THE ALL BLACKS’ starting XV for Thursday’s Pool C clash with Namibia has been named with New Zealand coach Steve Hansen taking the opportunity to give his entire squad a run out.
By the completion of the 80 minutes, 30 of the 31 players in the New Zealand squad could have experienced game time with Hansen opting for rotation against the minnows.
Sam Cane will captain the side which contains five World Cup débutantes; Codie Taylor, Luke Romano, Liam Messam, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Malakai Fekitoa.
The All Blacks bench, however, has bags of experience with 660 caps.
New Zealand
15. Colin Slade
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
13. Malakai Fekitoa
12. Sonny Bill Williams
11. Julian Savea
10. Beauden Barrett
9. T J Perenara
1. Ben Franks
2. Codie Taylor
3. Charlie Faumuina
4. Luke Romano
5. Samuel Whitelock
6. Liam Messam
7. Sam Cane – captain
8. Victor Vito
Reserves
16. Keven Mealamu
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Tony Woodcock
19. Kieran Read
20. Richie McCaw
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
22. Ma’a Nonu
23. Ben Smith
