All Blacks include injured Richie McCaw to take on Wallabies in semi-final of Rugby World Cup
All Blacks have made three changes to their side that won the quarter-final against the Pumas. They have also included their regular skipper, Richie McCaw, in the final crew.
McCaw was feared to miss the clash due to an old injury to his foot but their head coach, Graham Henry, has gambled a little bit in face of a tough clash against their arch-rivals. Graham announced the side on October 14 that will take on the Wallabies in
Eden Park, Auckland on Sunday.
Three players including Richard Kahui have made a comeback into the All Blacks side after missing the quarter-final clash against Argentina. Among the returning players, Aaron Cruden will mark his presence at fly-half and Israel Dagg will retain his fullback’s
position.
Cruden has been given a crucial role of fly-half as their two regular fly-halves have been ruled out due to groin injuries. Dan Carter was the first one to be declared unfit for the whole tournament and later on Colin Slade joined the party as well.
Talking about the crucial match against Wallabies and McCaw’s injury, All Blacks coach Graham Henry told the media that, “Richie hasn't trained this week and the more we keep him off his foot the more chance of him playing 80 minutes for us this weekend.
He's upheat but frustrated and we have to make pragmatic decisions with it. Richie's not pushing it so he can play this weekend.”
The coach further said that, The guys are quieter than normal. This is the biggest game these guys have played for 10 years. Australia is a big brother to us in many ways, but it's a positive relationship and it brings the best out of New Zealanders.”
The All Blacks team that will face the Wallabies includes:
New Zealand: Israel Dagg; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Richard Kahui; Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino; Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: Andrew h**e, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Victor Vito, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Sonny Bill Williams.
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