20 Jun 2013

Ranger starts with Carter, Vito, Weepu and Hore

12:29 pm on 20 June 2013

Rene Ranger gets his first start for the All Blacks this year at left wing in place of Julian Savea for the final test in New Plymouth, in one of five changes from the team which kept France scoreless at Eden Park.

Daniel Carter replaces Aaron Cruden, who is rested, with Beauden Barrett on the bench at his home Yarrow Stadium.

There's also no room for Aaron Smith with Piri Weepu starting at halfback and Tawera Kerr-Barlow coming into the reserves.

Ben Smith remains on the right wing with Conrad Smith starting his home test at centre.

In the forwards, Victor Vito gets his first start in 2013 on the blindside flank, with Matt Todd on the bench and Sam Cane also rested.

Dane Coles misses out at hooker with a calf strain, with Andrew Hore starting and Keven Mealamu coming into the reserves.

Steven Luatua is on the bench to cover both lock and number six while Charles Piutau also joins the match-day 23 to cover the outside backs.

New Zealand: (test caps in brackets, * denotes a new cap)

1. Wyatt Crockett (13)

2. Andrew Hore (75)

3. Owen Franks (46)

4. Luke Romano (13)

5. Samuel Whitelock (40)

6. Victor Vito (21)

7. Sam Cane (6)

8. Kieran Read - captain (50)

9. Piri Weepu (70)

10. Daniel Carter (94)

11. Rene Ranger (5)

12. Ma'a Nonu (78)

13. Conrad Smith (68)

14. Ben Smith (14)

15. Israel Dagg (27)

16. Keven Mealamu (103)

17. Tony Woodcock (97)

18. Ben Franks (25)

19. Steven Luatua *

20. Matt Todd *

21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (3)

22. Beauden Barrett (7)

23. Charles Piutau *