21 Jun 2012

All Blacks challenged by Hansen

11:27 am on 21 June 2012

The All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has challenged his side to perform after making six changes for the third test against Ireland in hamilton on Saturday night.

Dan Carter is out with a hamstring injury, with his place taken by Aaron Cruden.

The changes have been made with their effort last week in mind, Hansen says the All Blacks weren't happy with the way they performed in the 23-19 win.

Hansen says he's looking for his players to respond to the challenge Ireland presented to them in Christchurch and so everyone of them will have to do their roles to the best of their ability.

He says they were always going to make some changes for the third test against Ireland, as long as everything had gone to plan.

Cruden will start his fourth test and first since the World Cup final, while both wings have been changed with Ben Smith and Hosea Gear getting starts.

Lock Luke Romano will make his debut, while Kieren Read's concussion means Richie McCaw will start at No.8 for the first time in a test, with Sam Cane and Liam Meesam on the flanks.

Coming into the reserves are Keven Mealamu, Beauden Barrett and Tamati Ellison.

Ireland has made three changes.