All Blacks coach, Steve Hansen has picked the in‑form Ben Smith at fullback and dropped a fully fit Israel Dagg for Saturday’s Rugby Championship match against the Wallabies.
Dagg has been dropped for the first time since he became the first‑choice All Black No 15 three years ago.
With Smith at the back, Cory Jane retains his spot on the right wing and the outstanding Julian Savea is an automatic choice on the other side.
Veteran Conrad Smith returns from his fractured thumb to continue world's rugby's longest serving midfield partnership with Ma'a Nonu, while Wyatt Crockett slots in at loosehead prop as Tony Woodcock takes the rest of the year off to repair his shoulder.
Other big names in the starting 15 for the All Blacks are Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks and Dane Coles.
The All Blacks will play the Wallabies at 10.05pm on Saturday while the Springboks will host Argentina at 3.05am Sunday.
Stuff.co
