Wednesday, November 04, 2009

NEW ZEALAND vs WALES!


Wing Zac Guildford will make his Test debut for New Zealand against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday. It is another emotional chapter in the life of a young player whose father died earlier this year while watching him play age-group rugby for his country.
The inclusion of the 20-year-old Guildford, in place of the suspended Sitiveni Sivivatu, is one of two changes to the backline that beat Australia 32-19 in Tokyo last Saturday. The pack shows four changes.

Sivivatu has been ruled out of the Wales match after receiving a one-week ban for a dangerous tackle against Australia. This opened the door for Guildford, who was a late addition to the All Blacks replacement bench in Tokyo.

"I'm still in a bit of shock," Guilford told a media gathering.
"I'm so happy I can't really describe it. I can't find a word, I'm just really excited about the game," Guildford said.
The star of the New Zealand Under-20 side forced his way into the squad with a 13-try haul for Hawke's Bay in the Air NZ Cup and had continued to impress since joining the All Blacks squad.
Selection capped a remarkable year for the Masterton-born wing whose father Rob died aged 44 in the stands during the Under-20 tournament in Tokyo in June.

The other change to the All Black backline sees Brendon Leonard making his third Test start of the year at scrumhalf, replacing Jimmy Cowan, who moves to the bench.
Apart from Guildford, fellow newcomer Ben Smith is also on the bench and could also make his debut.
Dan Carter has been named at flyhalf, after recovering from his calf strain, with Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith teaming up again in the midfield, Cory Jane on the right wing and Mils Muliaina at fullback.

In the forwards, Wyatt Crockett will make his second Test start, in for suspended openside prop Tony Woodcock, alongside hooker Andrew Hore and tighthead prop Neemia Tialata.
Lock Jason Eaton, who has come off the bench four times this year, gets his first Test start in 2009 alongside Brad Thorn, while Tom Donnelly moves to the bench.
Jerome Kaino is at blindside flank, with Adam Thomson on the bench and Kieran Read has been named at No.8, replacing Rodney So'oialo.
Corey Flynn is reserve hooker, with Owen Franks reserve prop, while Stephen Donald is also on the bench, with Ben Smith.

The All Blacks will again be captained by Richie McCaw, in his 77th Test and 41st as captain.
"We are expecting another major challenge against the Welsh this weekend," All Black coach Graham Henry said.
"They are a very strong side, with a lot of experienced players so we will have to be at the top of the game."
Regarding the selection for the Wales Test, Henry said players would be getting the chance to prove themselves.
"We have said that the aims of the tour, while obviously to win, are to play rugby we are proud of and for players to push for future selection for the All Blacks and they are getting the opportunity this Saturday and beyond."

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Owen Franks, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Ben Smith.

Wales: 15 James Hook, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 Tom Shanklin, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Gareth Cooper, 8 Ryan Jones (captain), 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Andy Powell, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, 3 Paul James, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Gethin Jenkins
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Duncan Jones, 18 Bradley Davies, 19 Dafydd Jones, 20 Martin Roberts, 21 Jonathan Davies, 21 Tom James

Date: Saturday, November 7
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 17.30 (17.30 GMT, 06.30 NZ Time - Sunday, November 8)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Mark Lawrence (South Africa), Stuart Terheege (England)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)

SOURCE: RUGBY365.com

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