13 Jun 2013

No changes to starting XV in predictable All Blacks side

5:54 am on 13 June 2013

The All Blacks selectors have made no changes to the starting fifteen for the second test against France in Christchurch.

There are three changes on the bench, with the veterans Andrew Hore and Tony Woodcock replacing Keven Mealamu and last week's debutant Ben Afeaki respectively, while halfback Piri Weepu comes in for Tawera Kerr-Barlow.

Both the two remaining test matches have sold out in Christchurch and New Plymouth, meaning the All Blacks will have played the whole series in front of capacity crowds, with Eden Park selling out at 46,000 for last weekend's scrappy first-up victory, 21,000 set for Christchurch this weekend, and 23,400 in New Plymouth next weekend.

Meanwhile, two All Blacks will achieve milestones on Saturday, with All Blacks captain Kieran Read playing his 50th test while the hooker Hore looks set to play his 75th test off the bench.

New Zealand (test caps in brackets):

1. Wyatt Crockett (12)

2. Dane Coles (5)

3. Owen Franks (45)

4. Luke Romano (12)

5. Brodie Retallick (14)

6. Liam Messam (21)

7. Sam Cane (5)

8. Kieran Read - captain (49)

9. Aaron Smith (14)

10. Aaron Cruden (21)

11. Julian Savea (10)

12. Ma'a Nonu (77)

13. Conrad Smith (67)

14. Ben Smith (13)

15. Israel Dagg (26)

Reserves:

16. Andrew Hore (74)

17. Tony Woodcock (96)

18. Ben Franks (24)

19. Jeremy Thrush (0)

20. Victor Vito (20)

21. Piri Weepu (69)

22. Beauden Barrett (6)

23. Rene Ranger (4)