12 Nov 2008

All Blacks selectors name top line up for Ireland

11:21 am on 12 November 2008

The All Black coach Graham Henry has selected his top side to take on Ireland at Croke Park on Sunday morning.

Keven Mealamu and Ali Williams will play their third straight game on tour.

Henry says they're expecting a torrid encounter from an Irish side which is playing with real adventure.

He says the Irish showed passion and physicality when they played them in New Zealand earlier in the year and they're expecting another tough Test match this time.

Rokocoko will play his 50th test, while Richie McCaw will captain the All Blacks for the 31st time in a Test, which takes him to second on the All Blacks Test captains list behind Sean Fitzpatrick, who has 51.

The team is Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Neemiah Tialata, Brad Thorn, Ally Williams, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Rodney So'oialo, Jimmy Cowan, Dan Carter, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Josevata Rokococko and Mils Muliaina. The reserves are Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Kieren Read, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald and Isaia Toeava.