Graham Henry announces All Blacks match 22 for 2011 Tri Nations opener – Rugby news
New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) has announced the All Blacks match 22 for their 2011 Tri Nations opener against the current Rugby World Champions, Springboks. The All Blacks head coach, Graham Henry, listed the 22 player for their encounter against the Springboks,
at a press conference on Thursday, July 28.
Commenting on the occasion, Henry said, “We have had a good build-up this week and have picked a team we know that will be up for that challenge.”
All Blacks will host the Springboks at Westpac Stadium, Wellington on Saturday, July 30. Previously, the Springboks suffered a 19-point margin defeat by the Wallabies at Stadium Australia, Sydney. This brought severe criticism on the injury struck squad
and their captain. The South African squad is expected to come back strong against New Zealand to keep themselves in the running for the title.
Replying to questions regarding the Springboks poor performance in their last match, Henry replied, “They are a proud rugby nation and won't want a repeat performance so we will have to be ready for that challenge.”
Henry has made different changes to the team which took the field against Fiji last week.
All Blacks star fly half, Dan Carter, will start the match at his usual position. Cory Jane, who started as the fly half in their last match, will take the field as the right-winger, which has forced Zach Guilford to the left wing position.
All Blacks named Adam Thomson as the hooker. Earlier, it was reported that All Blacks captain and star flanker, Richie McCaw, might take the number eight position. Meanwhile, Sonny Bill Williams has been named to the bench.
Additionally, lock Samuel Whitelock returns and has replaced Jarrad Hoeata in the starting XV as Hoeata is moved to the bench.
The All Blacks squad for their Saturday’s Tri Nations encounter includes,
Starting XV: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Richie McCaw (C), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Andrew
h**e, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements:16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.
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