Wednesday 14 September 2011

McCaw First All Black Century


Richie McCaw will become the first All Blacks player to win 100 caps when he leads New Zealand in their World Cup match against Japan on Friday.

The 30-year-old made his debut against Ireland at Lansdowne Road in 2001 and has captained the side since 2006.

Mils Muliaina, recalled to the team at full-back, wins his 99th cap.

Fly-half Dan Carter was named in the side but has withdrawn due to a back injury. He is replaced by Colin Slade with Jimmy Cowan now on the bench.

Carter suffered a bruised back in the 41-10 opening win against Tonga and having initially thought he would be fit enough to play, was later ruled out after a training session.

"The key thing is that Daniel had been recovering well from a stiff lower back," said All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson.

"However, he pulled up sore at an indoor training session this morning so we have made the decision not to risk him for the Japan match and we will aim to have him back fully training next week in preparation for the France Test."

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has now made eight changes to his starting XV with Muliaini coming back in for Israel Dagg, who scored two tries in the first half of the tournament opener at Eden Park.

Centre Conrad Smith is recalled to start his 50th Test, while wing Cory Jane and scrum-half Andy Ellis also return to the side. Among the forwards, fit-again Adam Thomson plays at number eight, while hooker Keven Mealamu and lock Sam Whitelock also start.

The side is the most experienced All Black team ever fielded, with 776 caps between them.

On McCaw's achievement, Henry added: "I'd like to congratulate him [McCaw] on being the first player to reach 100 Tests, a truly remarkable milestone.

"He is incredibly brave, skilful and a hugely intelligent player who has the total respect of his team through the many deeds and successes he has achieved on the rugby field, and his ability to lead from the front."

McCaw is the 19th player in Test rugby to reach the milestone of 100 caps, with former Australia scrum-half George Gregan the record holder with 139.

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Jermone Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Adam Thomson. Replacements: Andrew Hore, John Afoa, Ali Williams, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu, Jimmy Cowan, Sonny Bill Williams.

Japan: Taihei Ueda, Takehisa Usuzuki, Koji Taira, Yuta Imamura, Hirotoki Onozawa, Murray Williams, Atsushi Hiwasa, Takashi Kikutani (capt), Michael Leitch, Itaru Taniguchi, Toshizumi Kitagawa, Hitoshi Ono, Nozomu Fujita, Yusuke Aoki, Naoki Kawamata. Replacements:Hiroki Yuhara, Kensuke Hatakeyama, Yuji Kitagawa, Sione Talikavili Vatuvei, Tomoki Yoshida, Shaun Webb, Alisi Tupuailai.