THE ALL BLACKS’ starting XV for Thursday’s Pool C clash with Namibia has been named with New Zealand coach Steve Hansen taking the opportunity to give his entire squad a run out.
By the completion of the 80 minutes, 30 of the 31 players in the New Zealand squad could have experienced game time with Hansen opting for rotation against the minnows.
Sam Cane will captain the side which contains five World Cup débutantes; Codie Taylor, Luke Romano, Liam Messam, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Malakai Fekitoa.
The All Blacks bench, however, has bags of experience with 660 caps.
New Zealand
15. Colin Slade
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
13. Malakai Fekitoa
12. Sonny Bill Williams
11. Julian Savea
10. Beauden Barrett
9. T J Perenara
1. Ben Franks
2. Codie Taylor
3. Charlie Faumuina
4. Luke Romano
5. Samuel Whitelock
6. Liam Messam
7. Sam Cane – captain
8. Victor Vito
Reserves
16. Keven Mealamu
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Tony Woodcock
19. Kieran Read
20. Richie McCaw
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
22. Ma’a Nonu
23. Ben Smith
Might have missed it but did the IRFU ever clarify why Ireland is the only top tier nation, possibly one of the only rugby nations, that never invested in 7s? Is there actually a good reason? The 7s circuit is huge, a 7s event in Dublin would be class, it always attracts a crowd.
They did, they said that costs were too high and were better spent on the 15s game. It was David Nucifora that convinced them that it would be an effective pathway for developing players that may otherwise slip through. I’ve seen it suggested that they would have to be seen to be running a 7s program to help with the RWC2023 bid. Not sure about that one though.
There are 7s events in Ireland. Dublin 7s was about a month ago in Donnybrook. Then obviously there’s Kinsale 7s which has a big draw.
Think he meant a world series event
Spain got the last spot in the last second of the final against Samoa . They had beaten Ireland in the quarters . Ireland did well to get so far considering they have only one full season under their belts.
Definitely. Qualification for 2020 was always the goal so to get so close for 2016 is great encouragement.
Sean, what’s the story with Olympic qualification? Has that ship sailed or are we still in with a chance?
Spain got the last spot