Share

Read out of All Blacks finale against Wales

Cardiff - Captain Kieran Read will miss the All Blacks' final match of the season, a back injury ruling the 108-times capped forward out.

Read's place will be taken by Luke Whitelock, with his brother Samuel skippering the side from lock ahead of normal vice-captain Beauden Barrett.

There is one other injury-enforced change to the matchday 23 which beat Scotland 22-17 last weekend, Patrick Tuipulotu coming in for Luke Romano in the second row.

Liam Squire will start at blindside flank, and lock Scott Barrett comes onto the bench.

"Whilst it's disappointing to not have 'Reado' available, it's a great opportunity to further grow the leadership of the team and, in this case, Sam Whitelock gets the opportunity to captain the side," All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.

"On behalf of the team, we'd like to congratulate him on this special honour.

"With his brother Luke captaining the All Blacks against the French XV, it will create a unique, All Blacks family history, and one which their family can be proud of."

Rieko Ioane, said Hansen, had made a miraculous recovery from a shoulder injury to be included on the wing, Waisake Naholo and Damian McKenzie packing out the back three.

Sonny Bill Williams and Ryan Crotty are in midfield outside Barrett and Aaron Smith at half-back.

Hansen, who coached Wales from 2002-04, warned that he had asked his team to go "bone deep" against the Welsh.

"There's been a real energy and buzz in the team this week as we prepare for the Test against Wales," Hansen said.

"The group has worked hard on its preparation, we've asked them to go bone deep and they're looking to deliver a performance we can all be proud of.

"It's always a pleasure to play in stadiums like the Millennium (Prinicipality). We experienced a magnificent atmosphere last week up in Murrayfield and are looking forward to a full house on Saturday. The Welsh are well known for their singing and that, in itself, creates something special."

The All Blacks have played Wales 33 times since 1905, with 30 wins to the All Blacks and three wins to Wales.

New Zealand, however, are on a 29-match winning streak dating back to 1953.

Teams:

Wales

15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Hallam Amos, 13 Scot Williams, 12 Owen Williams, 11 Steff Evans, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Josh Navidi, 6 Aaron Shingler, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (captain), 4 Jake Ball, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Rob Evans

Substitutes: 16 Kristian Dacey, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Leon Brown, 19 Cory Hill, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Jamie Roberts

New Zealand

15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Rieko Ioane; 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Samuel Whitelock (captain), 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Kane Hames

Substitutes: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Matt Todd, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Lima Sopoaga, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown

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
33% - 1797 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1754 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1060 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 448 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 184 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
4% - 245 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