All Blacks head coach, Steve Hansen, has made one change to the New Zealand team which will play Ireland at the Aviva on Saturday from the side which defeated England last weekend.
The change is enforced as the injured Sonny Bill Williams exits and breaker of Irish hearts in 2013, Ryan Crotty, enters the team at inside centre. That move also means that Anton Lienert-Brown takes the number 23 shirt which was occupied by Crotty against England.
New Zealand team to play Ireland
1. Karl Tu’inukuafe (11)
2. Codie Taylor (40)
3. Owen Franks (105)
4. Brodie Retallick (73)
5. Samuel Whitelock (107)
6. Liam Squire (22)
7. Ardie Savea (33)
8. Kieran Read – captain (116)
9. Aaron Smith (81)
10. Beauden Barrett (71)
11. Rieko Ioane (22)
12. Ryan Crotty (43)
13. Jack Goodhue (6)
14. Ben Smith (75)
15. Damian McKenzie (21)
Replacements:
16. Dane Coles (58)
17. Ofa Tuungafasi (24)
18. Nepo Laulala (15)
19. Scott Barrett (27)
20. Matt Todd (16)
21. TJ Perenara (53)
22. Richie Mo’unga (6)
23. Anton Lienert-Brown (31)
The game will see Aaron Smith win his 82nd cap and become the most capped All Blacks scrum-half ever, overtaking Justin Marshall.
"These are the types of Test matches that gets everyone up — it’s number one versus number two — and there’s a real excitement that’s building as we get closer to Saturday," said Hansen.
“On Saturday we’ll be playing an opponent who will want to keep the ball for long periods of time, and if they aren’t getting what they want, then they’ll kick and try to pressure us."
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
