Key All Blacks rested for Springbok test

New Zealand will rest at least four key players for Saturday's Tri-Nations rugby test against South Africa.

Assistant coach Wayne Smith confirmed yesterday that Canterbury Crusaders forwards Brad Thorn, Owen Franks and Kieran Read and Auckland Blues hooker Keven Mealamu will be released from the All Blacks squad this week to recuperate from tiring Super 15 campaigns. Smith said the All Blacks coaches were sticking to a plan to manage the workload of players to ensure none burned out before the World Cup. But New Zealand fans have been wary of such policies since 2007 when a similar move to rest players backfired at that year's World Cup.

Lock Thorn, prop Franks, backrower Read and Mealamu all missed New Zealand's opening test of the season against Fiji on Friday, but Smith said all four were still in need of rest after an arduous Super 15, especially for runners up Crusaders. "Every player is on an individual plan and some are champing at the bit to get out and play, some are a wee bit overcooked, so we're just sticking to that, making sure that we look after people," said Smith.