Henry changes five

New Zealand have made five changes from the side which inflicted a 49-3 humiliation on Scotland last week for Saturday’s clash with Ireland.

Graham Henry will deploy lock Tom Donnelly in his first start since the match with Australia in Hong Kong last month while Jerome Kaino returns to blindside flanker in place of Liam Messam.

Andy Ellis, a replacement at Murrayfield, starts at half-back while Ma’a Nonu is back alongside Conrad Smith in the centres. Sonny Bill Williams drops to the bench while Cory Jane is fit to start on the right wing after chest and shoulder problems.

Captain Richie McCaw and full-back Mils Muliaina will win their 93rd Test caps to become their countries leading appearance makers having both equalled former captain Sean Fitzpatrick’s record last weekend.

Henry said: “One of the aims of this tour is to build the foundations of the team for the future so there have only been a few changes from the team that beat Scotland.

“We were pleased with the physicality and accuracy shown against the Scots and we will look to improve on that this weekend. However, the team also knows they will up against a very good Irish team which they respect.”

Team:

T Woodcock, H Elliot, O Franks, B Thorn, T Donnelly, J Kaino, R McCaw (capt), K Read, A Ellis, D Carter, H Gear, M Nonu, C Smith, C Jane, M Muliaina.

Replacements: A Hore, J Afoa, A Boric, L Messam, A Mathewson, S Donald, SB Williams.