Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Banner Left
Banner Right

All Blacks make four changes

All Blacks make four changes

WELLINGTON – New Zealand have made four changes to their starting side for Saturday’s Tri-Nations opener against world champions South Africa.

Number eight Jerome Kaino replaced injured captain Richie McCaw in a reshuffled back row and prop Tony Woodcock will make his first start of the season at the expense of Neemia Tialata. Coach Graham Henry made two changes in the backline, recalling outside centre Conrad Smith and fullback Mils Muliaina for Richard Kahui and Leon MacDonald.”South Africa has a very strong team right now and we have a huge challenge in front of us,” Henry said in a statement.With McCaw unavailable, Rodney So’oialo takes over the captaincy and his position at openside flanker, moving from the back of the scrum to accommodate Kaino.Lock Ali Williams was also named in the starting side despite not being able to train since spraining his ankle in the second test against England two weekends ago.”Ali is an experienced player and the limited preparation shouldn’t be an issue,” Henry said.Jimmy Cowan was retained as reserve scrumhalf after fronting a New Zealand Rugby Union disciplinary hearing after being arrested twice in two months for drinking-related offences.He was fined and ordered to undergo alcohol counselling but allowed to keep his place in the squad on the condition that he gives up booze.”Jimmy must change his behaviour if he wants to be a professional rugby player in New Zealand,” All Blacks manager Darren Shand said in a statement.”We have made it a condition of his employment that he stop drinking altogether.This is his last chance.New Zealand: 15-Mils Muliaina, 14-Sitiveni Sivivatu, 13-Conrad Smith, 12-Ma’a Nonu, 11-Rudi Wulf, 10-Dan Carter, 9-Andy Ellis, 8-Jerome Kaino, 7-Rodney So’oialo (captain), 6-Adam Thomson, 5-Ali Williams, 4-Brad Thorn, 3-Greg Somerville, 2-Andrew Hore, 1-Tony Woodcock.Replacements: 16-Keven Mealamu, 17-Neemia Tialata, 18-Anthony Boric, 19-Sione Lauaki, 20-Jimmy Cowan, 21-Stephen Donald, 22-Leon MacDonald.ReutersCoach Graham Henry made two changes in the backline, recalling outside centre Conrad Smith and fullback Mils Muliaina for Richard Kahui and Leon MacDonald.”South Africa has a very strong team right now and we have a huge challenge in front of us,” Henry said in a statement.With McCaw unavailable, Rodney So’oialo takes over the captaincy and his position at openside flanker, moving from the back of the scrum to accommodate Kaino.Lock Ali Williams was also named in the starting side despite not being able to train since spraining his ankle in the second test against England two weekends ago.”Ali is an experienced player and the limited preparation shouldn’t be an issue,” Henry said.Jimmy Cowan was retained as reserve scrumhalf after fronting a New Zealand Rugby Union disciplinary hearing after being arrested twice in two months for drinking-related offences.He was fined and ordered to undergo alcohol counselling but allowed to keep his place in the squad on the condition that he gives up booze.”Jimmy must change his behaviour if he wants to be a professional rugby player in New Zealand,” All Blacks manager Darren Shand said in a statement.”We have made it a condition of his employment that he stop drinking altogether.This is his last chance.New Zealand: 15-Mils Muliaina, 14-Sitiveni Sivivatu, 13-Conrad Smith, 12-Ma’a Nonu, 11-Rudi Wulf, 10-Dan Carter, 9-Andy Ellis, 8-Jerome Kaino, 7-Rodney So’oialo (captain), 6-Adam Thomson, 5-Ali Williams, 4-Brad Thorn, 3-Greg Somerville, 2-Andrew Hore, 1-Tony Woodcock.Replacements: 16-Keven Mealamu, 17-Neemia Tialata, 18-Anthony Boric, 19-Sione Lauaki, 20-Jimmy Cowan, 21-Stephen Donald, 22-Leon MacDonald.Reuters

Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!

Latest News