All Blacks selectors ring the changes

All Blacks selectors ring the changes

June 16, 2009 - 11:44AM

The All Blacks have made four changes to their starting lineup in a bid to save the series in the second Test against France here Saturday.

Outside centre Isaia Toeava and number eight Liam Messam have been dropped from the starting side named Tuesday after France scored a surprise 27-22 win over the All Blacks in the first Test in Dunedin last Saturday.

Toeava has been relegated to the reserves bench due to the return of Conrad Smith from a hamstring strain.

Messam has been dropped from the 22-man team altogether with blindside flanker Kieran Read moving to number eight to make way for Jerome Kaino, who is returning from a knee injury.

"The return of Jerome and Conrad from injury will be a boost for the guys," coach Graham Henry said.

"The team was disappointed with the way they played in last weekend's loss to France and are looking forward to making big improvements this week."

Reserve openside flanker Tanerau Latimer has been promoted to the starting lineup after Adam Thomson broke a bone in his hand in Dunedin.

Reserve hooker Keven Mealamu also moves into the starting side after Andrew Hore damaged his rib cartilage in the first Test.

Waikato Chiefs hooker Aled de Malmanche and Canterbury Crusaders flanker George Whitelock have been called into the All Blacks' reserves bench.

All Blacks:

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Keven Mealamu
3. Neemia Tialata
4. Brad Thorn
5. Isaac Ross
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Tanerau Latimer
8. Kieran Read

9. Jimmy Cowan
10. Stephen Donald
11. Josevata Rokocoko
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Cory Jane
15. Mils Muliaina (C)

16. Aled de Malmanche
17. John Afoa
18. Bryn Evans
19. George Whitelock
20. Piri Weepu
21. Luke McAlister
22. Isaia Toeava

AFP