All Blacks coach Graham Henry and his assistant coaches Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen have announced the team to play Ireland in Wellington on Saturday June 7 at Westpac Stadium:
1. Neemia Tialata
2. Andrew Hore
3. John Afoa
4. Brad Thorn
5. Ali Willliams
6. Rodney So’oialo
7. Richie McCaw (c)
8. Jerome Kaino
9. Andy Ellis
10. Dan Carter
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Anthony Tuitavake
15. Mils Muliaina
Reserves:
16. Keven Mealamu
17. John Schwalger
18. Anthony Boric
19. Adam Thomson
20. Jimmy Cowan
21. Stephen Donald
22. Leon MacDonald
“We’ve gone for established combinations where possible,” said All Blacks coach Graham Henry, “but we’ve also had to factor in a few injuries and are mindful that several players were involved in the Rebel Sport Super 14 final on the weekend.”
“The challenge is to work in our new players and new game plan,” Henry added.
“We expect Ireland to be well-prepared, experienced and perhaps with some new confidence as well after Munster’s success in the European championship.”
Wing Anthony Tuitavake will make his debut on Saturday and become All Black number 1072.
Three uncapped players are also on the bench; lock Anthony Boric, loose forward Adam Thomson and first five-eighth Stephen Donald. Prop Tony Woodwock, halfback Brendon Leonard and midfield back Richard Kahui were not considered for selection due injury.
1. Neemia Tialata
2. Andrew Hore
3. John Afoa
4. Brad Thorn
5. Ali Willliams
6. Rodney So’oialo
7. Richie McCaw (c)
8. Jerome Kaino
9. Andy Ellis
10. Dan Carter
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Anthony Tuitavake
15. Mils Muliaina
Reserves:
16. Keven Mealamu
17. John Schwalger
18. Anthony Boric
19. Adam Thomson
20. Jimmy Cowan
21. Stephen Donald
22. Leon MacDonald
“We’ve gone for established combinations where possible,” said All Blacks coach Graham Henry, “but we’ve also had to factor in a few injuries and are mindful that several players were involved in the Rebel Sport Super 14 final on the weekend.”
“The challenge is to work in our new players and new game plan,” Henry added.
“We expect Ireland to be well-prepared, experienced and perhaps with some new confidence as well after Munster’s success in the European championship.”
Wing Anthony Tuitavake will make his debut on Saturday and become All Black number 1072.
Three uncapped players are also on the bench; lock Anthony Boric, loose forward Adam Thomson and first five-eighth Stephen Donald. Prop Tony Woodwock, halfback Brendon Leonard and midfield back Richard Kahui were not considered for selection due injury.
