ALL BLACKS HEAD coach Steve Hansen has been forced into making two changes to his side for Saturday’s second Test against the Lions, with Ryan Crotty and Ben Smith missing out through injury.
Smith suffered his third concussion of the season during New Zealand’s victory in the first Test at Eden Park, while Crotty sustained a hamstring injury in the same game.
Waisake Naholo comes in to start on the wing while Anton Lienert-Brown will win his 12th cap at outside centre.
“Whilst it’s disappointing to lose both Ben Smith and Ryan Crotty, it creates an opportunity for others,” Hansen said.
“Izzy (Israel Dagg) is a world-class back three player, as is Anton in the midfield, and both Waisake and Ngani are coming into the Test side following outstanding performances against the Lions for their respective Super franchises.”
New All Black Ngani Laumape has been added to the bench with Dagg moving to fullback to replace the sidelined Smith.
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Naholo starred in the Otago Highlanders’ 23-22 win over the Lions while the blockbusting Laumape is the leading tryscorer in Super Rugby this year.
The recall for Naholo means for the second consecutive Test the All Blacks have been unable to find room for prolific try-scorer Julian Savea.
Waisake Naholo celebrates his try against the Lions for the Highlanders. Photosport / Joe Allison/INPHO
Photosport / Joe Allison/INPHO / Joe Allison/INPHO
Hansen has retained the remainder of the starting side and bench from the first Test where the forwards were dominant in the battle for possession.
However, despite that commanding performance he talked up the Lions and said there was no room for complacency in the All Blacks camp.
“The job is far from done. It’s going to require us to take our game to a higher level. It’s going to be very demanding, physically and mentally, on both sides,” he said.
“We’re aware the British and Irish Lions have their backs to the wall and will chuck everything at us to keep themselves alive in the series. They are a quality side who we respect immensely.
“In reality, last week’s Test could’ve gone either way had they taken more of their chances. Our job will be to make sure that we shut down their counter-attack better than we did last weekend and at the same time, win the critical moments across the 80 minutes.”
All Blacks:
15. Israel Dagg
14. Waisake Naholo
13. Anton Lienert-Brown
12. Sonny Bill Williams
11. Rieko Ioane
10. Beauden Barrett
9. Aaron Smith
1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Owen Franks
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Samuel Whitelock
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Sam Cane
8. Kieran Read (capt).
All Blacks make two changes for second Lions Test
ALL BLACKS HEAD coach Steve Hansen has been forced into making two changes to his side for Saturday’s second Test against the Lions, with Ryan Crotty and Ben Smith missing out through injury.
Smith suffered his third concussion of the season during New Zealand’s victory in the first Test at Eden Park, while Crotty sustained a hamstring injury in the same game.
Waisake Naholo comes in to start on the wing while Anton Lienert-Brown will win his 12th cap at outside centre.
“Whilst it’s disappointing to lose both Ben Smith and Ryan Crotty, it creates an opportunity for others,” Hansen said.
“Izzy (Israel Dagg) is a world-class back three player, as is Anton in the midfield, and both Waisake and Ngani are coming into the Test side following outstanding performances against the Lions for their respective Super franchises.”
New All Black Ngani Laumape has been added to the bench with Dagg moving to fullback to replace the sidelined Smith.
Naholo starred in the Otago Highlanders’ 23-22 win over the Lions while the blockbusting Laumape is the leading tryscorer in Super Rugby this year.
The recall for Naholo means for the second consecutive Test the All Blacks have been unable to find room for prolific try-scorer Julian Savea.
Hansen has retained the remainder of the starting side and bench from the first Test where the forwards were dominant in the battle for possession.
However, despite that commanding performance he talked up the Lions and said there was no room for complacency in the All Blacks camp.
“The job is far from done. It’s going to require us to take our game to a higher level. It’s going to be very demanding, physically and mentally, on both sides,” he said.
“In reality, last week’s Test could’ve gone either way had they taken more of their chances. Our job will be to make sure that we shut down their counter-attack better than we did last weekend and at the same time, win the critical moments across the 80 minutes.”
All Blacks:
15. Israel Dagg
14. Waisake Naholo
13. Anton Lienert-Brown
12. Sonny Bill Williams
11. Rieko Ioane
10. Beauden Barrett
9. Aaron Smith
1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Owen Franks
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Samuel Whitelock
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Sam Cane
8. Kieran Read (capt).
Replacements:
16. Nathan Harris
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Charlie Faumuina
19. Scott Barrett
20. Ardie Savea
21. TJ Perenara
22. Aaron Cruden
23. Ngani Laumape
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2017 lions All Blacks Lions lions 2017 Steve Hansen Team news New Zealand