All Black superstar flyhalf Dan Carter will start at centre for the one-off Test against Australia in Hong Kong on Saturday, as coach Graham Henry looks to rebuild his depleted squad.
Carter, who will move to French club Perpignan after New Zealand’s tour of Hong Kong and Europe, will start at number 12, with Stephen Donald playing in the number 10 jersey, Henry said on Tuesday.
”We thought it was important to try to get two navigators on the field, because of their lack of rugby over the last five or six weeks,” Henry told reporters in Hong Kong ahead of the landmark Bledisloe Cup clash.
”Two playmakers, two navigators, we thought early in the game that would be helpful.
”[The move] also gives some flexibility with a right-footer and a left-footer to change various things during the game if you want to do so,” Henry added.
The All Blacks begin their gruelling tour on Saturday, before matches against Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England on consecutive Saturdays and a mid-week match against European champions Munster.
Henry said the aim of the tour was about new players making the step up to Test level after a string of high-profile retirements, defections and injuries since the World Cup in 2007.
”This tour is about building some depth in the team,” Henry said.
Winger Hosea Gear, the younger brother of former All Black Rico, will make his debut on Saturday after impressing Henry with a string of strong performances.
”He has been in fine form. He has scored lots of tries and he is explosive. He is in great shape at the moment,” Henry said.
Prop Greg Somerville has been called on to the bench, as John Afoa is still recovering from a knee injury.
Team: Mils Muliaina; Hosea Gear, Conrad Smith, Dan Carter, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Stephen Donald, Jimmy Cowan; Rodney So’oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino; Ali Williams, Brad Thorn; Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Greg Somerville, Anthony Boric, Adam Thompson, Piri Weepu, Ma’a Nonu, Isaia Toeava. — Sapa-AFP