NEW ZEALAND HAVE named Beauden Barrett at out-half in the team to play Wales this morning, with Richie McCaw back in his favoured openside position for his 100th Test as All Blacks captain.
After an experimental young side struggled to a 24-16 win over Scotland last weekend, coach Steve Hansen recalled his big guns for Saturday’s clash at the Millennium Stadium, the final match of New Zealand’s northern tour.
Only three starters from the Scotland match were retained as the likes of Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea, Jerome Kaino and Brodie Retallick returned.
Hansen said the main selection dilemma was the ultra-competitive number 10 spot, where Barrett prevailed over a “rusty” Dan Carter and Aaron Cruden, who he said had already been given a chance in a big match against England two weeks ago.
“We’ve seen Crudes (Cruden) on this tour in one of the big games against England and we wanted to see Beauden against one as well,” he said. “We’re using this tour to find out more about the guys we’ve got.”
After a stint as blindside flanker against Scotland, McCaw returns to the open side in his 137th Test cap, his 100th as captain. Under his leadership, the All Blacks had amassed an incredible winning record of 89 percent.
“There is no doubt his leadership has grown phenomenally over the years and he is now one of the all-time great leaders of any sports team,” Hansen said.
New Zealand (v Wales):
15. Ben Smith
14. Charles Piutau
13 Conrad Smith
12 Sonny Bill Williams
11. Julian Savea
10. Beauden Barrett
9. Aaron Smith.
1. Wyatt Crockett.
2. Dane Coles
3. Owen Franks.
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Richie McCaw (Capt)
8. Kieran Read.
Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Joe Moody, Charlie Faumuina, Patrick Tuipulotu, Liam Messam, TJ Perenara, Colin Slade, Ryan Crotty.
