 |
| Getty Images |
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has made wholesale changes to his line-up for Saturday's clash with France in Paris.
The All Blacks, who have yet to lose in 2013, warmed up for the match at the Stade de France with a 54-6 rout of Japan.
However only four players remain in the starting XV for the much tougher test against France - with Charles Piutau, Ben Smith, Dan Carter and Richie McCaw set to tackle Les Bleus.
McCaw, though, returns to his favoured role on the openside, while Piutau switches wings.
United
Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu and Aaron Smith will come into the back division, while Kieran Read, Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock,Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock are named in the pack.
"The full squad has come together well after the Japan Test and are united with a common purpose - to play well on this European tour and put in performances that we can all be proud of," Hansen said.
"But we know this weekend's test won't be easy - the French will come at us with real physicality, passion and something new."
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Ben Smith,12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Charles Piatau. 10 Dan Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (capt), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Steven Luatua, 20 Sam Cane, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Aaron Cruden, 23 Ryan Crotty.
No comments:
Post a Comment