New Zealand names strong team

New Zealand names strong team

May 29, 2007

NEW Zealand has named a team close to full strength for the first rugby Test against France at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.

Wing Sitiveni Sivivatu, five-eighth Daniel Carter, captain Richie McCaw, second row Ali Williams and prop Carl Hayman are the only players who started the All Blacks' final test of 2006, against Wales in November, named in the side.

Five players were ruled out of New Zealand's first test of 2007 by injury, namely full back Mils Muliaina, centre Conrad Smith and halfback Byron Kelleher, who all have hamstring problems; flanker Jerry Collins, who has a heel injury; and hooker Anton Oliver, who has a foot injury.

AAP

Breakdown of Super 14 Representation:

Crusaders (3rd): 6/15 & 0/7 = 6/22

Blues (4th): 5/15 & 1/7 = 6/22

Chiefs (6th): 1/15 & 1/7 = 2/22

Hurricanes (8th): 2/15 & 4/7 = 6/22

Highlanders (9th): 1/15 & 1/7 = 2/22


All Blacks for France 1:

1. Tony Woodcock (Blues),
2. Keven Mealamu (Blues),
3. Carl Hayman (Highlanders),
4. Chris Jack (Crusaders),
5. Ali Williams (Blues),
6. Reuben Thorne (Crusaders),
7. Richie McCaw (Crusaders, Captain),
8. Chris Masoe (Hurricanes),

9. Piri Weepu (Hurricanes),
10. Daniel Carter (Crusaders),
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu (Chiefs),
12. Aaron Mauger (Crusaders),
13. Isaia Toeava (Blues),
14. Joe Rokocoko (Blues),
15. Leon MacDonald (Crusaders),

16. Andrew Hore (Hurricanes),
17. Neemia Tialata (Hurricanes),
18. Troy Flavell (Blues),
19. Rodney So'oialo (Hurricanes),
20. Brendon Leonard (Chiefs),
21. Nick Evans (Highlanders),
22. Ma'a Nonu (Hurricanes).