Departing All Blacks get the nod
Sentimental All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has given his departing players one last farewell in the black jersey.
Captain Kieran Read, midfielders Sonny Bill Williams and Ryan Crotty, and veteran wing Ben Smith will all start in tomorrow’s (10pm NZ time) World Cup bronze medal game against Wales in Tokyo. Loose forward Matt Todd has also recovered from a shoulder injury to take his place on the bench in his last game for New Zealand.
Hansen named eight starters from last Saturday’s 19-7 semifinal loss to England.
Loose forward Ardie Savea, who picked up a knee injury against England, has been ruled out for the third-fourth playoff with Sam Cane to wear the No 7 jersey. Savea has a meniscus tear.
‘‘It will come right in a couple of months. He’s better off not having an operation on it,’’ Hansen said.
All other players were available for selection, though he said halfback TJ Perenara, who is not included in the 23, has stitches and a sore shoulder.
‘‘This was a tough team to select
All Blacks team: Beauden Barrett, Ben Smith, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko Ioane, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (c), Sam Cane, Shannon Frizell, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Joe Moody. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Atu Moli, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Matt Todd, Brad Weber, Anton LienertBrown, Jordie Barrett.
Wales: Hallam Amos, Owen Lane, Jonathan Davies, Owen Watkin, Josh Adams, Rhys Patchell, Tomos Williams, Ross Moriarty, James Davies, Justin Tipuric, Alun Wyn Jones (c), Adam Beard, Dillon Lewis, Ken Owens, Nicky Smith. Reserves: Elliot Dee, Rhys Carre, Wyn Jones, Jake Ball, Aaron Shingler, Gareth Davies, Dan Biggar, Hadleigh Parkes.
because, as always, everyone wanted to play,’’ Hansen said.
‘‘But with a short turnaround and the nature of the tournament we feel that this is the right team for this occasion.’’
He said the All Blacks were bitterly disappointed with their semifinal performance and they wouldn’t have any trouble getting up for the third-fourth playoff.
‘‘There’s been a lot of external talk around this being the game that no-one wants to play. However, from our point of view, we can’t wait to play it.
‘‘This is a test match against an opposition that will also be keen to make a statement. Therefore, we will need to turn up with real attitude, intent and work ethic, and then execute our skill sets to the highest level possible. The game will be physical and fast as both teams will look to play to their strengths.
‘‘Whilst none of us – players, management or fans – got the result we wanted at this tournament, this is another opportunity for us to wear the jersey and represent our country with pride.’’
Meanwhile, outgoing Wales coach Warren Gatland has made nine changes to his starting side.
Gatland, who like Hansen is in his last game in charge of his international side, has named a team significantly different to the one that lost its
South Africa 19-16.
Gatland will return to New Zealand after the World Cup to coach the Chiefs in Super Rugby.
With five changes to the backline that lost to the Springboks, New Zealand-born midfielder Hadleigh Parkes is one of the regular starters who has been relegated to the bench for Owen Watkin, along with first five-eighth Dan Biggar who has been replaced by Rhys Patchell.