Naholo back for All Blacks

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Waisake Naholo will make his long-awaited return from injury when the All Blacks take on Georgia in Cardiff this Friday.

In one of 10 changes, Naholo will start on the wing in his first appearance since breaking his leg on debut against Argentina in July.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has made some rotational changes, while also a few enforced by injury, with Ma'a Nonu (shoulder injury), Colin Slade (hamstring), Liam Messam (calf) and Beauden Barrett (whiplash) unable to be considered for selection.

Dan Carter returns to the No 10 jersey, but with no specialist flyhalf on the bench, scrumhalf TJ Perenara will have to provide cover.

'We're looking forward to seeing Waisake back on the track,' Hansen said. 'He's been jumping out of his skin at training and I'm sure he can't wait for game day.'

All Blacks – 15 Ben Smith, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 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 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Subs: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Tony Woodcock, 18 Owen Franks, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Sam Cane, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 TJ Perenara, 23 Malakai Fekitoa.

Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

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