Victor Vito wins New Zealand call-up to face Wales
NEW ZEALAND v WALES Venue: Carisbrook, Dunedin Date: Saturday, 19 June Kick-off: 0835 BST Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Wales MW & online, score updates online, live on Sky Sports 1
Victor Vito made his debut from the bench against Ireland last Saturday
Coach Graham Henry has made one change to his starting line-up for New Zealand's first Test against Wales.
Victor Vito, who made his All Blacks debut off the bench in the 66-28 win over Ireland last Saturday, replaces Jerome Kaino on the blind-side flank.
Kaino suffered a calf injury and misses the Wales game, with Adam Thomson one of three changes on the bench.
Tony Woodcock and Richard Kahui replace Neemia Tialata and Zac Guildford, Kahui having recovered from a chest injury.
Mils Muliaina returned to the squad this week after playing club rugby following a broken thumb and a calf injury, but Henry has stuck with the impressive Israel Dagg at full-back.
We are expecting real intensity and physicality this weekend, which has been the hallmark of All Blacks-Wales matches
Graham Henry
Saturday's sold-out Test in Dunedin will be the final international to be played at the old stadium in Carisbrook, the new Forsyth Barr Stadium under construction ahead of the 2011 World Cup.
"We were happy with the win over Ireland but also know that there are areas of our game we need to work on ahead of the Welsh Test, and that is our focus this week," said Henry.
"We are expecting real intensity and physicality this weekend, which has been the hallmark of All Blacks-Wales matches in recent years.
"Carisbrook is an iconic ground that has hosted some marvellous rugby games over the years.
"It will be a special occasion and the All Blacks are delighted to be part of the celebrations to mark the final Test at the Brook."
Wales complete their two-Test tour against New Zealand at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton on 26 June.
The men in red have not beaten the All Blacks since 1953 and have never triumphed over them in New Zealand.
Israel Daag retains his place ahead of fit-again Mils Muliaina
Their last victory over one of the Tri-Nations superpowers in the southern hemisphere was in New Zealand, though, Wales beating Australia 22-21 in Rotorua in the third-place play-off for the 1987 World Cup.
Wales' solitary victory on the home turf of one of the Tri-Nations giants was the 19-16 triumph over the Wallabies at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1969.
The last match between Wales and the All Blacks in New Zealand was in Hamilton in 2003, when the home side won by a record 55-3 score, one of 22 Test victories for the southern hemisphere outfit in 25 matches between the two.
New Zealand: Israel Dagg (Highlanders); Cory Jane (Hurricanes), Conrad Smith (Hurricanes), Benson Stanley (Blues), Joe Rokocoko (Blues); Daniel Carter (Crusaders), Jimmy Cowan (Highlanders); Ben Franks (Crusaders), Keven Mealamu (Blues), Owen Franks (Crusaders), Brad Thorn (Crusaders), Anthony Boric (Blues), Victor Vito (Hurricanes), Richie McCaw (Crusaders, capt), Kieran Read (Crusaders). Replacements: Aled de Malmanche (Chiefs), Tony Woodcock (Blues), Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), Adam Thomson (Highlanders), Piri Weepu (Hurricanes), Aaron Cruden (Hurricanes), Richard Kahui (Chiefs).
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