New Zealand named a revamped side on Tuesday for their opening rugby Test of the season against Ireland, selecting only six of the team who lost last year’s World Cup quarterfinal to France.
In a decision partly prompted by the defection of 10 World Cup players to play European rugby, All Black coach Graham Henry opted for tried-and-tested combinations with international experience where possible.
Winger Anthony Tuitavake is the only new cap in the starting line-up, with three more new faces on the reserves bench in Auckland Blues lock Anthony Boric, Waikato Chiefs flyhalf Stephen Donald and Otago Highlanders flanker Adam Thomson.
”We’ve gone for established combinations where possible,” said Henry. ”But we’ve also had to factor in a few injuries and are mindful that several players were involved in the Super 14 final on the weekend.”
”The challenge is to work in our new players and new game plan,” he 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.”
Ireland named a starting line-up including eight players from Munster, who beat Toulouse 16-13 in the final of the European Cup on May 24.
For the All Blacks, prop Tony Woodcock, halfback Brendon Leonard and midfield back Richard Kahui were not considered for selection due to injury.
Team: Mils Muliaina; Anthony Tuitavake, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Dan Carter, Andy Ellis; Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Rodney So’oialo; Ali Williams, Brad Thorn; John Afoa, Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, John Schwalger, Anthony Boric, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Leon MacDonald, Adam Thomson. — AFP
