The injury to MacDonlad is a mixed blessing, as it moves Muliaina back to fullback, where the signs last week were that he is starting to come right.  So another week there, as opposed to 13 will be good for him and All Black rugby.  It also is not all bad, as on paper, or in pixels, the Mauger / McAlsiter combination looks good, so second hit out, and against a real team might show us more here.  Personally though, Toeava in 13, with either of Mauger or McAlister is what I would like to see…

Not to worry though, that pair will be fine, and we are one step closer to our RWC forward pack – now just missing one lock – Robinson or Williams, whoever recovers from injury first please!!  So expect our fatties up front, and the shock troopers in the loose trio to make the midfield battle a bit more even than it would be if the Wobblies had a superior forward pack.

The Wobblies are fielding their best team pretty much, no injuries to speak of, they are a well balanced, and well rested side, ready to do battle with the nation that they love to take on and beat.  So let’s hope the travel and battle weary All Blacks are up to the challenge tonight.  I think they will be.

Roll on kick off – for both today’s Valley Shield challenge, and the test match.

Prediction – All Blacks to come through to the tune of around ten points…

* You can’t really put a number on this, as no one knows the best pairing anyway, although in mine eyes it would be Mauger and Toeava, or McAlister and Toeava, so while it might not be the best pairing, it is two of the better midfielders that the All Blacks posses – just that they both suit 12 more than 13.