New Zealand Announce Test Side

Welsh Rugby Union | Club & Community Published 2:49 pm 19th Nov 2002 post

All Black coach John Mitchell has named an inexperienced forward pack to play Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Mitchell has named four new caps in his pack, as well as debutant Regan King at outside centre, in his last chance to secure a win on New Zealand’s three-match tour.

Loosehead prop Tony Woodcock, hooker Keven Mealamu, openside flanker Daniel Braid and No 8 Rodney So’oialo will make their Test debuts against the Welsh. As well, locks Keith Robinson and Ali Williams have played just two Tests apiece.

Dangerous wingers Jonah Lomu and Doug Howlett will both start the match, but brilliant centre Christian Cullen has failed to make the 22.

New Zealand: B Blair; D Howlett, R King, T Umaga, J Lomu; A Mehrtens, S Devine; T Woodcock, K Mealamu, C Hayman, K Robinson, A Williams, T Randell (capt), R So’oialo, D Braid.

Replacements: A Hore, K Meeuws, B Mika, M Holah, D Lee, P Steinmetz, M Robinson.

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