METEORIC MOODY

ABs line-up for do-or-die semi

CANTERBURY prop Joe Moody suddenly finds himself starting in a Rugby World Cup semifinal against South Africa.

The 27-year-old loosehead is the only change to the All Blacks’ starting side named to play the Springboks in London on Sunday.

Less than two weeks after joining the squad as an injury replacement, Moody comes in for provincial team-mate Wyatt Crockett who has been ruled out with the groin injury he suffered during the All Blacks’ 62-13 quarterfinal demolition of France.

The only other change to coach Steve Hansen’s matchday 23 is Hawke’s Bay prop Ben Franks who comes into the reserves.

Manawatu’s Nehe MilnerSkudder, who was under in doubt after leaving the field against France with a sore shoulder, has been passed fit and will take his place on the right wing.

Moody’s elevation to the starting side is remarkable considering he arrived in England only last week as a replacement for injured loosehead Tony Woodcock.

After coming on in the 28th minute against France and nailing his set piece work as well as showing off some silky skills around the field, Moody was the obvious choice to start against the Springboks.

The All Blacks packed down just seven scrums during their quarterfinal in Cardiff, but the set piece is expected to play a pivotal role at Twickenham, meaning Moody will need to step up.

Hansen is now down to his third-choice loosehead prop, but Crockett has not been replaced in the squad of 31 suggesting he could be fit next week, for either a final or a third-fourth playoff.

Ben Franks, who was not required for the quarterfinal, will cover loosehead prop from the reserves alongside tighthead Charlie Faumuina.

South Africa have plenty of depth in their team with coach Heyneke Meyer able to name an unchanged starting team to the one that overcame Wales 23-19 in the quarterfinals. He brings veteran lock Victor Matfield back from injury to take his place in the reserves.

On paper the two sides look evenly matched, but the All Blacks will fancy they have a more explosive bench where loose forwards Sam Cane and Victor Vito and backs Sonny Bill Williams and Beauden Barrett provide plenty of punch.

Out wide there is a the potential for an historic moment with the respective left wings, Julian Savea for New Zealand and Bryan Habana from South Africa, both tied with All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu for the World Cup’s single tournament scoring record of eight tries.

There has been plenty of talk about whether the All Blacks can put their brilliant win over France to the side, but Hansen was adamant their preparation had again been spot on.

‘‘We’ve put a full stop on last weekend’s performance and have been slowly building throughout the week to produce another game we can all be proud of.’’

He stressed playing South Africa at a World Cup for the third time made it a more special test than their regular Rugby Championship tests.

‘‘These Cup finals matches are totally different. They have a live or die nature to them and both teams will be desperate to advance.

‘‘As a group we’re really looking forward to this challenge. It will require a massive amount of intensity and composure and accurate skill execution. This team has high expectations of itself and enjoys the big occasions.’’