The big guns are back. Other than Ma'a Nonu's absence due to injury, the All Blacks have - as expected - selected what they consider their first-choice team to challenge Georgia in Cardiff on Saturday (NZT).
And there are a few surprises, particularly in the front-row.
Taranaki and Highlanders wing Waisake Naholo makes his eagerly-anticipated return for his second test, almost 10 months after fracturing his leg in a 51-minute debut against Argentina in Christchurch.
Naholo replaces Nehe Milner-Skudder on the right wing to link up with Julian Savea and Ben Smith in the competitive back three.
After two impressive performances, one from the bench and one starting, Sonny Bill Williams retains the second five-eighth role for a second week and gets another chance to apply pressure before the knockout stages. Nonu has injured a shoulder and will have to wait another week for his 100-test milestone.
Dan Carter returns at first-five but with Beauden Barrett (whiplash) and Colin Slade (hamstring) also ruled out with niggling injuries, halfback TJ Perenara will cover No 10 from the bench. Liam Messam (calf) wasn't considered for selection and remains the only member of the 31-man squad yet to take the field.
There are two minor surprises in the front-row, where Wyatt Crockett has been preferred over veteran loose head Tony Woodcock and Charlie Faumuina edges out Owen Franks. Given the All Blacks' intention to select their best team for their final two pool matches that suggests there is serious competition among the big boys upfront.
Woodcock and Franks, the two first-choice props over the past four years, have been criticised for their work around the park in recent times, while Crockett and Faumuina have provided notable impact from the bench.
Once again there is no specialist lock cover. Two loose forwards, Victor Vito and Sam Cane, have been favoured over Luke Romano in the reserves.
We've selected what we think is the best 23 for this test match and reflects where we currently are with our progress in the Rugby World Cup," All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.
"We're looking forward to seeing Waisake back on the track, he's been jumping out of his skin at training and I'm sure he can't wait for game day.
"While it's disappointing to have Beauden, Colin, Ma'a and Liam unavailable for selection, their injuries are minor and they're all expected to be available for selection next week.
"This game gives us an opportunity to build on our previous performances against an opposition who have proven to be very physical in their two matches. Although we don't know a lot about them, we know enough. They're big, strong athletes and should contribute to what will be a great occasion at Millennium Stadium. I know everyone in our group is looking forward to it."
Meanwhile, Hansen has also paid tribute to All Blacks mental skills guru Gilbert Enoka, who will be involved in his 200th test this weekend. Enoka, who first started working with the All Blacks in 2000, was a very important cog in machine, Hansen said.
"His contribution is highly valued by all players and management and to be associated with a team for 200 test matches is a huge achievement, one I'm sure he and his family are very proud of, as we are of him."
All Blacks:
Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (c), Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Charlie Faumuina, Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara, Malakai Fekitoa.
- Stuff
