Richie McCaw to make his 100th test appearance for All Blacks - Rugby News
All Blacks skipper, Richie McCaw, is making a comeback after missing his team's Japan clash on September 16 due to an injury to his calf. The veteran flanker has now been included in New Zealand’s 22-member squad to mark his 100th test appearance
against France on September 24 in Auckland. All Blacks coach, Graham Henry, told the media on Wednesday that McCaw is in good spirits before the match and ready to take on France.
McCaw has been facing injury problems since the start of 2011 and has missed a number of Super Rugby Championship matches due to fitness issues. He played the opening game of Rugby World Cup 2011 against Tonga but was ruled out from the next match of the
global showpiece with a minor calf problem.
Graham Henry has made a few changes in his starting lines despite a comprehensive win over Japan. The two other injured players including Dan Carter and Dagg Israel have also been named in the All Blacks playing 15. Carter missed the last match because of
a stiff back, whereas Israel was suffering from an abdominal strain.
Talking about their crucial forthcoming match against France, Henry said that, “While there is obviously intense interest in this game because of past Rugby World Cups, the focus for the team is simple. We will have to match the physicality of the French,
execute our key roles well and deal with anything unexpected which the French may throw at us.”
He added that, “The French are a very good side and they often play their very best rugby against the All Blacks. They play with huge passion, lift themselves emotionally and, as always, they can never be underestimated.”
The following team has named to meet France on September 24:
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Richard Kahui, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Richie McCaw (capt), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks,
2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Andrew h**e, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Ali Williams, 19 Anthony Boric, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.
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