New Zealand have recalled the No8, Kieran Read, after concussion trouble for Saturday’s third and final Test against England in Hamilton and picked the centre Malakai Fekitoa for his first Test start in place of the injured Conrad Smith.
Jerome Kaino moves to the blindside flank, with Liam Messam on the bench.
The 28-year-old Read was forced to sit out New Zealand’s first two Tests – in which the All Blacks secured an unbeatable 2-0 lead – after suffering lingering concussion symptoms. Now the Crusaders loose-forward will win his 62nd cap this weekend, with the captain, Richie McCaw, completing a fearsome back-row unit to take his 127th All Blacks bow.
New Zealand B Smith (Highlanders); Jane (Hurricanes), Fekitoa (Highlanders), Nonu (Blues), Savea (Hurricanes); Cruden (Chiefs), A Smith (Highlanders); Woodcock (Blues), Coles (Hurricanes), Franks (Crusaders), Retallick (Chiefs), Whitelock (Crusaders), Kaino (Blues), McCaw (Crusaders, capt), Read (Crusaders).
Replacements Mealamu (Blues), Crockett (Crusaders), Faumuina (Blues) Tuipulotu (Blues), Messam (Chiefs), Perenara (Hurricanes), Barrett (Hurricanes), Crotty (Crusaders).
