SM
Luton vs. Everton: 5 hrs 14 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
Rugby World Cup | Group Stage
Oct 9, 2015 at 8pm UK
 
New Zealand
47-9
Tonga
Smith (13'), Woodcock (31'), Milner-Skudder (53', 58'), Bill Williams (66'), Cane (70'), Nonu (77')
FT

Steve Hansen makes six New Zealand changes for Tonga contest

:Headline: Steve Hansen makes six New Zealand changes for Tonga contest: ID:251256: from db_amp
Ma'a Nonu returns to make his 100th All Blacks appearance as Steve Hansen makes six changes to his starting XV for the Rugby World Cup Pool C contest against Tonga.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has made six changes to his starting XV for the All Blacks' final Pool C contest against Tonga on Friday night.

Captain Richie McCaw misses out on matchday 23 with a sore hip, so number-eight Kieran Read will take the armband for the game at St James' Park in Newcastle.

McCaw's absence means that he can only equal Jason Leonard's World Cup appearance record of 22 if he features in all three knockout matches should New Zealand advance that far.

In the backs, Ma'a Nonu returns at inside-centre to become the sixth All Black to reach 100 career Test appearances.

He will start alongside Conrad Smith, meaning that the duo extend the world record for a starting centre combination to 59 matches.

New Zealand will guarantee top spot in the group and face the loser of the match between France and Ireland with a win on Friday night.

New Zealand: Woodcock, Coles, O. Franks; Romano, Whitelock; Kaino, Cane; Read; A. Smith, Carter, Naholo, Nonu, C. Smith, Milner-Skudder, B. Smith
Replacements: Mealamu, Crockett, B. Franks, Retallick, Messam, Kerr-Barlow, Barrett, Bill Williams

amp_article__251256 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2015-10-07 11:57:58:
html db last update - 2021-02-24 07:59:49 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Steve Hansen

Click here for more stories about New Zealand

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal35255585285780
2Manchester CityMan City34247382325079
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa35207873522167
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs341861067541360
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle341651374551953
8Chelsea34149116559651
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
10Bournemouth35139135260-848
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35137154855-746
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton341111125257-544
13Fulham35127165155-443
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Everton35128153748-1136
16Brentford3598185260-835
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3579194262-2026
18Luton TownLuton3567224877-2925
19Burnley3559213870-3224
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd3537253497-6316
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .