Prop Paul James earns a surprise call up to earn his second cap, six years after his debut.
James Hook will start at Full-Back, against speculation earlier in the week that Wales would be choosing him at stand-off.
Should James Hook play in his preferred position of Fly-Half? Or should he just accept his utility back status and be thankful that his selection is partly due to his versatility within a back line.
Dwayne Peel has not been included in the team. As this international fixture has fallen outside of the international window, Peel’s club, Sale where not obliged to release him to Wales.
Is this fair? Should a player’s international opportunity be jeopardised because of an international window? How will Dwayne feel as he runs out on Friday in Newport to play in the LV= Cup, knowing that he could be in Cardiff at that very same moment preparing for the All Blacks on Saturday?
What would seriously rub salt in the wound is if he didn’t get a starting position and if he isn’t included, livid would be an understatement.
But I however, am now focused on the game itself. Partly, the reason I look forward to any fixture with New Zealand is, I Love the Haka. It’s an iconic symbol that represents rugby, never mind New Zealand. I am yet to experience this ritual first hand, but I’m going to make sure one day I do. But these specific occasions have real significance to me.
This Fixture last year, Wales stood on their 10 metre line and faced the famous Haka lead by Piri Weepu. The crowd was electric as the famous war dance commenced.
The ritual ended and this, traditionally, is where teams would turn and set themselves for kick off. But the Welsh stood motionless and fronted up to New Zealand and for a good 30 seconds each man stood and starred face to face with the opposition. Referee Jonathan Kaplan was moving along the line telling the players to get on with it, but still no one moved. Eventually New Zealand turned away and the game commenced.
Wales lost that fixture but you have to respect their daring edge and defiance to be dominated, Saturday is round 2. Wales have not beaten the All Blacks in 56 years.
It seems the Millennium Stadium has a strong defiance against the All Blacks. During the 2007 world cup New Zealand faced France in the quarter finals. As the Haka was commencing, the French moved ever forward towards the All blacks and the routine finished with both sides touching noses almost. Within the Clip you can see Chabal growling at the opposition. Front up rugby at its best.
It’s memorable moments like that which make me proud to be a rugby fan. I seriously cannot wait to see what will happen as Wales line up to face the Haka again.
Wales face the All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, Kick off is at 5.15 on BBC 2
Wales Team:
James Hook (Ospreys); Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts (all Cardiff Blues), Shane Williams (Ospreys); Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Gareth Cooper; Gethin Jenkins (both Blues), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Paul James, Alun-Wyn Jones (both Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), Andy Powell, Martyn Williams (both Blues), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt).Replacements: Huw Bennett, Duncan Jones, Bradley Davies, Dafydd Jones, Martin Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Tom James.
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