New Zealand v Ireland: Teams
Ireland assistant coach Les Kiss says his side must prepare for a different threat from a changed New Zealand line-up in the third Test.
Last Updated: 22/06/12 2:50pm
Ireland assistant coach Les Kiss says his side must prepare for a different threat from a changed New Zealand line-up in the third and final Test in Hamilton on Saturday.
The All Blacks have made six changes from their dramatic 22-19 win in the second Test, the most notable of which sees Aaron Cruden replace injured fly-half Dan Carter, who scored the late winning drop-goal in that contest.
Kieran Read is sidelined through concussion, meaning skipper Richie McCaw switches from openside flanker to No. 8, forming a back-row combination with Liam Messam and Sam Cane.
Lock Luke Romano is handed a Test debut, while wings Hosea Gear and Ben Smith are given the nod ahead of Zac Guildford and Julian Savea.
Kiss does not necessarily believe the absence of Carter will be a detriment to the All Blacks' game.
"Cruden will pull their strings a bit differently but it will enhance other parts of their game," he said.
Physical
"He works week in, week out with Sonny Bill Williams at the Chiefs, and two of their players in the back row."
He added: "The other night we were better on our basics and it put us in front of them at stages and gave us a chance to be more physical.
"Last week is last week and the importance of that game only means something if we build on it. What we've looked at this week is some areas that we can ramp up."
Ireland coach Declan Kidney has made three changes for the final Test as the touring side look to avoid a series whitewash and end their 107-year victory drought against the All Blacks.
Keith Earls returns on the wing after missing the Christchurch defeated last time out, being passed fit to start wide on the left ahead of Andrew Trimble.
Peter O'Mahony starts at No.8, while Paddy Wallace, who only arrived in New Zealand on Tuesday, gets the nod at inside centre as Jamie Heaslip and Gordon D'Arcy are ruled out.
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Richie McCaw (c), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Brodie Retallick, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Beauden Barrett, 22 Tamati Ellison.
Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Fergus McFadden, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (c), 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Peter O'Mahony, 7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 5 Donnacha Ryan, 4 Dan Tuohy, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Declan Fitzpatrick, 18 Donncha O'Callaghan, 19 Chris Henry, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Andrew Trimble.
