Mils Muliaina will become the second All Black to play 100 tests. Photo / Getty Images
Mils Muliaina will play in his 100th test cap for the All Blacks in their Rugby World Cup 2011 quarter-final against Argentina this weekend.
With Israel Dagg ruled out of the match due to a thigh haematoma, that opens the door for the veteran fullback to become just the second All Black to reach the 100 test milestone.
Piri Weepu gets the nod at halfback while Sonny Bill Williams will start on the wing after Richard Kahui was ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Colin Slade will once again start in the number 10 jersey with squad newcomer and Dan Carter's injury replacement Aaron Cruden earning a spot on the bench.
Captain Richie McCaw, who played his 100th test during the pool phase against France, returns to the starting XV after missing last week's Test against Canada with a sore foot, while Keven Mealamu and Brad Thorn also return to the starting XV.
All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said: "There has been a real feeling of positive anticipation in the squad this week now that we have finished the Pool Play rounds and are into the Quarterfinals. There is excitement amongst the team and we have had a good build-up on the North Shore this week, but there is also a realisation that this is sudden death, finals rugby.
"We have the utmost respect for Argentina. They showed in their Pool matches, especially against England and Scotland, just how physical their game is, especially at set piece and at the breakdown."
Henry also paid tribute to Muliaina who he has known since his schoolboy days: "I want to congratulate Mils on this outstanding achievement. He is a special man and has been a world-class All Black for many years - the consummate professional really - as well as a very influential member of the All Blacks leadership group."
More to come...
All Black team
1. Tony Woodcock (80)
2. Keven Mealamu (89)
3. Owen Franks (28)
4. Samuel Whitelock (22)
5. Brad Thorn (56)
6. Jerome Kaino (45)
7. Richie McCaw - captain (100)
8. Kieran Read (33)
9. Piri Weepu (53)
10. Colin Slade (9)
11. Sonny Bill Williams (11)
12. Ma'a Nonu (63)
13. Conrad Smith (52)
14. Cory Jane (28)
15. Mils Muliaina (99)
Reserves:
16. Andrew Hore (59)
17. Ben Franks (14)
18. Ali Williams (70)
19. Victor Vito (11)
20. Jimmy Cowan (50)
21. Aaron Cruden (6)
22. Isaia Toeava (35)
- HERALD ONLINE
No comments:
Post a Comment