The All Blacks have announced their team to play the Wallabies in the opening Bledisloe Cup match of 2015.
The starting team has had six changes, positional and personnel, from New Zealand’s come-from-behind win over South Africa in Johannesburg two weeks ago.
Dan Carter returns as the starting flyhalf, with Sonny Bill Williams to start at inside centre in place of the injured Ma’a Nonu.
There’s plenty of experience in the front row, with Owen Franks and Tony Woodcock starting the game, and the dynamic Dane Coles playing hooker.
Luke Romano will partner Brodie Retallick in the locks, while Jerome Kaino makes his return on the blindside flank for the All Blacks.
Julian Savea will play on the left hand side of the field, with Nehe Milner-Skudder, the livewire Hurricanes winger, to partner him. It’s an exciting prospect for New Zealand, with Milner-Skudder showing jet shoes and tremendous tackle breaking ability in the Super Rugby season. It will be his All Blacks debut.
Ben Smith moves from the wing to fullback.
It looks a strong team, and one that the Wallabies will feel is in form and has plenty of experience.
Coach Steve Hansen was complimentary of their opponents, saying that this was an important game for the reigning world champions.
“The Bledisloe Cup is an important trophy for New Zealand rugby and for this team, and Australia is one of our oldest opponents. We are well aware that they have made improvements and that their coach Cheika wants them to be more physical and more consistent.
“Having said that, we are always looking to improve our game and understand that we will have to take a step up from our Ellis Park performance. This means we will need to bring physicality, intensity and accuracy to the occasion. I am picking this to be a brutal contest, and one we are looking forward to. It will be about us implementing our gameplan and skillsets for 80-plus minutes.”
All Blacks team to play the Wallabies
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Dane Coles
3. Owen Franks
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Luke Romano
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Richie McCaw (c)
8. Kieran Read
9. Aaron Smith
10. Daniel Carter
11. Julian Savea
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Conrad Smith
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
15. Ben Smith
Reserves:
16. Codie Taylor
17. Ben Franks
18. Nepo Laulala
19. Samuel Whitelock
20. Sam Cane
21. TJ Perenara
22. Beauden Barrett
23. Malakai Fekitoa
What do you think Roarers? Is this the team to beat the Wallabies on Saturday night?
Squirrel
Guest
Squirrel right again .7.5 start won 3 k. Abs are old and slow. Wallabies should have won by25 if Phipps could pass
Moya Sharp
Guest
From Outback Family History:- Thought the readers might like to read this story about the first All Blacks Player who died in Coolgardie Western Australia:- http://www.outbackfamilyhistoryblog.com/2015/08/08/all-blacks-player-george-maber/
AB loyal
Guest
Well said
Loosey
Guest
And another kiwi getting sensitive, sorry Frontrow but Australia is definitely not the only country 'hyping' Folau. Milner Scudder more dangerous than Folau? Pull the other one. And Julian Savea, bloody good, but a guy like that SHOULD be scoring one try per test when he is finishing for the All Blacks. But I'm glad you agree with the rest of my comments:)
Frontrow
Guest
No mate Julian Savea and Milner Scudder are by far the most dangerous on the park - Another Aussie buying into the media hype in Australia on Folau Milner Scudder made the most individual line breaks in Super Rugby this year (19) Savea averages a try per test - spare the never ending hypothon and Folau - he is NOT the most dangerous player on the park
Loosey
Guest
Pretty deadly team, but I'd love to see Whitelock replace Romano, Ardie Savea replace Kaino and Fekitoa replace SBW. If Folau had learned to kick, somehow he missed that in the AFL... , I reckon he'd have it all over Ben Smith. Folau is by far the most dangerous player on the park and after his first season or two the weaknesses are getting ironed out. But, he can't kick.
Old Bugger
Guest
You ain't seen nothing yet ZG when it comes to serious but I thought you would've known that by now.....
Old Bugger
Guest
Just don't forget your sign when you go to the game....!!
Zero Gain
Guest
Just so those of you who were held back in 'primer 3' are aware, this post is a joke. The mighty All Blacks are more mighty than ever. They have speed to burn and skill enough to waste. I would never disrespect the All Blacks, but they are open for ribbing just like any other team or individual. Just go and read some of Kiwi Dave's posts ( and others) on the Wallaby team announcement thread if you want to see pure and nasty lack of respect.
Die hard
Roar Rookie
Luke McAlistair does not equal anything. Tossed aside as not good enough and so meandered on up north. Good to see he is doing well now though. In such esteemed company et al.
jemainok
Guest
Rebel It be other Dagg to lose his spot in the squad if it is anyone. Piutau probably done enough to get a starting spot over dagg. AND WITH NMS getting his chance this weekend Dagg should be very worried about his position in the team. Hanson has a habit of picking players who are versatile, NMS is one of those for sure. Can't wait to see his work and how he deals with the pressire of Test Rugby.
Bobbo7
Guest
I rate Sopo'aga. He performed under pressure to win the S15 and I liked what I saw. He also is a pretty consistent goal kicker. There is every chance DC could get injured so I would like more time in Sopo'aga
Zero Gain
Guest
Was I being serious? You sound like you are.
Jerry
Guest
When you realise he's played in nearly 20% of All Black tests, it's not that surprising though.
Marty
Guest
lol, well you can always live in hope.
Marty
Guest
That's greater than 10% of all all black test points scored in history......attributed to DC. Incredible stat when I read that.
Marty
Guest
Don't forget to...... Paaassss the dutchie to the left 'and side...
Taylorman
Guest
Me too, hope Fekitoa comes on early, should have started...would put an end to giteaus crabbing...
Squirrel
Guest
I'll be putting a large bet on the wallabies 13 plus.
Taylorman
Guest
Wow, that's a powerfully benign statement!