subject: Rugby: New Zealand Maori looking for clean sweep [print this page] Rugby: New Zealand Maori looking for clean sweep
Martin Johnson has tried to deny that tonight will be a battle between English brawn and Maori flair but that's precisely what a sell-out Napier crowd can expect.
Even though the England coach is running out his dirt-trackers, the match is a test in disguise and the Maori are desperate to end their centenary celebration series in style.
Memories of narrow wins over the New Zealand Barbarians and Ireland would fade if they can't complete the clean sweep at McLean Park.
"There is a real sense that the boys want to finish off the campaign on a positive note," coach Jamie Joseph said.
Joseph is worried about England's big bruisers and a short preparation of just 1 1/2 trainings but says the Maori have bonded closely in their brief time together.
"We use song and dance and haka and all of those things result in a bloody good team spirit. Those two games that we played, I thought that was the difference."
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The Maori scored some cracking tries against Ireland and boast a skilful backline including the likes of Hosea Gear, Stephen Brett and Luke McAlister. Joseph's selection of Karl Lowe at blindside flanker is a giveaway of how the Maori will want to play fast and furious.
"It does limit our lineout a bit," Joseph said. "But we're looking to exploit and use his skills in the areas that he's strong at on the ground, defence, workrate."
Gear has been in explosive form for the Maori but was again overlooked by the All Blacks selectors yesterday, with Rene Ranger called on to the bench as outside back cover.
"I've got a job to do here with the Maori first and I think Rene deserves his spot," Gear said. "He's played really well and had a good season."
It is a mystery to many why Gear continues to be overlooked, particularly with the rule interpretations this year swinging back in favour of attack.
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Gear said he had received no instructions from the All Blacks coaches "they're probably giving Sonny Bill a bit more feedback than myself," he quipped but is focusing on high ball receptions and lifting his workrate.
Meanwhile, England captain Chris Robshaw said the midweekers were viewing tonight as their big test after they won one match and drew the other against the Australian Barbarians.
"That's how important it is to us, to come to New Zealand and get a win," Robshaw said.
The blindside flanker from Harlequins said the Maori pack weren't being taken lightly but Gear had been identified as the major threat.
"Hosea Gear is carving up everyone at the moment. When he touches the ball he seems to make something happen, so we'll be on red alert for him."
Given the Maori's proud international record it is somewhat surprising that the TAB has installed England as favourites tonight.
But the English are buoyant after their test side beat Australia and they will back experienced first five-eighth Charlie Hodgson to steer them to victory behind their powerful pack.
And in speedy centre Matthew Tait and former Sharks second-five Brad Barritt, they too possess some strike in the backs. Corporate Hospitality Group offers England V New Zealand hospitality packages for Autumn Internationals. Buy England V New Zealand hospitality packages at official Corporate Hospitality Group.
