Share

Sonny Bill on the wing for NZ

Auckland - Injuries have forced the All Blacks to again rejig their backline with six changes to the team to play Argentina in their World Cup quarter-final on Sunday when Mils Muliaina plays his 100th Test.

Midfielder Sonny Bill Williams will start on the right wing with Zac Guildford, Israel Dagg and Richard Kahui all ruled out through injury although the team management had insisted during the week that Dagg and Kahui were fit to play.

The team contains seven changes from the side that played Canada in their last pool match including four in the backs with Cory Jane and Williams coming in on the wings, Ma'a Nonu at inside centre and Piri Weepu starting at scrumhalf.

In the forwards, captain Richie McCaw comes back on the flank despite an ongoing foot problem, Keven Mealamu returns at hooker and Brad Thorn replaces Ali Williams at lock.

Muliaina, who made his All Blacks debut in 2003, becomes the second All Black to reach the century milestone, following captain McCaw’s 100th Test against France two weeks ago.

"I want to congratulate Mils on this outstanding achievement. He is a special man and has been a world-class All Black for many years," coach Graham Henry said.

"The consummate professional really, as well as a very influential member of the All Blacks' leadership group."

Aaron Cruden, who was called up by the All Blacks to replace the injured Dan Carter, has been named on the bench.

The All Blacks and Argentina have played each other 13 times with the All Blacks winning 12 and one drawn.

Teams:

New Zealand:

15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sonny Bill Williams, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.

Substitutes: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Ali Williams, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Isaia Toeava.

Argentina:

15 Martin Rodriguez, 14 Gonzalo Camacho, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Felipe Contepomi (captain), 11 Horacio Agulla, 10 Santiago Fernandez, 9 Nicolas Vergallo, 8 Leonardo Senatore, 7 Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 6 Julio Farias Cabello, 5 Patricio Albacete, 4 Manuel Carizza, 3 Juan Figallo, 2 Mario Ledesma, 1 Rodrigo Roncero.

Substitutes: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Martin Scelzo, 18 Marcos Ayerza, 19 Alejandro Campos, 20 Alfredo Lalanne, 21 Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, 22 Juan Imhoff.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
32% - 1843 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1810 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1100 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 470 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 193 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 261 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE