Rawlinson named to face Ireland
New Zealand name two new caps
All Black coach Graham Henry on Tuesday announced the team to play Ireland at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday, with the team including two new caps.
South African-born Greg Rawlinson, who was courted by Springbok coach Jake White last year, will make his debut for the All Blacks along with Clarke Dermody.
Rawlinson joined the All Black squad after three seasons with the Blues. He turned down an offer to join up with the Springboks last year, saying that he would prefer to pursue an All Black career.
At 2m and 114kg he is a giant man who possesses the agility in the air the All Blacks coaches have been looking for. In addition to his bulk he does not shirk any of the less glamorous work tight forwards are expected to do.
Born and raised in Natal, he made his Super 12 debut for the Sharks while playing NPC rugby for Bay of Plenty and later North Harbour.
Winger Scott Hamilton, fly-half David Hill and flanker Jerome Kaino could also make their debuts after being named on the replacement bench.
"We are pleased for the new All Blacks," Henry said. "And we are pleased to have more players of international calibre available to the team. We want depth to be a strength for New Zealand rugby."
New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Ma'a Nonu, 12 Aaron Mauger, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Luke McAlister, 9 Byron Kelleher, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Marty Holah, 5 Greg Rawlinson, 4 Chris Jack, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Clarke Dermody.
Replacements: 16 Anton Oliver, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Troy Flavell, 19 Jerome Kaino, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 David Hill, 22 Scott Hamilton.
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
