 A line-out specialist, Brooke played 62 Tests for the All Blacks |
New Zealand have called in former All Blacks second rower Robin Brooke to help with their faltering line-out. The All Blacks are on an unbeaten 14-Test winning streak and on course to defend their Tri-Nations title but have struggled with their line-out play.
Brooke, 39, who played 62 Tests, joined the team for a week's training camp.
"He's got a lot of knowledge about line-outs, so we got him in to help us out and it's been very positive," said New Zealand coach Graham Henry.
Brooke, who won his caps between 1992 and 1999, had been called on by Henry to help the All Blacks in 2004 and had also been involved with both the national under-21 and under-19 teams.
And Henry said "maybe...occasionally" he might be approached for his expertise again.
"There's not going to be a quick fix. It's something we're going to have to work on over the next 15-18 months," added Henry.
The All Blacks' fourth Test of the Tri-Nations is against Australia at Auckland a week on Saturday, 19 August, and victory would ensure the unbeaten New Zealanders retain their title with two matches to spare.