ABs vs. Ireland starting XVs announced

JUne 6, 2006

Contrary to earlier reports, some Crusaders and Hurricanes are, in fact, playing this weekend. I count five starters and two on the bench (see bold, below).

Via New Zealand Herald:

Southland prop Clarke Dermody and North Harbour lock Greg Rawlinson will make their All Blacks debut in the first rugby test against Ireland, in Hamilton on Saturday.

An uncapped trio - Canterbury winger Scott Hamilton, Waikato first five-eighth David Hill and Auckland flanker Jerome Kaino - have been named on the bench and may also make their debut at Waikato Stadium.

Much of the interest in the team named today surrounded the forwards, with the two new caps joined in the tight five by lock Chris Jack, who wasn't originally named in the squad.

He was called into the team as Ali Williams was ruled out with an ankle injury.

Another feature is the naming of two specialist openside flankers, captain Richie McCaw and Marty Holah, in the starting pack.

Former Chiefs and Hurricanes rugby utility Isaac Boss is in the Ireland side as a halfback reserve, after injury ruled usual reserve halfback Eion Reddin out of the tour.

Boss, a halfback who can play fullback, who qualified for the team through an Irish grandmother, after helping Ulster to the Celtic League title.

Ireland this year won the Triple Crown and finishing second to France in the Six Nation.

All Blacks: Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Ma'a Nonu, Aaron Mauger, Joe Rokocoko, Luke McAlister, Byron Kelleher, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Marty Holah, Chris Jack, Greg Rawlinson, Carl Hayman, Keven Mealamu, Clarke Dermody.

Reserves: Scott Hamilton, David Hill, Jimmy Cowan, Jerome Kaino, Troy Flavell, Neemia Tialata, Anton Oliver.

Ireland: Geordan Murphy, Shane Horgan, Brian O'Driscoll (capt), Gordon D'Arcy, Andrew Trimble, Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer, Denis Leamy, David Wallace, Neil Best, Paul O'Connell, Donncha O'Callaghan, John Hayes, Jerry Flannery, Marcus Horan.

Reserves: Rory Best, Bryan Young, Mick O'Driscoll, Keith Gleeson, Isaac Boss, Denis Hickie, Girvan Dempsey.

- NZPA

Related: Silver Fern commentary: How the Paddies can beat the All Blacks.