New Zealand to ditch rotation system

New Zealand coach Graham Henry said his policy of rotating two powerhouse teams would end on the tour of Europe this year when…

New Zealand coach Graham Henry said his policy of rotating two powerhouse teams would end on the tour of Europe this year when matches against England, Wales and France would be used to simulate World Cup conditions.

Henry said he would be selecting full-strength teams in Europe as well as next season's Tri-Nations and two home tests against France in June.

"The system of developing two teams, depth and unity will not be a major emphasis on the end of year tour and in the Tri-Nations next year," Henry told reporters before the Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia in Auckland on Saturday.

The All Blacks used the system of rotating two different starting XVs on last year's Grand Slam tour of Europe and during the current Tri-Nations campaign, in which they are unbeaten after three games.

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But Henry and his coaching staff, whose preparations before next year's tournament in France are leaving no stone unturned, want to ensure their players are ready for the recovery rates required for a successful World Cup campaign.

"Some of our players don't recover until the Thursday after a test match and then they play again on Saturday.

It takes a long time (to recover) and we want to make sure we are doing it right, and that we've trialled it before the World Cup, so we will play some players three games in a row."

Test centre Aaron Mauger welcomed the decision as he prepares to work with a fourth different midfield partner this season, Isaia Toeava, in Saturday's clash at Eden Park.

"I'd like to see my revolving door stop as well," the 36-test Mauger joked.

"Looking forward to the end of year tour, there's been talk of that happening. It helps your performance and gives you confidence in the guys around you. You get consistency in combinations."

New Zealand, unbeaten against the Wallabies at Eden Park since 1986, will win the Tri-Nations if they can defeat Australia.