Three All Blacks stars to play for Canterbury in Ranfurly Shield/Air NZ Cup match against Wellington on Sat. night...

Canterbury will start their three All Blacks stars in the Air NZ Cup/Ranfurly Shield rugby challenge against Wellington on Saturday.

Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Brad Thorn have all been confirmed in the starting 15 for the match in Wellington, with All Blacks skipper McCaw today named to play at No 8.

His customary role at openside flanker is filled by George Whitelock, who retains the captaincy after leading Canterbury in McCaw's absence this winter.

The match marks the first time McCaw has played in a shield challenge.

Carter has recovered from a slight calf strain which he picked up in the Tri-Nations test win over Australia in Sydney last Saturday.

Also back in Canterbury's ranks is loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett, who was involved with the All Blacks during the build-up to the Bledisloe Cup test but wasn't used in the playing 22.

Another international, loose forward Kieran Read, has not recovered sufficiently from knee injury to take his place in the Canterbury side.


Canterbury coach Rob Penney welcomed the availability of his All Blacks.

"It's great to have these guys available for us and keen to play and that enthusiasm is the key. They are obviously quality players and are extremely excited about playing in this match.

Carter comes in for Stephen Brett, who played well in Canterbury's 25-21 victory over Tasman last weekend and will be on the reserves bench.

Thorn replaces Luke Romano and McCaw comes in for Mike Coman, who is expected to be sidelined for three weeks with an ankle sprain.

In other changes, second five-eighth Ryan Crotty replaces Tim Bateman, who moves out one spot to centre, with Adam Whitelock named on the reserves bench.

James Paterson comes on to the left wing for Tu Umaga-Marshall.

Canterbury
Colin Slade, Sean Maitland, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, James Paterson, Dan Carter, Tyson Keats, Richie McCaw, George Whitelock (captain), Michael Paterson, Brad Thorn, James Broadhurst, Peter Borlase, Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Corey Flynn, Andrew Olorenshaw, Sam Whitelock, Matt Todd, Andy Ellis, Stephen Brett, Adam Whitelock.

Acknowledgements: NZPA

Avalon rugby club in Lower Hutt relegated from premier grade...

After a proud 30-year history, since the amalgamation of Taita and Naenae in late 1979 and the commencement of playing in the 1980 season, Avalon will not be represented in the premier one club rugby competition next year.

Avalon won the Swindale Shield in 1991 and 2001 and were back-to-back semi-finalists in 2003 and 2004.

In the glory years the team fielded two All Blacks - lock Chris Tregaskis and openside flanker Scott Waldrom - while Thomas Waldrom and Mahonri Schwalger played for the Hurricanes, the latter also played for the Highlanders. Other players such as Huia Gordon, were selected for NZ Maori sides.

Club caretaker Gordon Hays has managed Avalon for 19 years and said it is going through its worst period. "It's bitterly disappointing everyone is gutted and frustrated.

"I think the players need to have a good look at themselves. We will be working hard next year with our young guys to regain premier status."

Johnsonville lost to Wainuiomata on Saturday but have done enough in the Hardham Cup to regain premier status for next year.

It is all very well for the club's officials to blame current players, but a lack of promotion of the club, recruitment and development of younger players from the colleges and at age grade level has been a problem for a decade or more.

Even back in the club's so-called heyday, young club players were often cast aside in the club's pursuit of established or up and coming players from outside of the Avalon club. The Avalon club's executive cast aside the "family club" image in pursuit of a grandiose professional status. A classic case of having a beer income but a champagne existence. It actually takes more than image, change of uniform and blazers to create fundamental change.

Many club members were never given real credit for their time and involvement in the club. I personally was involved in both senior and junior administration in the Avalon Rugby Football Club for a decade - I am still the longest serving junior rugby convenor in the club's history.

To get a team back into the premier grade will take a lot of hard work in promotion of the club and development of younger players in coming years.

I wish the Avalon club the best for the future.

Avalon Club information