The All Blacks have named an strong side full of experience for the opening Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney on Saturday.
Leading the pack is Richie McCaw who equals Brian O’Driscoll’s world record of 141 international Test appearances. McCaw has lost just 14 of those matches, giving him a winning percentage of 90%.
The run on side boasts 868 caps between them with Tony Woodcock, Dan Carter & Richie McCaw the centurions in the side, however Head Coach Steve Hanson has given Hurricanes flyer Nehe Milner-Skudder his first opportunity in Test Rugby, debuting on the right wing.
“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." Hanson said.
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.”
The team is:
1. Tony Woodcock (113)
2. Dane Coles (28)
3. Owen Franks (70)
4. Brodie Retallick (39)
5. Luke Romano (19)
6. Jerome Kaino (58)
7. Richie McCaw – captain (140)
8. Kieran Read (75)
9. Aaron Smith (39)
10. Daniel Carter (104)
11. Julian Savea (33)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (25)
13. Conrad Smith (86)
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
15. Ben Smith (39)
Reserves:
16. Codie Taylor (2)
17. Ben Franks (42)
18. Nepo Laulala (2)
19. Samuel Whitelock (64)
20. Sam Cane (22)
21. TJ Perenara (13)
22. Beauden Barrett (29)
23. Malakai Fekitoa (9)
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