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9 September 2008
All Blacks Announce Team to Play Australia
All Blacks coach Graham Henry and his assistant coaches Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen have announced the team to play Australia in Brisbane on Saturday September 13 at Suncorp Stadium:
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Andrew Hore
3. Greg Somerville
4. Brad Thorn
5. Ali Willliams
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Richie McCaw (c)
8. Rodney So’oialo
9. Jimmy Cowan
10. Dan Carter
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Richard Kahui
15. Mils Muliaina
Reserves:
16. Keven Mealamu
17. John Afoa/ Neemia Tialata
18. Anthony Boric
19. Adam Thomson
20. Piri Weepu
21. Stephen Donald
22. Isaia Toeava
The starting XV is unchanged from the All Blacks last two Philips Tri Nations Tests.
“It’s a very competitive Philips Tri Nations series this year,” said All Blacks coach Graham Henry. “Every match has been more important than the one before it and this Test decides the Championship. So we’re trying to make sure we get our preparation exactly right.
“Australia’s last result was out-of-character and we expect a real battle,” added Henry.
A decision on the team’s reserve prop will be made on Friday as John Afoa’s recovery from a sore shoulder is monitored.