Steve Hansen has named the New Zealand team to play France in the World Cup quarter-final in Cardiff this weekend. It is as close to as strong a starting XV as he could name, barring the recent injury of Tony Woodcock.
Replacement Joe Moody completes a whirlwind week with a spot on the bench, having only arrived in England four days ago.
Richie McCaw, Brodie Retallick and Julian Savea all return to the starting line-up, for a repeat of the 2007 quarter-final on the same ground that the All Blacks famously lost that day.
All Blacks Head Coach Hansen said: “We’re exactly where we want to be – playing a quarterfinal at Millennium Stadium. It’s finals footy and we’re hugely excited by that. We’re a team that enjoys a challenge, we’ve had a great week’s preparation and it’s now about putting it out on the park.
“This team has always been about making its own history. We’ve known for a long time that this match-up may be a possibility and we’re really looking forward to it. There are not many better places to play than a packed Millennium Stadium.”
Hansen added: “All Blacks – French Tests are always intense affairs and we expect this weekend to be no different. The French will be very physical and both teams have plenty to play for. We’re at the time in the Tournament where the big boys have to step up to the plate and the team that does this the best will move through to the next round. It’s as simple as that. We can’t wait.”
NEW ZEALAND TEAM TO PLAY FRANCE
1. Wyatt Crockett (44 caps)
2. Dane Coles (33)
3. Owen Franks (75)
4. Brodie Retallick (44)
5. Samuel Whitelock (70)
6. Jerome Kaino (64)
7. Richie McCaw (145) – captain
8. Kieran Read (81)
9. Aaron Smith (44)
10. Daniel Carter (109)
11. Julian Savea (38)
12. Ma’a Nonu (100)
13. Conrad Smith (91)
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder (5)
15. Ben Smith (45)
Replacements:
16. Keven Mealamu (129)
17. Joe Moody (8)
18. Charlie Faumuina (30)
19. Victor Vito (31)
20. Sam Cane (28)
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (18)
22. Beauden Barrett (33)
23. Sonny Bill Williams (30)
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images