Saturday, 23 November 2013 00:00
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The All Blacks selectors have made seven changes to their starting team to face Ireland, explaining that a gruelling two months has caught up with them.
While two centurions - five-eighth Dan Carter and prop Tony Woodcock - are replaced due to injury, five other personnel switches for Sunday’s Test in Dublin have been made to inject enthusiasm into a side who are expected to win comfortably.
Dropped from the starting line-up who beat England 30-22 at Twickenham on Saturday are wing Charles Piutau, flanker Liam Messam, lock Brodie Retallick, prop Owen Franks and hooker Keven Mealamu.
In their respective places come Cory Jane, Steven Luatua, Luke Romano, Charlie Faumuina and Andrew Hore.
Aaron Cruden replaces Carter while Wyatt Crockett inherits Woodcock’s loosehead prop berth.
The reserve bench features halfback TJ Perenara, the only uncapped member of the 36-strong tour squad.
“The changes are a reflection of the physical nature of the whole year and particularly the last nine weeks,” coach Steve Hansen said.
“We need fresh legs. We’ve got the ability sitting there which is fresh so why not use them?”
Of the four changes to the tight five, the most intriguing is at hooker, where Hore, 35, could be poised to play his 83rd and possibly final Test.
Hore hasn’t secured a Super Rugby contract for next year and will find it hard to push for a Test berth against England in June if he is not plying his trade at that level.
The other changes see players, who have spent much of 2013 holding tackle bags and making reserve bench appearances, get a chance to impress.
Piutau’s axing less than two weeks after his starring performance against France was to ensure the 22-year-old stayed grounded after a superb debut season.
