Thorne backs development over results
August 22, 2002

All Blacks skipper Reuben Thorne has echoed the thoughts of his coach John Mitchell by declaring he would accept defeats on their forthcoming tour if it meant blooding young players ahead of the World Cup.

New Zealand are likely to rest several stars for their November tour during which they will play Wales, England and France in the hope of uncovering some future talent ahead of the game's showpiece.

"They have to treat the World Cup as the number one aim and work backwards from there," Thorne told the Dominion Post newspaper.

"They don't want to lose along the way but if the end result is achieved, no-one will remember who you lost to.

"Winning the World Cup has to be the aim, so if there are players that need to be looked after so they can be at their best next year, then that is an issue that needs to be sorted out."

"The All Black mentality is to win every Test, that's the goal, but it's a difficult situation because the ultimate goal is the World Cup."

Thorne was in Wellington yesterday to receive the Tri-Nations trophy from New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU) chief executive Steve Tew.

Thorne also admitted that after a long season, where he played all 13 Super 12 games for the Crusaders and the eight All Black tests, coaches John Mitchell and Robbie Deans might decide to rest him.

"I guess they have a look at how I'm playing and decide from that, but I feel good physically and mentally," Thorne said.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices