Sonny Bill Williams hits 50 for New Zealand
All Blacks inside centre Sonny Bill Williams will play in his 50th Test when they face Australia in Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup clash in Yokohama.
Williams, who made his debut against England at Twickenham in November 2010, starts in a matchday squad which also features the return of several key players from injury. Joe Moody returns from his thumb injury and back into the number one jersey, while fellow prop Nepo Laulala is also back, named in the run on reserves.
Liam Squire returns to the number six jersey while Brodie Retallick will make his return via the bench.
In other changes from the last Test side, TJ Perenara will start at scrum-half with Aaron Smith providing impact from the bench.
Ben Smith moves to the right wing to make way for Damian McKenzie at full-back. Matt Todd provides loose forward cover from the bench.
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All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen is looking forward to the Test and welcomed the return of several star players.
“It’s great to have Joe, Nepo, Liam and Brodie, as well as Matt Todd, back. As well as being world-class rugby players, they also add a lot of experience to the team, both on and off the track. We look forward to seeing them play again.
“The Test match will provide us with another great opportunity to put into practise what we have learnt throughout our recent Tests in the Rugby Championship, and grow our game in the first Test of what will be an exciting northern tour.
“We’re also excited to be playing the first of our two Tests here in Japan. The Japanese people have been fantastic hosts and the team has enjoyed the cultural aspects of our time here.
“We look forward to seeing them on Saturday and hopefully having their support.”
New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Brodie Retallick, 20 Matt Todd, 21 Aaron Smith, 22 Richie Mo’unga, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown
Date: Saturday, October 27
Venue: Nissan Stadium, Yokohama
Kick-off: 15:00 local (07:00 BST, 06:00 GMT)
Referee: Romain (France)
Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa), Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa)
Television match official: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
