Proven Performers Make Up ABs Side To Take On Wales

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has gone with proven performers in his first test team of the year to face Wales at Eden Park on Saturday.

Luke Romano has edged out Patrick Tuipulotu for the second locking spot with Tuipulotu on the bench having not donned the Black jersey since November 2014.

Of the pack, only Luke Romano and Sam Cane did not start last year's Rugby World Cup final but only Julian Savea and the Smiths remain from the starting backline.

As expected Aaron Cruden gets first crack at first five, Crotty and Fekitoa link up in midfield with Waisake Naholo the starting right wing.

Elliot Dixon will have to bide his time with Jerome Kaino starting at blindside and fellow newbie Ardie Savea preferred in the reserves.

Nathan Harris getting the back-up hooker spot ahead of Codie Taylor could be classed as a minor surprise but the rest of the 23 man squad is as most would have predicted.

The full team is Moody, Coles, Franks, Romano, Retallick, Kaino, Cane, Read (captain) Aaron Smith, Cruden, Julian Savea, Crotty, Fekitoa, Naholo and Ben Smith.

The reserves are Harris, Crockett, Faumuina, Tuipulotu, Ardie Savea, Perenara, Barrett and Tamanivalu.

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