DAN CARTER WILL win his 100th Test cap in the All Blacks’ revenge mission against England on Saturday.
Coach Steve Hansen has made just one change to his starting line-up, recalling winger Julian Savea as New Zealand aim to make amends for their shock loss last year, Hansen’s only defeat since taking the reins in 2011.
Savea missed last week’s 26-19 win over France in Paris because of flu but has recovered to replace Cory Jane, with in-form youngster Charles Piutau taking the other wing spot.
The only other change is the introduction of lock Luke Romano on the bench to beef up New Zealand’s second row options, at the expense of flanker Sam Cane.
Victory would maintain a 100 percent record this season, giving them a shot at becoming the only All Blacks team to go through a season winning every match.
Hansen has played down talk of retribution in the lead-up to the Test and suggested the world champions and top-ranked team had to prove they were “competitive” against England.
“We were completely outplayed by them last year but this is an opportunity for us to see if we have improved our game to the point where we can be competitive,” he said.
The players are excited because this is what Test rugby is all about.
However, he was more forthcoming about what the match means to his team in remarks to New Zealand media.
“They’ve got a self-belief because of last year and we’ve got a desire that’s pretty high because of last year… it will be genuine and it will be bone-deep,” he said.
“Then it comes down to delivering on the day and how you can cope with it.”
New Zealand: Israel Dagg; Charles Piutau, Ben Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea; Dan Carter, Aaron Smith; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks; Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock; Liam Messam, Richie McCaw (c), Kieran Read.
Replacements: Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Luke Romano, Steven Luatua, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Cruden, Ryan Crotty.
