News

Mealamu envious of Ford

Tuesday 04th November 2008

Mealamu

New Zealand hooker Keven Mealamu has admitted he is "jealous" that Scotland's Ross Ford will be coached by former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick will work with Ford as part of the Gregor Townsend's Winning Mentors programme.

Former Scotland and Lions fly-half Townsend has set up the scheme in a bid to help the country's young stars reach their potential.

And Mealamu is jealous that Ford will be able to call on the experience and advice of the 92-time capped All Black.

"It would be awesome. He is one of the true greats of New Zealand rugby and world rugby so he would be able to give him the benefit of quite a bit of experience. I am a bit jealous!" said Mealamu.

"Fitzy's best quality was his leadership. He led the All Blacks so well in that era. As rugby changed he was able to turn his body into a professional body and adapt to the professional game."

As well as Fitzpatrick, Scotland will also have another former All Blacks captain working with the squad in the shape of new assistant coach Mike 'Bruiser' Brewer.

And Mealamu believes that the pair will help give Scotland an inside in the All Blacks style of play ahead of Saturday's clash.

"Scotland might have a bit of an insight into the way New Zealand play," said Mealamu.

"They are very smart men. It must be very good to have some good men like that on board with the squad. We will have to watch out for that.

"When you play anybody at home it's always hard because they are always so much more passionate at home. Scotland is the same."

Mealamu is expected to return to the starting hooker's berth for the All Blacks Test against Scotland, filling the void of the departed Andrew Hore.

Mealamu, a veteran of 61 Tests since debuting in 2002, has started all eleven of New Zealand's 2008 internationals from the bench.

The selection of Mealamu in the front row, along with starting line-up promotions for Adam Thomson, Anthony Boric, Cory Jane and Joe Rokocoko against Scotland looks likely.