John McBeth On RWC: Mils Muliaina Gets His 99th Cap

I got a shock Friday morning while watching the TV3 news when they informed viewers that Mils Muliaina had been selected for his 100th test. It was a slight error, but probably reflects the nationwide desire for the Chiefs fullback to reach the century mark during the World Cup.

Muliaina has been superseded by Israel Dagg and yet I wonder if his experience under stress might still prove to be crucial. Probably not, as Dagg appears to have no nerves and doesn't seem to be affected one iota by the enormity of any match.

So does this mean Muliaina will end with 99 tests? It might, but we mustn't discount the impact that injuries could play. We've seen that with the Wallabies, and within the All Blacks and other squads there are constant minor injury concerns. So the selection of Guildford, Cowan and Muliaina for this weekend's game with Canada is as much to keep them active with game time in case they're needed as injury cover, as it is to keep them mentally interested.

There were some predictions that Dagg might start at fullback with Muliaina on the wing. That didn't make much sense. Dagg is the player with recent wing experience, Muliaina probably wouldn't recall the last time he wore a wing's number!

However, the most important feature of this match against Canada is the form and fitness of Keiran Read. If he doesn't get through without ill effects, the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup hopes would take a big dip.

We need Read. He's irreplaceable.

Broadcaster John McBeth -- commentator when the All Blacks last won the Rugby World Cup and is host of SKY's Sunday Rugby Roast -- will be commenting on the Rugby World Cup for Scoop.co.nz from time to time - as he sees fit. John's website is at http://johnmcbeth.co.nz/

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