AUCKLAND, 5 July 2003 — Most international rugby union fans would consider an attacking lineout five meters from their opponent’s line a better than even chance of scoring points. Except New Zealand’s.

Time and time again in recent seasons the All Blacks, who announce their squad for the Tri-Nations tomorrow, have had their own throw pinched by the opposition, often in crucial situations.

Most memorable was during a Bledisloe Cup match against Australia in 2000 when Wallabies captain John Eales kicked for touch knowing his side could steal the lineouts and then get close enough for a chance to try to snatch the win.

They did, and Eales himself slotted a penalty from wide out to give the Wallabies a 24-23 victory that retained the Bledisloe Cup.

The problem reared its head again last week in the All Blacks 31-23 victory over France when an inexperienced French pack stole five of New Zealand’s lineout throws.

Not that the fans or commentators are the only groups noticing the problem. The players now recognize it as well. “Our lineout problems come from a combination of the throw and the timing of the jumper,” said reserve hooker Keven Mealamu. “We practice it a lot, of course, but you can’t practice it with the opposition.

“The French were good. We only had to be out fractionally and they grabbed it. The spotlight is on the hooker at that time, but it’s often not our fault.” It is, however, still one area All Blacks coach John Mitchell must improve if his side continue their “building blocks” on the “journey” to the World Cup later this year in Australia.

Mitchell’s journey takes a step closer this weekend when he names his squad for the Tri-Nations ahead of their opening match against South Africa in Pretoria on July 19.

The coach said he wanted to use the series against Australia and the Springboks to address other areas highlighted in last month’s 15-13 loss to England and close victory over France.

Both opponents succeeded in slowing the game down and Mitchell said that would need to be examined, as would creating more scoring opportunities, something the more open style of play in the Tri-Nations should allow him to do.

Canterbury fullback Ben Blair is expected to be recalled to the squad after a shoulder injury kept him out of Super 12, possibly at the expense of provincial teammate Leon MacDonald who has suffered numerous concussions.

Otago lock Simon Maling, a noted ball-winner, is back from injury and may push Ali Williams for a spot.

Loose forward Rodney So’oialo and center Ma’a Nonu may also be under scrutiny but it is difficult to see Mitchell and his fellow selectors making too many changes to the 26 players who have played the three tests to date.

Mitchell, though not publicly admitting it, knows he will have to settle on a top line-up during the Tri-nations so the players know their “building” is pretty much complete by the time the World Cup kicks off on Oct. 10.