The All-Blacks have named a very experienced looking side to face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, with plenty of changes, two injury-enforced, from the team that defeated England last week.
Although it is something of a relief that Dan Carter won’t be playing at out-half, replacements don’t come much better than Aaron Cruden, as Ireland well know from past encounters.
In the front row, meanwhile, Wyatt Crockett replaces Tony Woodcock, with Ben Franks and Beauden Barrett coming in on the bench in the absence of Carter and Woodcock from the squad.
Cory Jane also comes in on the wing in a side that shows ten changes from the team that defeated England in Twickenham, with Andrew Hore replacing Keven Mealamu at hooker.
Richie McCaw captains a side that has just short of 800 (798) caps between them and are looking to finish the season on a high, having won all of their previous 13 encounters in 2013 to date.
No bother lads.
New Zealand team to play Ireland: Israel Dagg; Cory Jane, Ben Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea; Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith; Wyatt Crockett, Andrew Hore, Charlie Faumuina; Luke Romano, Samuel Whitelock; Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw (Captain), Kieran Read.
Replacements: Dane Coles, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Ryan Crotty
