Cruden named at flyhalf in All Blacks team to play Wales
The All Blacks selectors have named Aaron Cruden to start at flyhalf against Wales in the first rugby Test at Eden Park on Saturday.
Nine players who were part of the starting XV for the World Cup final have retained their place for the opening Test against Wales .
Captain Kieran Read, the No 8, will be leading his country for the 10th time but the first time since replacing the retired Richie McCaw.
Coach Steve Hansen went with widely-predicted solutions to filling holes left by departed greats McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith from the team who triumphed against the Wallabies at Twickenham last October.
Also unavailable with injury were, winger Nehe Milner-Skudder (long-term knee) and lock Sam Whitelock, who failed to overcome a hamstring niggle this week.
Sam Cane, who was a reserve in the final, takes McCaw’s openside flank berth.
First five-eighth Aaron Cruden hasn’t played a Test for more than 18 months because of injury.
Cruden is handed the playmaking duties in front of in-form pair Beauden Barrett and Lima Sopoaga.
Hansen says the new look to his side shouldn’t be regarded as an opportunity for Wales to exploit.
“Whilst the opposition might believe that we’re vulnerable because it’s our first Test and we have lost some experienced players, we don’t have that mindset,” he said.
All Blacks team: Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Ryan Crotty, Julian Savea, Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (capt), Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Joe Moody.
Reserves: Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Seta Tamanivalu.