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Hansen names strong All Blacks side

Hansen names strong All Blacks side

New Zealand have named a hugely experienced side to take on Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

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Head coach Steve Hansen makes eight changes from the side who began last weekend’s win over Italy with Saturday’s starting XV boasting 745 caps between them.

Richie McCaw returns to lead the side with Dan Carter, who was on the bench in Rome, starting at fly-half.

Elsewhere, Israel Dagg comes in at full back with Cory Jane partnering Julian Savea on the wings. Owen Franks starts at prop alongside Andrew Hore and Tony Woodcock in the front row.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen said: “We have always known this game will be a fiercely contested match.

“The Welsh team in the last 12 months have been Grand Slam winners and 2011 Rugby World Cup semi-finalists and we have known since the World Cup that this would be the game that they would be targeting in this autumn series so any recent performances or results won’t have any bearing on this match.

“We are all excited by what comes with this challenge, along with the fact that we will be playing in one of the world’s greatest rugby stadiums.”

Behind the scrum, Aaron Smith partners Carter at half-back with Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith in the centre.

Hooker Dane Coles keeps his place on the bench with Keven Mealamu carrying a calf injury while Wyatt Crockett and Charlie Faumuina provide the cover at prop.

Brodie Retallick, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden and Ben Smith complete the replacements.

New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg 14 Cory Jane 13 Conrad Smith 12 Ma’a Nonu 11 Julian Savea 10 Daniel Carter 9 Aaron Smith, 1 Tony Woodcock 2 Andrew Hore 3 Owen Franks 4 Luke Romano 5 Samuel Whitelock 6 Liam Messam 7 Richie McCaw (c) 8 Kieran Read.
Replacements: Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Brodie Retallick, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith. 

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