All Blacks bring in trio

Hooker Flynn passed fit to take a seat on the bench on Saturday

Last updated: 25th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

All Blacks bring in trio

Kaino: Starts at number eight

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New Zealand coach Graham Henry has made three changes for Saturday's showdown with France in Marseille.

Prop Neemia Tialata replaces Owen Franks in the front row while flanker Jerome Kaino comes in at number eight instead of Adam Thomson.

There is just one alteration to the back line that started the 19-6 defeat of England last weekend, Zac Guildford making way for Cory Jane on the wing.

Tanerau Latimer and Luke McAlister have been included amongst the replacements alongside hooker Corey Flynn, who has shaken off a hamstring problem to take his seat on the bench.

Les Bleus have already beaten reigning world and Tri-Nations champions South Africa this autumn and Henry knows his side face a "huge Test".

Passionate

"The French will be a passionate, physical side who are undefeated at home in their November Tests so it will be another huge Test for the All Blacks," said coach Graham Henry.

"The team is looking forward to the challenge."

Richie McCaw, who will be making his 80th appearance to become the third most capped All Black in history, once again captains the side.

The match will see Mils Muliaina win his 82nd cap, leaving him second on the all-time list behind former skipper Sean Fitzpatrick (92).

Meanwhile, Brad Thorn and Andy Ellis will return to New Zealand after the game, meaning they will miss the fixture against the Barbarians at Twickenham.

New Zealand Team to face France:
Mils Muliaina; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Jimmy Cowan, Dan Carter; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Tom Donnelly, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Anthony Boric, Tanerau Latimer, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Luke McAlister.

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