabies coach Ewen McKen- dante of McKenzie’s, who worked plinary matters and recently tour Wright 3, Jone Macilai-Tori, Kara ing with me and based on that I didn’t get the job I thought he’d be While there is no master plan zie revealed no details of what was with the Super Rugby title- with the group overseas for the Pryor tries; Daniel Hawkins 5 con, 6 pen) North Harbour 27 (Greg stuck around.’’ good enough to be one of the and he is content to live in the alleged to have occurred for fear, winning coach at the Queensland first time. Pleasants-Tate, Matt McGahan, Robbie Hansen was then All Blacks candidates, if not get the head present, post-World Cup Foster he said, of "a trial by media". Reds in the role of team adminis- It is also understood that while Robinson, Leigh Thompson tries; assistant coach in the lead-up to coaching job. will consider his options. What triggered the boilover, trator between 2011 and 2013. She no one condones Beale’s behaviour McGahan con, pen; Daniel Halangahu the 2011 World Cup. He and Foster ‘‘I knew if we didn’t win the ‘‘Ultimately I can see myself however, reveals a fraught picture moved with him to the ARU when – for which he later apologised – a con). HT: 20-15. struck up a relationship through World Cup we’d all get the chop going back to being a head coach at of a team under immense pres- McKenzie was named Wallabies of insiders feel he could those channels. Never one to be but if we did then I wanted him some point,’’ he said. Fairfax NZ sure, individuals vulnerable after coach last year. unfairly be made a scapegoat.