The Sunday Mail
New Zealand have named the best available line-up for their Rugby World Cup opener against Argentina that is packed with experience despite 11 players making their tournament debut. Richie McCaw leads the side announced by coach Steve Hansen for the Wembley clash this evening against the fellow Rugby Championship side, their toughest group stage opponents.
Along with McCaw, Dan Carter, Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu are the 100-plus cap veterans in the matchday line-up that has an incredible 1211 caps in the starting side and 316 on the bench.
Dynamic winger Nehe Milner-Skudder gets his third cap as part of arguably the best back three in the tournament with full-back Ben Smith and Julian Savea, who are all appearing in their first World Cup.
Also making their tournament bow are Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick, Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett.
‘We’ve had a wonderful reception here in London. The boys have really enjoyed connecting with our fans and this wonderful city. But the business is about to start and we’re all looking forward to that because, after all, that’s why we’re here.
‘We’ve selected what we believe is a very strong team. We have the utmost respect for Argentina who we know a lot more about now because of their involvement in The Rugby Championship. But it also means they know a lot more about us.’
Hansen added: ‘We will need to be at our very best to get our Tournament away to a good start. We’ve had a great preparation and there will be no excuses for not performing on Sunday(today).’ — Dailymail
