Seven changes from All Blacks
New Zealand have made seven changes to their XV that will face Ireland on Sunday, with Cory Jane one of those named in the line-up.
New Zealand have made a handful of changes to their line-up that will face Ireland in Dublin on Sunday, with Cory Jane one of those named in the XV.
The strong side, which boasts 798 Test caps experience and an average age of 26, features two injury-enforced changes from the team that beat England last weekend at Twickenham.
Fly-half Aaron Cruden replaces Daniel Carter in the starting XV and prop Wyatt Crockett replaces Tony Woodcock. Those changes see Beauden Barrett and Ben Franks come into the reserves.
Jane also returns to the XV, replacing Charles Piutau, while in the forwards, lock Luke Romano starts, with Brodie Retallick on the bench; Steven Luatua is at blindside with Sam Cane coming onto the bench to cover the back-row; and Andrew Hore takes Keven Mealamu's place at hooker.
The squad also features the inclusion of uncapped scrum-half TJ Perenara on the bench.
“This Test against the Irish is another great opportunity for the team to put in a performance we can all be proud of,” said head coach Steve Hansen ahead of Sunday's international.
“Though we have won the last two Tests on the Air New Zealand European Tour (against France and England), we would like to see an improvement on those two performances.
“We love playing in Ireland and have a lot of respect for the Irish. We well remember the second Test against them in Christchurch last year (when the All Blacks just won 22-19) and we know that if our minds aren't totally on the job in our preparation this week and in the game on Sunday, then we will suffer.”
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Ben Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (capt), 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Owen Franks, 19 Brodie Retallick, 20 Sam Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Ryan Crotty.
Date: Sunday, November 24
Kick-off: 14:00 GMT
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Jérôme Garcès (France), Greg Garner (England)
Television match official: Graham Hughes (England)
Assessor: Donal Courtney (European Rugby Cup)