Team Naming Thursday - All Blacks Edition

Photo courtesy of Zimbio.com

This morning the All Blacks side was named to face off against the Springboks in the ultimate showdown to see who can claim the Rugby Championship at Ellis Park on Sunday morning (NZT).

Captain Fantastic and waterboy extraordinaire Richie McCaw has returned to the lineup after recovering from his knee injury sustained against the Puma's in Hamilton 3 weeks ago. Incumbant no7 Sam Cane has done a terrific job in the last 2 test matches, but there is nothing like having the skipper back in the lineup, in his 120th test match. What an achievement. 

The only other change to the lineup is Charlie Faumuina comes in for the injured Owen Franks, after he sustained a groin injury in last weekends clash.

All Blacks

1. Tony Woodcock

2. Andrew Hore

3. Charlie Faumuina

4. Brodie Retallick

5. Sam Whitelock

6. Liam Messam

7. Richie McCaw (Capt)

8. Kieran Read

9. Aaron Smith

10. Aaron Cruden

11. Julian Savea

12. Ma'a Nonu

13. Conrad Smith

14. Ben Smith

15. Israel Dagg

Reserves

16. Dane Coles

17. Wyatt Crockett

18. Ben Franks

19. Steven Luatua

20. Sam Cane

21. TKB

22. Beauden Barrett

23. Charles Pituau

I simply cannot wait for kick off. There is always something extra special about any clash against the Springboks and this will simply be a blockbuster.

Bring it on.