All Blacks name squad for second test – Rugby News Update
New Zealand has announced their team for the second-test match against Ireland in Christchurch on Saturday.
Having won the first test convincingly at Eden Park last week against the visiting team, the All Blacks will go into this game with confidence. They defeated Ireland 42 – 10, and kept their astonishing record at Eden Park intact.
Steve Hansen, the head coach of the All Blacks said, "Once again, for us it's about our preparation, getting clarity early in the week and building in intensity so we can have a performance we can all be proud of on Saturday."
He added further, "We (the coaches) are expecting further improvements in our game due to the extra training and preparation time we have had together, along with having a game under our belt.”
New Zealand has made one significant change to the squad, calling in Adam Thompson, the 30-year-old flanker in place of Victor Vito, who is out injured.
Thompson has had a stop gap international career so far. He made his debut against Ireland at Wellington, on June 7, 2008, and in four years he has only played 25 times for his country. He has started 15 of those games, and came on as a substitute a further
10 times. This is his chance to stake a starting berth in place of the injured Vito if he impresses against Ireland this weekend.
Hansen spoke about Ireland and their attitude on the pitch. He said, "We are also expecting Ireland to improve, as they are a nation with a 'never-say-die' attitude so what we did last time won't be good enough."
The All Blacks' coach was happy over Test rugby's return to Christchurch and shared that players will be raring to perform in front of a full house.
New Zealand squad:
New Zealand: Israel Dagg; Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea; Daniel Carter, Aaron Smith; Tony Woodcock, Andrew h**e, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Samuel Whitelock, Adam Thomson, Richie McCaw (capt), Kieran Read
Replacements: Hikawera Elliot, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Sam Cane, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith
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