4 Nov 2016

Kaino, lock stock and two smoking barrels

5:17 am on 4 November 2016

Jerome Kaino will start at lock for the All Blacks in their Test against Ireland in Chicago on Sunday morning.

All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino.

Jerome Kaino will play lock this weekend. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The locking stocks were limited with Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick both injured and Luke Romano returning home after a family bereavement.

All Black Jerome Kaino scores against South Africa RWC2015.

Jerome Kaino scores. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Instead of introducing one of the new players, coach Steve Hansen has decided to start Kaino, who has played there before, while Scott Barrett has been named in the reserves.

Patrick Tuipulotu is the other lock.

Liam Squire starts at six, along side Sam Cane and Kieran Read in the loose.

New All Black Liam Squire.

New All Black Liam Squire. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The All Blacks' flankers Ardie Savea and Sam Cane.

The All Blacks' flankers Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Aaron Smith returns to halfback with Beauden Barrett outside him with George Moala at centre and Waisake Naholo on the right wing.

Aaron Smith of the All Blacks during the Investec Rugby Championship match, All Blacks v South Africa ,AMI Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand, 17th September 2016.

All Black Aaron Smith playing against South Africa in Christchurch, 17 September Photo: Photosport

It will be a significant day for 22-year-old replacement lock Scott Barrett, the younger brother of Beauden, who is set to make his Test debut and become All Black number 1155, when he takes the field, as expected, from the bench.

Left winger Julian Savea will run out in his 50th Test.

Hansen said: "Firstly, we want to congratulate Scott on being selected in the matchday 23 for the first time. It will be special day for him and the entire Barrett family, including his two brothers who are touring with him. Also, we want to congratulate Julian on reaching 50 Tests. That is a significant achievement and again he and his family can be rightly proud of everything he has achieved in the black jersey.

"Returning to Chicago for only the second time in our history has, once again, been a great experience. The team have embraced the sporting atmosphere and the culture of the city and we really appreciate the way we've been looked after by the people of Chicago.

"As far as our preparation has gone, we have knuckled down and done some great work throughout the week.

"The challenge we face from Ireland is a massive one. They're a well-coached team with quality players, they play to their strengths and they're very good at identifying and attacking the weaknesses of the opposition they face. We anticipate them using some special plays that we haven't seen before, as well as bringing a very physical, 'in-your-face' attitude and a structured kicking game. Knowing all this has created a good edge in our group.

"Having said that, I'm most interested in seeing what we'll bring to the contest because, like us, they too have weaknesses and there'll be a need to bring our own physicality, and structures to take the game to them for the full 80 minutes.

"With this being the first game of the four-match Northern Tour, it gives us an opportunity to take our game to the next level."

The matchday 23 is (with Test caps in brackets):

1. Joe Moody (20)

2. Dane Coles (46)

3. Owen Franks (87)

4. Patrick Tuipulotu (10)

5. Jerome Kaino (75)

6. Liam Squire (6)

7. Sam Cane (37)

8. Kieran Read - captain (94)

9. Aaron Smith (54)

10. Beauden Barrett (46)

11. Julian Savea (49)

12. Ryan Crotty (24)

13. George Moala (3)

14. Waisake Naholo (8)

15. Ben Smith (58)

16. Codie Taylor (11)

17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi (2)

18. Charlie Faumuina (42)

19. Scott Barrett *

20. Ardie Savea (9)

21. TJ Perenara (26)

22. Aaron Cruden (43)

23. Malakai Fekitoa (20)

* The Test will be the second time the All Blacks have played in Chicago. The team played the USA here in 2014, winning 74-6.

* The All Blacks and Ireland have played each other 28 times since 1905 with 27 wins to the All Blacks and a single 10-10 draw in 1973.

* The most recent test match was the 24-22 nail-biter at Aviva Stadium, Dublin in 2014, which the All Blacks won with a last minute try and conversion.

* Scott and Beauden Barrett will become the 45th set of All Blacks brothers on Sunday. There will be an even more unique fraternal occurrence well: with two sets of brothers, the Barretts and Saveas, selected in an All Blacks team. The last time that happened was on 22 July 1961 when Ian and Don Clarke played alongside Colin and Stan Meads in the first Test against France on Eden Park.

-RNZ

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