Trio set to make All Black debuts

INJURIES and rich Super 14 form have prodded All Blacks coach Graham Henry into picking three new caps for the starting team for the Irish Test on Saturday, along with three more on the reserves bench.

“We have picked experienced All Blacks together with those players who have been in form throughout the Sport Super 14 and deserve their opportunity at Test level,” Henry said.

Loosehead prop Ben Franks, 26, makes his Test debut with his 22-year-old brother and Canterbury Crusaders’ teammate Owen in the front row, having got his first start for the All Blacks against Munster in 2008.