LONDON – New Zealand Coach Steve Hansen has made 11 changes to the side that beat Argentina in their opening World Cup clash on Sunday for their second pool match against Namibia on Thursday.
In a move almost as surprising as the number of changes, Hansen has also named Richie McCaw’s understudy Sam Cane to captain the side in his 26th test with McCaw named on the bench.
Hansen will use Thursday night match with Namibia as an opportunity to rest a number of All Blacks with Codie Taylor, Luke Romano, Liam Messam, Malakai Fekitoa and Colin Slade making their first appearances at the Rugby World Cup.
Hurricanes’ duo TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett get an opportunity to stake their case for a starting spot down the track and also gives Hansen a look at a different 9, 10 combination with Colin Slade placed at the back. Tawera Kerr Barlow will also get an opportunity to prove his worth and will likely come off the bench early in the second half.
All Blacks team to play Namibia
1. Ben Franks
2. Codie Taylor
3. Charlie Faumuina
4. Luke Romano
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Liam Messam
7. Sam Cane (captain)
8. Victor Vito
9. TJ Perenara
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Julian Savea
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Malakai Fekitoa
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
15. Colin Slade
Replacements
16. Keven Mealamu 17. Wyatt Crockett 18. Tony Woodcock 19. Kieran Read 20. Richie McCaw 21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow 22. Ma’a Nonu 23. Ben Smith.