The latest AB selection illustrates why the AB's struggle when the heat is on. The switch of Smith and Kahui, the addition of Thompson for Kaino and the addition of Wolf are all mistakes to me. Here we had the opportunity to cement a combination. Nonu and Smith have been in and out over the years and the chance was there to have a third match in a row to continue to develop confidence and combinations. Yet, Henry makes the change again. I think this is wrong. They should have stuck to the A team. Why: 1. It disrupts combinations at a time when these people are all growing in confidence and getting into the rhythm of playing. 2. There is no need for rotation. Injuries are certain to come to players and rotation will come around naturally and there is no need to do this. 3. The interchange rules mean that players can be rotated during games when games are won while retaining combinations. 4. Rotation means that people get caps too easily. This cheapens the AB jersey and enhances the ...
The blog of Mark Keown, New Testament lecturer at Laidlaw College, Auckland, New Zealand. It involves comments on theology, life, sport and whatever comes into Mark's random mind.