All Blacks re-shuffle for Namibia clash

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has rung the changes ahead of their Rugby World Cup clash with Namibia. [more]

All Blacks re-shuffle for Namibia clash

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has rung the changes ahead of their Rugby World Cup clash with Namibia.

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The All Blacks, who will host the British & Irish Lions in 2017, got their tournament off to a winning start on Sunday, beating Argentina 26-16.

Next up for the reigning champions is Namibia and Hansen has shuffled his pack, with just second row Sam Whitelock and wingers Julian Savea and Nehe Milner-Skudder retaining their starting jerseys.

There are a combined 660 Test caps on the bench, which includes a World Cup record three centurions in Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu and Richie McCaw – and if the latter comes on he will make a record-breaking 18th appearance in the competition.

Sam Cane, who scored a try against Argentina, is captain in McCaw’s absence, while Beauden Barrett replaces Dan Carter at fly-half.

Sonny Bill Williams is joined in midfield by Malakai Fekitoa, while Colin Slade is at full-back and Victor Vito replaces Kieran Read at No.8.
 
New Zealand team to face Namibia:
15. Colin Slade
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
13. Malakai Fekitoa
12. Sonny Bill Williams
11. Julian Savea
10. Beauden Barrett
9. TJ Perenara
 
1. Ben Franks
2. Codie Taylor
3. Charlie Faumuina
4. Luke Romano
5. Samuel Whitelock
6. Liam Messam
7. Sam Cane
8. Victor Vito
 
Replacements:
16. Keven Mealamu
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Tony Woodcock
19. Kieran Read
20. Richie McCaw
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
22. Ma'a Nonu
23. Ben Smith
 
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