Aisle be Back: The last Test before the RWC and the NPC starting

• By Kevin McCarthy

Everyone needs a Canada. Even Canada.

I’m referencing the Maple Leaf because I always reckon they were the prefect pre World Cup opposition, in 1995 when the All Blacks were off to South Africa.

Laurie Mains’ side were not exactly setting the world on fire – 1994 record, six tests, three losses, one draw, including the Try From The End of the World.

But if memory serves me right, the Canadian pre matches were like a giant reset button. The fast play style of the team worked and produced the blitzkrieg later on the various veldts. That and the secret weapon of Jonah Lomu.

Nothing like free running and lots of tries. 73-7 against Canada at Eden Park, in the only pre-World Cup game.

The All Blacks went onto an exceptional World Cup, barring a botch-up in catering in the final week.

Fast forward nearly 30 years, and the preparation seems ludicrously light. These days it feels like teams have an endless procession of preparatory games.

But thanks heavens we have our Canada still – aka Eddie Jones’ Australia.

To be fair, for 30 minutes they were staunch opponents in Melbourne. It’s just a shame they don’t blow the whistle at this point.

So now we roll into Dunedin with an even more banged up Wallabies side and Eddie still banging on. The All Blacks have the luxury of giving their B side a hit out.

It could all go pear shaped of course, but seriously, who is going to wager on that.

Truly, and in a fair reflection, Australia is currently our Canada.

It should be a cracking match, aye.

+++++++

The current champions and holders of the Ranfurly Shield, the Wellington Lions, kick off away against Manawatu. Just to remind you, current champions and shield holders.

That’s no bad trophy cabinet after several seasons of frankly underperforming.

So, with a comparatively easy start to the draw, the Lions should have a bit of a swagger to live up to.

The name to catch the eye on the starting sheet of course is Brad Shields. The big man is back, after five years of striding the international club circuit, and (we forgive you) even donning the Red Rose of England.

Beset by the travails of professional rugby insolvency in his last season, Shields’ misfortune has turned into a silver lining for Wellington.

It sure doesn’t feel like anymore than yesterday that it was time to bid Shields farewell. Rugby seasons sure pile on at speed.

We’re all hoping no doubt that the motor is still raring to go, now and next season for the Hurricanes.

And a big shoutout for Xavier Numia, running out for his 50^th match this weekend.

Plenty to look forward to.

Wellington Lions side to take on Manawatū:

1. Xavier Numia**
2. Josh Southall
3. PJ Sheck
4. Caleb Delany
5. Hugo Plummer
6. Brad Shields
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi ©
8. Keelan Whitman
9. Kemara Hauiti-Parapara
10. Aidan Morgan
11. Pepesana Patafilo
12. Peter Umaga-Jensen
13. Billy Proctor
14. Losi Filipo
15. Ruben Love
16. Penieli Poasa*
17. Cameron Orr*
18. Siale Lauaki
19. Akira Ieremia
20. Dominic Ropeti
21. Kyle Preston
22. Tjay Clarke
23. Chicago Doyle

*denotes potential debut
**50^th match

Unavailable for selection:
Ha’amea Ahio, Asafo Aumua, Dominic Bird, Sam Clarke, Bradley Crichton, Connor Garden-Bachop, Riley Higgins, Peter Lakai, James O’Reilly, TJ Perenara, Julian Savea