words before the final test

It feels so good to be back in New Zealand after being deprived of non-Australian news for ten days.. thoroughly enjoyable holiday in Sydney though.. shame about the Origin though..

Anyway it does look like rugby’s version of M*A*S*H this weekend with so many high profile names pulling out for both sides.. had this been a decider it would have received many headlines.. but with the series wrapped up, there is probably a more relaxed feel to this weekend’s game..

so the XVs for the final test in Auckland :

All Blacks:
Tony Woodcock, Keven Meleamu, Greg Somerville, Chris Jack, Ali Williams, Jerry Collins, Rodney So'oialo, Sione Lauaki, Byron Kelleher, Luke McAlister, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Tana Umaga(captain), Conrad Smith, Rico Gear, Mils Mulaiina

SUBS: Derren Witcombe, Campbell Johnstone, James Ryan, Marty Holah, Justin Marshall, Nick Evans, Doug Howlett

Lions:
Gethin Jenkins, Steve Thompson, Julian White, Paul O'Connell, Donncha O'Callaghan, Simon Easterby, Lewis Moody, Ryan Jones, Dwayne Peel, Stephen Jones, Josh Lewsey, Gareth Thomas, Will Greenwood, Mark Cueto, Geordan Murphy

SUBS: Shane Byrne, Graham Rowntree, Martin Corry, Martyn Williams, Matt Dawson, Ronan O'Gara, Shane Horgan