New Zealand rugby coach Graham Henry has made three changes from the team that beat England 19-6 for Saturday’s Test against France in Marseille.
Prop Neemia Tialata wins his 41st cap in place of Owen Franks, blindside flanker Jerome Kaino comes in for Adam Thomson, and Cory Jane takes Zac Guildford’s slot on the right wing.
On Tuesday, France coach Marc Lievremont recalled veteran centre Yannick Jauzion and flanker Fulgence Ouedraogo.
Both sides are in good recent form, with France beating World Cup holder South Africa 20-13 and thrashing Samoa 43-5.
New Zealand heads to Stade Velodrome on the back of consecutive wins against Australia, Wales, Italy and England.
New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Brad Thorn, Tom Donnelly, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (capt), Kieran Read. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Anthony Boric, Tanerau Latimer, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Luke McAlister.
Joh4Canberra
Guest
In Marseille(s) the Frogs are usually a much harder nut to crack than when they are in Paris. As a neutral I am looking forward to this match. Should be a real cracker.
Mr cheese
Guest
France in Paris may or may not be a hard nut to crack. The game is taking place in Marseille, however. Down there, they don't even like to see themselves as French: " Marseillais, pas Francais....! " That is their chant. It rhymes, y'see. Anyways, the Frogs will win by 10.
Stash
Guest
Yeah, Thompson is a quality player - apparently by his own admission he stopped peaking after Wales and lost his legs in the last stanza against England. This is a much superior team to the shadow of the team that began the season. France in Paris will be a hard nut to crack - and France could be the team of the year if they trump this game. Certainly the sternest test for the ABs this northern tour. Still history shows that France capitulates against the ABs at home, quite dramatically (outside of the WC). The ABs have put big scores on France - can't see it happening this weekend with tries being so scarce. Carters boot may make all the difference, as I can see the French being pinged through over enthusiasm at the breakdown in the opening stages. Can the ABs hold their line which hasn't been crossed for 7 (?) NH tests? The head and heart says the ABs by 12.
MarkR
Guest
Hard to argue with that team although Thompson must feel hard done by to not even make the bench. This will be an interesting game, ABs have their key players unlike the June series but the French are playing very well based on the SA game. One torid forward battle coming up with a side order of aggressive backlines. Better get some Kronberg in for the game.