STEVE HANSEN NAMES ALL BLACKS SIDE TO PLAY LOS PUMAS, BUENES AIRES, ARGENTINA
Steve Hansen has named his All Blacks test side to play Los Pumas in Argentina. Photo: TV3.
Dan Carter is primed writes Brisbane Times. Photo Getty Images.
Coach Hansen’s big news is that NZ’s star kicker, Dan Carter, is returning to the field. Radio NZ reports: “Dan Carter is back [post injury time in recovery] at first five and Aaron Smith will start at scrum half, to take on Argentina in Buenos Aires on Sunday.
Aaron Cruden returns to the reserves, with opensider Sam Cane making his first match day 22 appearance in the Rugby Championship.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen says they have huge respect for the Pumas, who have shown in the tournament just how good they are, and they’re expecting even more from them this weekend as they are playing at home in front of their passionate fans.
Captain Richie McCaw will play in his 44th Tri Nations / Rugby Championship game – a record for a New Zealand player.”
TVNZ reported: Victor Vito gets to semi-rest and Ben Smith will start instead of Tamati Ellison.
Hansen adds: “The team has really enjoyed the build-up in Buenos Aires and the culture that the country has to offer, but we know that it will be down to business on Saturday and the team are excited by that challenge.”
Sam Cane is flanked by Tony Woodcock and Aaron Smith while charging forward- Photo Getty/ Zimbio.
All Blacks: 15-Israel Dagg, 14-Cory Jane, 13-Conrad Smith, 12-Ma’a Nonu, 11-Julian Savea, 10-Daniel Carter, 9-Aaron Smith, 8-Kieran Read, 7-Richie McCaw (captain), 6-Liam Messam, 5-Sam Whitelock, 4-Luke Romano, 3-Owen Franks, 2-Andrew Hore, 1-Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Charlie Faumuina, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith.
The trick is to entertain. Play smart. Max, build and revitalize Argentina’s rugby fan base. All the while, being mindful of injuries (as much as abe), and show in a festive way the team spirit the AB’s are known for, for a confident fun game with a happy result. For the record, should be fun to see. :)
All the best.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 28.9.12~
