The All Blacks have named their starting lineup for Saturday’s Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup match in Sydney against the Wallabies.

Chiefs loose forward Liam Messam will start on the blindside flank.

Messam was replaced in last year’s World Cup team by the Hurricanes Victo Vito, but this Saturday Vito will be warming the bench for the All Blacks.

The Crusaders locking pair of Luke Romano and Sam Whitelock are also in the starting lineup with inform Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick named in the reserves.

Veteran hooker Kevin Mealamu returns to the starting 15 with Andrew Hore on the bench, while the wingers Corey Jane and Hosea Gear get their first starts for the All Blacks this year.

Sonny Bill Williams has been named at second five-eighth and Ma’a Nonu replaces the injured Conrad Smith at centre.

The team is: Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu , Owen Franks, Luke Romano, Samuel Whitelock, Liam Messam, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read, Aaron Smith, Daniel Carter, Hosea Gear, Sonny Bill Williams, Ma’a Nonu, Cory Jane and Israel Dagg.

The reserves are: Andrew Hore ,Ben Franks , Brodie Retallick, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden and Ben Smith.


Story by: Akuila Cama