Mehrtens returns to All Black line-up
Wednesday, 11 August 2004 12:02Flyhalf Andrew Mehrtens has been recalled to the New Zealand starting line-up by coach Graham Henry for Saturday's Tri-Nations test against South Africa in Johannesburg.
Mehrtens replaces Carlos Spencer who was dropped from the side that lost 23-18 to Australia in Sydney last Saturday.
In two other changes, Simon Maling replaces Ali Williams at lock and Sam Tuitupou comes in at inside centre for Dan Carter, who has an ankle injury.
"Carlos has been a major influence on this group of people as a leader and it's disappointing that we have had to replace him but his form last week wasn't as good as we hoped," Henry said on Tuesday.
"It's just a form thing really. He has been the number one flyhalf for the last seven internationals but is just struggling for a bit of form at the moment.
"Andrew Mehrtens came on in Sydney and played pretty positively and we're just hoping he can continue that form."
Mehrtens will win his 70th cap and his first start in the Tri-Nations since 2002 after being overlooked throughout the 2003 World Cup year by former All Black coach John Mitchell.
"I didn't expect to be in this position at the start of the year," Mehrtens said.
"You probably don't know how much you cherish something until you no longer have it and obviously not being involved last year I had to take stock -- and it's great being in the environment once again."
Aaron Mauger and Nick Evans replace Mehrtens and Tuitupou on the bench.
New Zealand are top of the Tri-nations table ahead of Australia on points difference.
Filed by Aidan O'Doherty
