15 Jun 2010

Vito the sole change to All Blacks starting fifteen

6:44 pm on 15 June 2010

Flanker Victor Vito's promotion for his run-on debut is the only change to the All Blacks' starting fifteen for the first test against Wales in Dunedin on Saturday.

After making his Test debut off the reserves becnh against Ireland on Saturdy night, Vito replaces Jerome Kaino at blindside flanker.

There are three changes on the bench, with prop Tony Woodcock replacing Neemia Tialata, flanker Adam Thomson is in for Vito with Kaino rested, while Richard Kahui covers the outside backs replacing Zac Guildford.

Henry indicated after the win over Ireland that he'd make several changes for the Wales test, but after an impressive start to the season has largely kept faith with the side which scored scored nine tries in New Plymouth.

Henry says he wants to test out his newcomers to see whether they're Tri-Nations contenders.

All three run-on debutants from last week fullback Israel Dagg, second five Benson Stanley and loosehead prop Ben Franks have been given a second cap.

The full team is:

Richie McCaw, captain, Ben Franks, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Anthony Boric, Victor Vito, Kieran Read, Jimmy Cowan, Daniel Carter, Josevata Rokocoko, Benson Stanley, Conrad Smith, Cory Jane, Israel Dagg.

Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Tony Woodcock, Sam Whitelock, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Richard Kahui.