19 Sep 2019

Rugby World Cup: Fans, All Blacks ready to go

From Checkpoint, 5:10 pm on 19 September 2019

The All Blacks have named their team to play their old foes the Springboks in their Rugby World Cup opener in Tokyo on Saturday.

If you're just joining us, Richie Mo'unga is back at first five - with Beauden Barrett at fullback and Ben Smith dropping to the bench.

Scott Barrett will join his brother in the starting XV. He'll play lock in place of the injured Brodie Retallick.

Dane Coles gets the hooker's spot and Ryan Crotty and Anton Lienert-Brown have been retained in the midfield, as have World Cup debutantes Sevu Reece and George Bridge on the wings.

Coach Steve Hansen says Sonny Bill Williams will provide impact off the bench and he says Crotty and Lienert-Brown have earned their starting spots - with Crotty providing a familiar face for first-five Richie Mo'unga.

Mo'unga is back in the first five's drivers seat after missing the Tonga test with a shoulder injury.

It will be his World Cup debut - the same for his Crusaders teammates Crotty and Bridge. Mo'unga started in the 16-all draw with South Africa in Wellington in July and says he can't wait for another crack at the Boks.

Lisa Owen talks to Joe Porter who's standing on a train platform on his way to All Blacks training in Tokyo.