Rugby : All Blacks announce team to play Munster

16.11.2008

All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu will captain the All Blacks for the first time when he leads the team out against Munster, while two other players will make their run-on debuts, with All Blacks Coach Graham Henry and his assistants Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen today naming the team to play Munster at Thomond Park, Limerick, on Tuesday November 18. The team is:

1. Jamie Mackintosh
2. Corey Flynn
3. Ben Franks
4. Ross Filipo
5. Jason Eaton
6. Adam Thomson
7. Scott Waldrom
8. Liam Messam
9. Piri Weepu – Captain
10. Stephen Donald
11. Josevata Rokocoko
12. Isaia Toeava
13. Anthony Tuitavake
14. Hosea Gear
15. Cory Jane

Reserves:
16. Hikawera Elliott
17. John Afoa
18. Brad Thorn
19. Kieran Read
20. Alby Mathewson
21. Richard Kahui
22. Mils Muliaina

Tasman prop Ben Franks and Taranaki loose forward Scott Waldrom have been named in the starting XV and will become All Blacks numbers 1084 and 1085 respectively. Two other new All Blacks squad members, Hawke’s Bay hooker Hikawera Elliott and Wellington halfback Alby Mathewson, have been named on the bench and will also make their All Blacks debuts if they are called into action.

25-year-old Weepu, who this year captained his Wellington team in New Zealand’s domestic rugby competition, the Air New Zealand Cup, will captain the All Blacks in his 29th match in the black jersey.

“The Munster match will be a special occasion for the team and the guys are really looking forward to visiting Limerick. The team also knows that it will be a hard, physical match against the European club champions,” All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said.

“The All Blacks are also delighted to be heading back to Thomond Park for the official opening of the renovated stadium. It’s a special part of rugby history,” Henry added.

The All Blacks arrive in Limerick this afternoon (Sunday afternoon, Ireland time) with several players visiting Thomond Park to open the new Munster Rugby Store.