All Blacks unchanged for final

The All Blacks have retained the same match 23 for Saturday’s final against the Wallabies at Twickenham.

Coach Steve Hansen has understandably seen no need to tinker with a winning formula, with the squad remainining entirely unchanged from last weekend’s semi-final win over the Boks.

Although it had been hoped that loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett might be available for the final, he has not been passed fit, with Joe Moody remaining in the front row.

'We came here as contenders for the Cup, just like everyone else,' Hansen commented. 'In our minds, we have never been defenders. We knew we would have to earn the right to progress through the tournament, so, being in the final is very satisfying in its own right. But the ultimate goal has always been to win it, so we are exactly where we need to be to try and achieve that.

'Mental fortitude and physical endurance, together with skill execution and sheer desire, will be the key ingredients come Saturday,' he added.

All Blacks – 15 Ben Smith, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Joe Moody.
Subs: 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.
 
Photo: Glyn Kirk/AFP Photo

Post by