17 Jul 2010

Ranger called into All Blacks starting lineup

8:29 am on 17 July 2010

The Northland winger Rene Ranger will get his first start for the All Blacks in the second Tri Nations rugby Test in Wellington.

Ranger replaces his Blues team-mate, Joe Rokocoko, who strained a hamstring in the win over the Springboks in Auckland.

He's one of two changes from the team which started at Eden Park.

The other is at halfback where Wellington's Piri Weepu get his first start in about two years with Jimmy Cowan on the bench after being in doubt with an abdominal strain.

Head coach Graham Henry says they've stuck with the majority of players who played so well last week.

He says they're ready for what'lll be another major contest and know they'll face a different, more physical Springboks side.

The starting 15 is: Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Tom Donnelly, Jerome Kaino. Richie McCaw, (c), Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Daniel Carter, Rene Ranger, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith. Cory Jane, Mils Muliaina. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Samuel Whitelock, Liam Messam, Jimmy Cowan, Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg.