England target scrum success

ALL BLACKS v ENGLANDAN INJURY to fullback Mils Muliaina has forced the All Blacks to call for extra help ahead of tomorrow's Test against England at Eden Park in Auckland. Muliaina, who strained a hamstring in training on Wednesday, is still hopeful of playing but the selectors have called up uncapped Paul Williams, the son of former Test winger Bryan, as a precaution. Williams trained with the team yesterday.

The selectors had otherwise made just one change to the New Zealand side that beat Ireland 21-11 in Wellington last week after prop Greg Somerville was recalled to replace the injured John Afoa.

Somerville has only made two appearances for the All Blacks since an Achilles' tendon injury in 2006 but will provide some stiff opposition to imposing England frontrower Andrew Sheridan.

Sheridan is the lone survivor from the team that lost last year's World Cup final to South Africa in Paris but his presence is a clear sign of England's indications to attack the New Zealand scrum.

"We'd be looking to get an edge there," England's caretaker coach Rob Andrew told reporters. "If we don't match the All Blacks . . . then you are on the back foot so you will be in difficulty."

England have managed just two wins over the All Blacks in New Zealand and face an enormous task improving that record after picking a relatively inexperienced squad because of a massive injury toll. There are 11 changes from the side that played in their last outing against Ireland including one new cap, winger Topsy Ojo.

"It's going to be one of the toughest games these guys have ever played in, given the inexperience of some of the players," Andrew said. "But if we can get some parity up front then I think we'll be in the game."

New Zealand are also fielding a relatively new-look team after a spate of retirements and departures for European clubs following last year's World Cup flop. Coach Graham Henry, who bore the brunt of public criticism over the World Cup loss, has kept faith in the side that were pushed all the way by Ireland in atrocious conditions last week.

NEW ZEALAND:Mils Muliaina; Anthony Tuitavake, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Dan Carter, Andy Ellis; Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Greg Somerville, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino.

ENGLAND:Mike Brown; Topsy Ojo, Mike Tindall, Olly Barkley, David Strettle; Charlie Hodgson, Richard Wigglesworth; Andrew Sheridan, Lee Mears, Matt Stevens, Tom Palmer, Steve Borthwick (capt), James Haskell, Tom Rees, Luke Narraway.