New Zealand will clearly try anything for success after the All Blacks confirmed a reshuffle of their coaching staff ahead of their forthcoming Autumn tour.
Head coach Graham Henry will now switch from defence coach to forwards for the first time since his appointment in late 2003.
Former forwards supremo Steve Hansen will now work on attack, while Wayne Smith takes over defensive duties from Henry.
Hansen in particular came in for criticism during the recent Tri-Nations, which saw the All Blacks well beaten by champions South Africa on three occasions.
More worrying than the actual result was the way that the line-out floundered badly, while the attack has also looked out of sorts. And Henry is hoping the reshuffle will pay immediate dividends with matches against Australia, Wales, Italy, England and France as well as the Barbarians looming.
He said: “We’re always trying to improve what we’re doing and we think this is an opportunity to do that and get better.
“I haven’t coached the forwards for a while, I haven’t jumped in too many line-outs but I’m looking forward to it.
“I think if you’ve got a bit of apprehension and nerves it brings the best out of you. It’s good for me to have that challenge.”
Henry urged the players selected to give their all on the tour, as the All Blacks are using the series as part of the build-up to the next World Cup, on home soil, in 2011.
Test veteran Joe Rokocoko has paid the price for some poor recent form while fellow wing Hosea Gear has also missed out on a place in the squad.
Wing duo Ben Smith and Zac Guildford were surprise additions to the 33-man squad, while utility back Tamati Ellison and fly-half Mike Delaney also got the nod. And Henry said: “Our basic goals for this tour are to play quality rugby that we’re proud of and also to sort out some selections for the future.
“There are a number of guys in this side who have been with the All Blacks for some time and we need to make sure that those selections are right going forward.
“There are probably ten guys who are injured at the moment and a number of very good players left behind,” he added.
“It’s important these guys (selected) cement themselves in the team going forward. To do that they have to play.”
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