jeudi 24 novembre 2016

All Blacks start Perenara over Smith for France

The All Blacks have dropped Aaron Smith for Saturday's Test against France with TJ Perenara starting at scrum-half as the world champions make five changes.

New Zealand head to France off the back of their 21-9 win over Ireland in Dublin but with Sam Cane and Ben Smith out injured, Steve Hansen has been forced to mix up his team selection.

With Cane sidelined, Matt Todd starts at openside with Jerome Kaino replacing Liam Squires at blindside.

In the backs Perenara replaces Aaron Smith at No.9 while Israel Dagg shifts to fullback to cover the injured Ben Smith. Waisake Naholo comes in on the wing to step into Dagg's shoes while Ryan Crotty replaces the suspended Malakai Fekitoa in the centres.

One-cap Rieko Ioane is named among the replacements.

"When it came to selecting this side, we had to make some changes because of injuries, but we also looked to pick the best side possible for what we think will be a titanic battle against the French," Hansen said.

"It was a very physical match in Dublin on the weekend so we have looked to get this week's preparation spot on - both mentally and physically - as we know France will also be looking to impose themselves upon us come Saturday night.

"We're excited by the unique challenge that comes with playing the French. They've improved immensely since the Rugby World Cup when we last played them, and we're well aware they'll be looking to finish their autumn season with a big performance.

"As we all know, they're capable of producing wonderful rugby on their day. As always, we're looking forward to the challenge.

"The Test is also another opportunity for our team to experience the Northern Hemisphere style of rugby which will give this new group another chance to learn and grow. We have introduced 11 new players to the All Blacks environment this year which can only bode well for the future. "

New Zealand:

Israel Dagg, Waisake Naholo, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ryan Crotty, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara; Joe Moody, Dane Coles, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Matt Todd, Kieran Read (captain) Replacements:

Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Aaron Cruden, Rieko Ioane

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All Blacks start Perenara over Smith for France

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