News

Kahui to start for All Blacks

Wednesday 19th November 2008

Recalled: Richard Kahui

All Blacks Head Coach Graham Henry has announced his team to face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, which sees Richard Kahui return to the midfield.

Kahui replaces Conrad Smith, who is struggling with a groin injury, in the number thirteen jersey.

Elsewhere in the back-line, Jimmy Cowan has retained the scrum-half berth, meaning mid-week captain Piri Weepu will sit on the bench.

Muntser-Match-winner Joe Rokocoko is back on the right wing for his third match in eight days while Sitiveni Sivivatu will do duty on the left.

Up front, there is a question mark hanging above the head of Tony Woodcock, who is battling both a back injury although he has been cleared of all charges after being cited for punching in last weekend's win over Ireland.

Woodcock, Neemia Tialata and John Afoa have all been bracketed for the two propping berths in the starting XV

The second row sees Ali Williams and Brad Thorn continue their locking partnership while the back also remains unchanged from the side that beat Ireland.

"As we all know, Wales are a very good team," Henry said.

"They play an expansive style of attacking rugby and have talent across the park, so it's shaping up to be another classic encounter."

The last time the teams met Cardiff, in 2006, the All Blacks were easy 45 -10 winners.

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Tony Woodcock/Neemia Tialata/John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock/Neemia Tialata/John Afoa.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 tbc, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Kieran Read, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Isaia Toeava.

Date: Saturday 22 November, 2008
Kick-off: 17:15 GMT
Venue: Millennium Stadium
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Touch judges: Dave Pearson (England) , Cobus Wessels (South Africa)
Television match official: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
Assessor: Paul Bridgman (England)