Despite settled XV, All Blacks may still require rotation

Running rugby is back in fashion - and another less appreciated "R" word associated with the All Blacks will also be back in style later this season.

Rotation, one of the policies blamed when the All Blacks exited the 2007 World Cup at the quarterfinal stage, is certain to be revived less than 12 months out from next year's tournament in New Zealand when the team embark on their second Bledisloe Cup road trip to Hong Kong before attempting to record a fourth Grand Slam in Britain and Ireland in November.

Aware of the emotion attached to the term "rotation," head coach Graham Henry said it would not be used as extensively as in previous years.

Five tests in consecutive weekends ensure personnel changes are inevitable but there is not likely to be a repeat of the 2005 Grand Slam tour where Henry could change his starting team entirely for matches against Wales and Ireland.

Henry admitted he had an embarrassment of riches on that tour, giving him the luxury of mix and matching with impunity.

However, the reluctance to select a first choice line-up and play them consistent during the 2007 World Cup in France was considered a major deficiency -- along with the resting of key players for the opening stages of that year's Super 14.

Henry has so far kept his changes to a minimum during the Tri-Nations, which continues with tonight's opening Bledisloe Cup test against Australia here at Etihad Stadium.

The starting 15 who beat South Africa 32-12 in Auckland on July 10 take on the Wallabies -- and only two injury-enforced changes were made for the second win over the Springboks in Wellington.

Joe Rokocoko returns from a hamstring injury to replace Rene Ranger on the left wing while Piri Weepu may have retained his starting halfback role had the arrival of his baby daughter not delayed his arrival in Melbourne.

Depending on the collateral damage inflicted by Australia tonight, there is unlikely to be widespread changes when the All Blacks can possibly lock down the Bledisloe for another year in Christchurch next Saturday.

The All Blacks side seeking an eighth successive trans-Tasman victory boast 700 caps and are the most experienced available although second-tier players will log more game time in the northern hemisphere.

Henry used the example of Manawatu first five-eighth Aaron Cruden, the current back up for Daniel Carter.

"Take a bloke like Aaron Cruden. If Daniel got injured and Aaron hadn't played any football at this level we would be shot. Might get shot anyway," Henry said.

Cruden has made four cameo appearances off the reserves bench in his debut season but can expect to start on the end of year tour -- form and fitness willing.

"We just have to make sure they have the wherewithall to handle the opportunity when it comes along," Henry said.

A need to establish a strong, settled side in this Tri-Nations after the disappointments of 2009 ensured the core of the current starting team would be retained, a plan aided by the fact the All Blacks never play on three successive weekends.

"What we're trying to do is establish a team again," Henry said.

The development of Kieran Read, Jerome Kaino, Tom Donnelly, Owen Franks and Cory Jane had assisted that process while the number of quality players currently injured meant a degree of depth was already in place, lessening the need for experimentation.

"We have depth not playing at the moment so perhaps we don't need to start bringing a lot of other guys in," Henry said, nominating the recuperating Sitiveni Sivivatu, Isaia Toeava, Ali Williams and Andrew Hore as experienced campaigners to eventually return.