All Blacks Make 10 Changes for Georgia Clash
With progression to the knock-out rounds in their sights, New Zealand have made 10 changes for their Rugby World Cup game with Georgia.
OMNISPORT
New Zealand have made 10 changes from the side that beat Namibia for their Rugby World Cup clash with Georgia.
The defending champions are out to make three wins from three and seal progress from Pool C at the Millennium Stadium on Friday having cruised to a 58-14 win over Namibia last Thursday.
Among the players to come into the XV is wing Waisake Naholo, who is to make his World Cup debut two months after his All Blacks bow in the Rugby Championship game with Argentina.
Naholo suffered a cracked fibula in that match but has made a remarkable recovery and will look to impress in Cardiff.
Fly-half Dan Carter is back in the starting line-up after missing the Namibia game but Ma'a Nonu (shoulder), Colin Slade (hamstring), Liam Messam (calf) and Beauden Barrett (whiplash) have all been left out due to injury.
Barrett's absence means Carter is the only fly-half available to coach Steve Hansen, with scrum-half TJ Perenara set to cover that position from the bench.
"We're looking forward to seeing Waisake back on the track, he's been jumping out of his skin at training and I'm sure he can't wait for game day," Hansen said.
"While it's disappointing to have Beauden, Colin, Ma'a and Liam unavailable for selection, their injuries are minor and they're all expected to be available for selection next week.
"This game gives us an opportunity to build on our previous performances against an opposition who have proven to be very physical in their two matches.
"Although we don't know a lot about them, we know enough. They're big, strong athletes and should contribute to what will be a great occasion at Millennium Stadium. I know everyone in our group is looking forward to it."
Team in full: Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea, Daniel Carter, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Samuel Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Charlie Faumuina, Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, Victor Vito, Sam Crane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara, Malakai Fekitoa.