Skip to Content. Skip to Navigation.

News

 
 
All Blacks at full power

All Blacks at full strength

19/11/2009 5:37 AM

Related Links

The All Blacks have named virtually their strongest side - including Richie McCaw and Dan Carter - for Saturday's clash with England at Twickenham.

In total there are 13 changes to the run-on side that defeated Italy 20-6 in Milan a week previously with winger Sitiveni Sivivatu and lock Tom Donnelly the only survivors.

Tighthead Owen Franks make his eighth start of the year alongside experienced hooker Andrew Hore and openside prop Tony Woodcock.

Brad Thorn returns to the second-row, alongside Donnelly, while Kieran Read is preferred ahead of Rodney So'oialo at No.8.

McCaw takes his traditional spot at openside flanker where he will be playing his 79th Test and 42nd as captain.

Zac Guildford, who made his Test debut against Wales two weeks ago, is given the nod on the right wing with Mils Muliaina, who will become joint second most capped All Black on 81, at fullback.

Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu form the centre partnership while Carter is picked at first five-eighth.

On the bench, hooker Corey Flynn is suffering from a hamstring strain and will require a fitness test before it is decided whether Aled de Malmanche steps in.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said: "It doesn't get much bigger than England at Twickenham.

"It will be another fantastic challenge for the All Blacks. We are focussed on preparing well this week and looking forward to playing a determined England side."

All Blacks: 15- Mils Muliaina, 14- Zac Guildford, 13- Conrad Smith, 12- Ma'a Nonu, 11- Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10- Dan Carter, 9- Jimmy Cowan, 8- Kieran Read, 7- Richie McCaw (c), 6- Adam Thomson, 5- Tom Donnelly, 4- Brad Thorn, 3- Owen Franks, 2- Andrew Hore, 1- Tony Woodcock
Reserves: 16- Corey Flynn/Aled de Malmanche, 17- John Afoa, 18- Anthony Boric, 19- Jerome Kaino, 20- Andy Ellis, 21- Stephen Donald, 22- Tamati Ellison

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

Rugby News

 
 
Wallabies to play Munster
Wallabies to play Munster
Rugby Union
16/03/2010 8:22 PM
The Wallabies will once again play midweek matches on their Spring Tour later this year ...
 
 
Douglas commits to Tahs
Rugby Union
16/03/2010 1:51 PM
 
Jack's World Cup dream
Rugby Union
16/03/2010 12:37 PM
 
Brumbies snap up Palmer
Rugby Union
16/03/2010 11:33 AM
 
Stirlo's sights on Melbourne
Rugby Union
16/03/2010 11:18 AM
 
 
 

Your Say

 
 

Galleries

 
 
Super 14 Round 4
09/03/2010 03:48 PM
After all five Kiwi teams won in round three, it was the turn of the Aussies to dominate as they finished on top in all of their outings while the Crusaders' victory over the Blues was the only joy for New Zealand's franchises.
Super 14 Round 3
04/03/2010 09:50 AM
Round 3 saw all five New Zealand teams rack up victories, the Australian sides struggle apart from the Brumbies and the Bulls continue to fly the South African flag on top of the table.