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Last Updated: Tuesday, 8 November 2005, 17:24 GMT
NZ make 15 changes for Irish game
Keven Mealamu
New Zealand have named a completely different starting line-up for Saturday's game against Ireland from the side which defeated Wales.

Those starting include hooker Keven Mealamu - one of the players involved in the tackle which ended Brian O'Driscoll's Lions tour in the summer.

Prop John Afoa and lock Jason Eaton will earn Test debuts on Saturday.

Lock James Ryan was not considered for selection after picking up a knee injury in the 41-3 win over Wales.

Canterbury centre Aaron Mauger said New Zealand would be just as strong against Ireland, despite all the changes.

"If you look at what potentially can go out there, it is not too different in terms of strength to the first backline.

"After the first team got named we all started running together, we pretty much know it all now.

"We are excited but we are aware we cannot be complacent. In the past we have had good performances and then let ourselves down the next week and just scraped through."

With Tana Umaga not in the squad for Saturday's match, Richie McCaw gets the captaincy.


New Zealand: L McDonald; D Howlett, M Nonu, A Mauger, S Sivivatu; N Evans, P Weepu; T Woodcock, K Mealamu, J Afoa; J Eaton, A Williams; S Lauaki, R McCaw (capt), M Tuiali'i.
Replacements: A Hore, S Taumoepeau, C Hayman, C Jack, R So'oialo, J Cowan, M Muliaina.




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