The All Blacks have lost their enforcer, Jerome Kaino, for at least a month in a major blow heading into Saturday’s return Bledisloe clash with the Wallabies at Eden Park.
Liam Messam has replaced Kaino at blindside flanker in one of three changes to the New Zealand starting line-up from last weekend’s 12-12 Bledisloe draw in Sydney.
Kaino, the experienced defensive rock of the All Blacks, will be sidelined for between four to six weeks with the elbow injury he suffered in the opening exchanges last Saturday at ANZ Stadium.
Backline powerhouse Ma’a Nonu (shoulder) has also been ruled out with injury, but should only miss the one match in The Rugby Championship.
Nonu’s scratching allows reliable Crusaders midfielder Ryan Crotty to mark Matt Toomua in his first run-on start after seven appearances from the bench.
Crotty beat Malakai Fekitoa to the No.12 jersey after Conrad Smith’s return from the birth of his first child pushed the Highlanders youngster out of the outside centre position.
Tight-head prop Charlie Faumuina also returns from illness to take his place on the bench.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has been urging better execution and a stronger performance up front after the Wallabies enjoyed the lion’s share of possession for the last 50 minutes at ANZ Stadium.
“While we were disappointed with the draw last weekend, we are excited by the opportunity that presents itself this weekend,” Hansen said.
“We have been working hard on all aspects of our game this week and there’s a definite resolve to improve the quality of our performance on Saturday.”
Winger Cory Jane will play his 50th Test at Eden Park, where the unchanged Wallabies are aiming to end a 28-year drought.
New Zealand have also won their last 32 matches at their spiritual home since an 18-18 draw with South Africa in 1994.
All Blacks: Ben Smith, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ryan Crotty, Julian Savea, Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Malakai Fekitoa.
