New Zealand to give three debuts for Ireland match – Rugby News Update
Steve Hansen, the New Zealand head coach, is all prepared to take on the visiting Ireland team at Eden Park on Saturday, June 9.
Hansen is handing three debuts for the match. Aaron Smith, the 23-year-old Highlanders' scrum-half will make his debut at halfback, alongside the fit again, Dan Carter.
Speaking on debutants Hansen said, "We picked them in the squad because they have all shown that they have special qualities which they now get the opportunity to show on the international stage."
The other two players that are making their bow are Julian Savea, the 21-year-old Winger from the Hurricanes, and Brodie Retallick, the 21-year-old Chiefs' lock.
Hansen is confident of his team’s preparation ahead of the first game. The All Blacks have a formidable record at Eden Park, having not lost there since 1994. They are also the current World Champions, and it is never easy to win in New Zealand against the
All Blacks.
Hansen said, "We have been concentrating on making sure we have clarity early in the week, increasing intensity and accuracy as the week goes on, which should allow us to put in a performance that we can be proud of on Saturday."
He further added, "The build-up so far this week has been good.”
The All Blacks are able to put out a good team, with Carter, Sonny Bill Williams and Conrad Smith in the centre, while Israel Dagg will play at fullback. The experienced players will be able to help the three debutants who will be suffering from nerves before
the start of the game.
On paper it seems that New Zealand will come out victorious easily, while also being able to blood new players in the process.
New Zealand Squad:
New Zealand: I Dagg (Crusaders); Z Guildford (Crusaders), C Smith (Hurricanes), SB Williams (Chiefs), J Savea (Hurricanes); D Carter (Crusaders), A Smith (Highlanders); T Woodcock (Blues), A h**e (Highlanders), O Franks (Crusaders), B Retallick (Chiefs),
S Whitelock (Crusaders), V Vito (Hurricanes), R McCaw (Crusaders), K Read (Crusaders)
Replacements: H Elliot (Chiefs), B Franks (Crusaders), A Williams (Blues), A Thomson (Highlanders), P Weepu (Blues), A Cruden (Chiefs), B Smith (Highlanders)
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