Savea Dropped, But Tipped To Storm Back

The All Blacks selectors have dropped wing Julian Savea for Saturday's second test against Wales in Wellington.

Israel Dagg comes into the starting 15 for his 50th test with Ben Smith in his 50th test moving to the right wing.

There's one other change with a fit again Sam Whitelock replacing Luke Romano at lock.

Coach Steve Hansen said Savea's form hasn't been good enough.

"Obviously Jules didn't have one of his great games, there's a lot happening with Jules, we're working away quietly, we all know he hasn't had a great season but he's trying extremely hard."

Sir John Kirwan is confident Julian Savea will return to the All Blacks before long

Kirwan told the CGW breakfast Savea's been in this situation before and will come back stronger than ever.

"I think the most important thing for him now is just to get on top of his fitness, get himself sharp again, and I just wouldn't like to mark him when they put him back out there."

Ben Smith is shifting to the wing for his 50th test, which means with Dagg at fullback, there is no room for Beauden Barrett in the starting side.

Hansen said they still see Barrett as an impact player.

"By putting in Israel ahead of Beauden, we just think it gives us the opportunity to have a real strike player come off the bench, he's a world class player at his best."

The full side is Moody, Coles, Franks, Retallick, Whitelock, Kaino, Cane, Read (captain) Aaron Smith, Naholo, Crotty, Fekitoa, Ben Smith and Dagg.

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

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