New Zealand name strong side to face Ireland

Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina will become the most capped All Blacks of all time when they line up to face Ireland on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium.

Both McCaw and Muliaina will win their 93rd cap, surpassing the record set by former New Zealand captain Sean Fitzpatrick.

All-Black coach Graham Henry has named a strong side for the weekend’s clash, with the likes of Dan Carter at out-half, Hosea Gear and Corey Jane on the wings, Ma’a Nonu partnering Conrad Smith in the centre, while Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read line out alongside McCaw in the back row.

Sonny Bill Williams, who was so impressive against Scotland last weekend, is among the replacements.

Ireland’s clash with New Zealand kicks off in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday at 5.30pm

New Zealand: M Muliaina; C Jane, C Smith, M Nonu, H Gear; D Carter, A Ellis; T Woodcock, H Elliot, O Franks; B Thorn, T Donnelly; J Kaino, R McCaw (captain), K Read.

Replacements: A Hore, J Afoa, A Boric, L Messam, A Mathewson, S Donald, SB Williams.