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Having discovered most of the world, Portugal will now discover the All Black's back line
Kiwi-through-and-through Dean Roulston talks up his boys ahead of their expected massacre against Portugal
As predicted, the All Blacks got off to a flying start at the Stade Veledrome last week and I expect things to be no different in Lyon against Portugal on Saturday! The Men in Black produced a massive statement of intent in their 76-14 demolition of Italy in Marseille. This performance was just what Graham Henry and the All Blacks brains trust would have been looking for. The game was effectively over inside 20 minutes when the Black machine ran in 5 tries to lead by 37-0. The execution and decision-making was absolutely superb with every half chance being converted into points.
While the whole team performed, Dougie Howlett was a standout, scoring three tries to tie the legendary Christian Cullen as the leading all time All Black tryscorer. Aside from him, Dan Carter controlled the game beautifully from number 10 and Ali Williams and Jerry Collins showed some outstanding off-loading and kicking skills for big men.
Wholesale changes have been made to this week's side. With Henry keen to give the whole squad a run in the first 2 games, 11 personnel and 12 positional changes have been made meaning only the second row, Jerry 'the human guiness pint' Collins (captain this week) and Mils Muliaina retaining their places in the XV. This many changes would be unsettling for any other side, but the All Blacks have spent the last 4 years developing more depth than the Mariana Trench, so expect no change in performance. In comes natural-born speed freak 'smokin' Joe Rokocoko on one wing to replace Howlett. Joining him in the outside backs are wunderkind Isaia 'Ice' Toeava and Conrad 'llb' Smith (a late withdrawal last week). Pulling the strings inside will be the supremely talented Nick 'Snapper' Evans and the vastly experienced Aaron Mauger. Brendon Leonard completes the back division at scrum half, he may look like an old man at age 22 but he's got wheels and an eye for a gap.
In the forward line there's a completely changed front row, comprised of Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore and Greg 'Yoda' Sommerville returning from injury. Other changes are the powerful Chris Masoe at openside flank and human wrecking machine Sione Lauaki at No8. There have been fears for the Portuguese players safety this weekend, and I tend to agree. All of these guys are pushing for a spot in the top side and will be looking to make a big impression on the selectors. Coach Henry has suggested there may be a certain amount of 'sensitivity' towards the Portuguese but "not too much". The reality is we could be talking a world record score here.
The Portuguese were plucky at best in their first up defeat to the Jocks last Sunday, and in skipper Vasco Uva and try scoring hero Pedro Carvalho, they have a couple of handy players. Unfortunately for the men from the Iberian peninsula, the All Blacks will be looking to better the 145 points they put on Japan 12 years ago. With that in mind, New Zealand look good value at 1.85 to cover the 110 point handicap. It's also worth considering Joe Rokocoko in the top tryscorer market (6.8) as he could conceivably score 7 or 8 in this one. I would also keep an eye on the 'To score' market as there could be some tasty prices on some of the forwards to dot down.
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