McCaw fit to face Springboks

Oct 3 • International, Rugby Championship News, Springbok News, Springboks, The Rugby Championship • 2208 Views • Comments Off on McCaw fit to face Springboks

There are two changes to the All Blacks starting fifteen for their crunch Rugby Championship test against South Africa in Johannesburg.
As expected, Richie McCaw returns to captain the side with Sam Cane dropping to the bench.

Owen Franks has failed to recover from a groin strain and has been replaced by Charlie Faumuina at tighthead prop with Ben Franks coming onto the bench.

Dane Coles replaces veteran hooker Keven Mealamu in the reserves.

The team (with test caps) is:

1. Tony Woodcock (103)
2. Andrew Hore (80)
3. Charlie Faumuina (12)
4. Brodie Retallick (19)
5. Samuel Whitelock (46)
6. Liam Messam (25)
7. Richie McCaw – captain (119)
8. Kieran Read (56)
9. Aaron Smith (20)
10. Aaron Cruden (24)
11. Julian Savea (16)
12. Ma’a Nonu (83)
13. Conrad Smith (74) 14. Ben Smith (20)
15. Israel Dagg (32)
Replacements:
16. Dane Coles (9)
17. Wyatt Crockett (18)
18. Ben Franks (27)
19. Steven Luatua (4)
20. Sam Cane (11)
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (9)
22. Beauden Barrett (12)
23. Charles Piutau (5)