Marcelo extends deal

SPANISH and European champions Real Madrid announced a two-year contract extension for Brazilian left-back Marcelo yesterday, hours after the player’s appeal against a domestic suspension was rejected. Now in his 12th season at Real, Marcelo is the secondlongest serving player after captain Sergio Ramos, having joined the Spanish giants from Brazilian side Fluminense aged 18 back in January 2007, and is the longest serving foreign player in the club’s history. Real said on their website (www.realmadrid.com) that they had agreed to extend the player’s contract, originally due to expire in 2020, by two years. The 29-year-old has won four Liga titles and three Champions League trophies with Real and has remained one of the club’s most important and consistent players, carving out a legacy to match compatriot Roberto Carlos, who called time on 11 trophy-laden seasons with Real shortly after Marcelo joined. – Reuters AUCKLAND: Kane Hames has been given his first All Blacks start as coach Steve Hansen bolstered his side’s pack for their Rugby Championship match against South Africa on Saturday.

Hames replaces Joe Moody who was ruled out for the season after dislocating his shoulder against Argentina.

Hansen also recalled Liam Squire and Sam Cane in the loose forwards and lock Sam Whitelock to bolster the pack against a resurgent Springbok team.

Nehe Milner-Skudder shifts back to his preferred right wing in place of Israel Dagg, who had been struggling with a knee injury.

The equally diminutive Damian McKenzie has been given another run at fullback, although Hansen has opted to recall power winger Rieko Ioane to the No 11 jersey.

Ryan Crotty also returns at centre after missing last week’s victory against the Pumas with Anton LienertBrown dropping to the bench.

Hansen had already signalled that scrumhalf Aaron Smith would return in an effort to speed up the All Blacks game. He links again with flyhalf Beauden Barrett. – Reuters