Saturday, June 26, 2010

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Wales out to restore pride

26.06.2010
Wales v New Zealand in Hamilton

Venue: Waikato Stadium

Stadium Aerial
Waikato Stadium. Image thanks to http://www.waikatostadium.co.nz

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)

Preview
Wales will out to restore some pride in their second test against New Zealand in Hamilton. Having already received a mighty 9-42 beating from New Zealand Wales can expect nothing less than a committed All Black side again in Hamilton.

New Zealand has had to make a few changes from last weekend's team due to injury. Veteran Muliaina returns at fullback whilst Kahu, Guildford, Tialata and Donnelly also return to the starting lineup. Wales can expect the Kiwis to come out firing despite these changes. All positions, except perhaps McCaws, are up for grabs leading up to next years rugby world cup.

Wales has brought in inexperienced Dan Biggar for veteran Jones at flyhalf. Wales will need to play a full 80 minute game and compete with New Zealand at the breakdowns if they are going to have any hope of getting near the home side. I just can't see them doing it.

Last Five Encounters
19.06.2010 New Zealand 42-9 in Dunedin
07.11.2009 New Zealand 19-12 in Cardiff
22.11.2008 New Zealand 29-9 in Cardiff
25.11.2006 New Zealand 45-10 in Cardiff
05.11.2005 New Zealand 41-5 in Cardiff

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-New Zealand 1st, Wales 9th
IRB Rankings-New Zealand 1st (91.68), Wales 8th (78.58)

Prediction: New Zealand by 39 points

Teams

8[1]

New Zealand
Mils Muliaina (Waikato); Cory Jane (Wellington), Richard Kahui (Waikato), Benson Stanley (Auckland), Zac Guildford (Canterbury); Daniel Carter (Canterbury), Jimmy Cowan (Southland); Tony Woodcock (North Harbour), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Neemia Tialata (Wellington), Brad Thorn (Canterbury), Tom Donnelly (Otago), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Richie McCaw, Capt. (Canterbury), Kieran Read (Canterbury).
Replacements
Aled de Malmanche (Waikato), Owen Franks (Canterbury), Sam Whitelock (Canterbury), Adam Thomson (Otago), Piri Weepu (Wellington); Aaron Cruden (Wellington), Rene Ranger (AucklandBlues)
Head Coach: Graham Henry

3[1]

Wales
Lee Byrne (Ospreys); Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Tom Prydie (Ospreys); Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Ospreys); Paul James (Ospreys), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues), Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys), Gavin Thomas (Newport-Gwent Dragons), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt).
Replacements
Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Craig Mitchell (Ospreys), Deiniol Jones (Cardiff Blues), Rob McCusker (Scarlets), Richard Rees (Cardiff Blues), Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Will Harries (Newport-Gwent Dragons)
Head Coach: Warren Gatland

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