Savea Back for the Blacks
.jpg "Julian Savea will return for the All Blacks")
Julian Savea will return for the All Blacks
©PA
Powerful try-machine Julian Savea is the only change made to Steve Hanson’s squad for the second Test in Dunedin as Israel Dagg makes way with thigh and knee problems.
The absence of the full-back means Ben Smith will get a rarer start in the position, with Cory Jane switching to his preferred right wing allowing Savea to slot back into his usual haunt on the left flank after missing last week’s nail-biting 20-15 encounter at Eden Park.
Elsewhere, Aaron Cruden continues his spell at fly-half, picked ahead of the in-form Hurricane number 10 Beauden Barrett, who, once again, will start from the bench.
Savea a key man for NZ - Lancaster
Stuart Lancaster is predicting a "fascinating confrontation" between Manu Tuilagi and Julian Savea in Saturday's second Test.
"I'm sure there will be occasions when Manu and Julian come across each other. Both teams will use Manu or Savea off the wing," Lancaster said.
"Savea will definitely pose a threat through the midfield, as will Manu.
"Savea is a huge attacking threat for them. If you look back at the game in November against us, his threat was clear because he scored two tries.
"He's a key man for them. I'm sure he'll enhance their attacking options.
"I'm sure there will be times when Manu and Savea meet one to one and it will be a fascinating confrontation."
Another player absent from the first Test in Auckland was number 8 Kieran Read; however, unlike Savea, Hanson has resisted the urge this time to play the 2013 IRB Player of the Year.
Read has endured a number of concussion issues over the last few months in the southern hemisphere’s Super Rugby competition, although, after a number of setbacks, he is now believed to be fit.
The All Blacks coach signalled earlier in the week he was likely to keep his star number eight on ice for another week to get his match fitness up after seven weeks on the side-lines.
It means the forward pack is retained and will get a chance to prove last weekend's underwhelming effort in Auckland - where they were outplayed at the breakdown and in the scrums - was just a one-off.
"We are expecting another big contest this weekend and, with England sure to make improvements in their game, we will have to improve massively ourselves," Hansen said.
"We have worked hard on our skill-sets, attitude and the detail in our game, which wasn't up to All Blacks standard last week.
"Our mind-set this week has been all about improvement, taking ownership and responsibility for our individual roles with the aim of delivering a team performance we can all be proud of."
The Test at Forsyth Barr Stadium will be Jerome Kaino's 50th.
New Zealand: Ben Smith; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea; Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith; Tony Woodcock, Dane Coles, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Liam Messam, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino.
Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Patrick Tuipulotu, Victor Vito, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Malakai Fekitoa.
