Two changes for All Blacks
July 08, 2008 - 7:18pm
Story by: ARU
All Blacks’ coach Graham Henry has made two changes to New Zealand’s starting line-up for Saturday's Tri-Nations clash against the World Champion Springboks at Carisbrook in Dunedin, with lock Anthony Boric and prop John Afoa coming in to the pack.
Boric, who will make his first Test start after coming off the bench twice against England in June, comes in for Brad Thorn who is serving a one-match suspension for a dangerous tackle on Bok captain John Smit in Wellington.
The 24-year-old Blues lock will link up in the second row with Ali Williams, who is still suffering the effects of an ankle injury but All Blacks management are confident will take the field.
Afoa, also 24 and from the Blues, has overcome a knee injury sustained in the opening Test of the year against Ireland and will start at tighthead prop, while the Crusaders Greg Somerville drops out of the 22 as the All Blacks search for more explosive power.
The only change to the replacements sees Chiefs lock Kevin O'Neill in line for a possible Test debut as he fills Boric's vacant bench spot.
These are the only changes to the All Blacks side that was so impressive in dispatching South Africa 19-8 last Saturday to open their Tri Nations campaign.
"We showed a lot of guts last week and we are very proud of that, but we want to improve technically," explained Henry.
"We expect the Springboks will lift their performance and we'll need to be better if we are to win."
Mils Muliaina is set to break a record at Carisbrook on Saturday as he will pass Christian Cullen's mark of 45 Tests at fullback for the All Blacks.
New Zealand are basing themselves in Dunedin throughout the week, while South Africa have decided to stay in Wellington until Thursday to avoid the chilly southern climate.
The Springboks will name their side on the day they arrive in Dunedin, with coach Peter de Villiers hinting there will be few changes apart from the replacement of Smit, who has flown home to recuperate from a groin injury sustained in Wellington.
After Saturday’s Test the Springboks move on to Perth where they will face the Qantas Wallabies at Subiaco on July 19th in Australia’s opening Tri-Nation’s encounter for 2008.
All Blacks:
15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Rodney So'oialo (c), 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Anthony Boric, 3 John Afoa, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Kevin O'Neill, 19 Sione Lauaki, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Leon MacDonald.
Date: Saturday, July 12
Venue: Carisbrook, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19:35 (08:35 BST)
Referee: Matt Goddard
Assistants: James Leckie, Paul Marks
TMO: George Ayoub
