STEVE HANSEN HAS shown faith in the same 23 that defeated South Africa, by naming an unchanged squad for Saturday’s World Cup final against Australia.
It means that Joe Moody is once again named at loosehead prop, having started the semi-final in place of the injured Wyatt Crockett.
It contains seven of the side that started the final win against France four years ago, with Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock, and the back row of Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read all named by Hansen.
Ben Smith, Nehe Milner Skudder and Julian Savea all continue in the back three, while Smith and Nonu keep their places, with Sonny Bill Williams on the bench.
Dan Carter will play in a World Cup final in his last game as an All Black having missed the 2011 decider, and as usual he’s partnered with Aaron Smith.
Moody is retained at loosehead alongside usual pair Dane Coles and Owen Franks, while 2011 starter Sam Whitelock is alongside Brodie Retallick.
It’s a World Cup winning back row, with McCaw captaining the side in what could be his final game for New Zealand before retiring, he’s partnered by Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read.
New Zealand (v Australia)
15. Ben Smith
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
13. Conrad Smith
12. Ma’a Nonu
11. Julian Savea
10. Daniel Carter
9. Aaron Smith
1. Joe Moody
2. Dane Coles
3. Owen Franks
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Richie McCaw (captain)
8. Kieran Read
Replacements:
16. Keven Mealamu
17. Ben Franks
18. Charlie Faumuina
19. Victor Vito
20. Sam Cane
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
22. Beauden Barrett
23. Sonny Bill Williams
