Trio set for All Blacks debuts

Israel Dagg, Benson Stanley and Ben Franks will make their New Zealand Test debuts against Ireland on Saturday after being named in a new-look starting line-up for the one-off match in New Plymouth.

Franks, who played for the All Blacks against Munster on the end-of-year tour in 2008, will scrum down with his older brother and fellow prop Owen in the front row.

On the bench are three other new All Blacks in lock Sam Whitelock, loose forward Victor Vito and fly-half Aaron Cruden.

Like their opponents, New Zealand have been hit hard by injuries with hooker Andrew Hore, lock Ali Williams, wing Sitiveni Sivivatu and fly-half Mike Delany (shoulder) ruled out for the year, while Ma’a Nonu (knee) is out for Saturday’s game plus two Tests against Wales.

Full-back Mils Muliaina (calf), centre Richard Kahui (chest) and lock Tom Donnelly (ankle) were also not considered for the match at Yarrow Stadium but are close to making a return.

Dagg, who has impressed in a struggling Highlanders side in this year’s Super 14, has been named at full-back, meaning Hurricanes number 15 Cory Jane finds himself moved out the right wing, where he has played the majority of his 12 Tests.

Stanley, the nephew of former All Blacks midfielder Joe Stanley, takes over the number 12 jersey in Nonu’s absence after a good season with the Blues and, while he might not have the explosive running game of the Hurricanes man, the All Blacks will lose nothing in defence with the 25-year-old in midfield.

Alongside the new players are plenty of experienced campaigners like captain Richie McCaw, who is set to play his 81st Test, fly-half Daniel Carter, wing Joe Rokocoko, centre Conrad Smith, flanker Jerome Kaino and scrum-half Jimmy Cowan.

Rokocoko returns to the side after being dropped for the 2009 end of year tour.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry said: “It’s an exciting team that will play the Irish. We have picked experienced All Blacks together with those players who have been in form throughout the Super 14 and deserve their opportunity at Test level.

“They know the Irish will be a huge challenge but they are looking forward to it.”

New Zealand team:

Israel Dagg (Highlanders); Cory Jane (Hurricanes), Conrad Smith (Hurricanes), Benson Stanley (Blues), Joe Rokocoko (Blues); Daniel Carter (Crusaders), Jimmy Cowan (Highlanders); Ben Franks (Crusaders), Keven Mealamu (Blues), Owen Franks (Crusaders), Brad Thorn (Crusaders), Anthony Boric (Blues), Jerome Kaino (Blues), Richie McCaw (Crusaders, capt), Kieran Read (Crusaders).

Replacements: Aled de Malmanche (Chiefs), Neemia Tialata (Hurricanes), Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), Victor Vito (Hurricanes), Piri Weepu (Hurricanes), Aaron Cruden (Hurricanes), Zac Guildford (Crusaders).