Muliaina To Crack 100 Tests

Last week I was among many who doubted that the All Black fullback would reach this milestone - unless injuries to other players enabled him to get the vital start.

That's what happened. The injuries continue to plague the All Blacks and, with Israel Dagg sidelined yet again, it's opened the way for the popular Muliaina to join McCaw as the country's only players with 100 tests.

Injuries to Kahui and Guildford have also given the selectors the excuse to trial Williams on the wing after his explosive performance in that position against Japan. This quarter final will be a much sterner test for him as a rookie winger, but such is his talent he's likely to emerge with an even more enhanced reputation.

But, apart from seeing whether Read and McCaw emerge unscathed, the real interest will be on the halfback and first five pairing of Piri Weepu and Colin Slade. For example, which of these two will be entrusted with the early kicks at goal? It might be that Weepu fills the role to take some of the burden from Slade and permit him to ease into the test without the worry of kicking.

Also of interest will be the tactic of substitution in these two positions. Will Cowan be used off the bench and Weepu move out one spot, or will newcomer Aaron Cruden be given some game time to ready him for the possibility of a major involvement later on?

A win against the Pumas might be guaranteed, but there are many interesting side issues surrounding this quarter final.

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