Waisake Naholo
All Blacks wing Waisake Naholo will make his eagerly-awaited World Cup debut against Georgia in Cardiff on Friday.
Naholo, who made his 1st Test appearance for the All Blacks against Argentina in the Rugby Championship in July, cracked his fibula in that match and team bosses feared he would have to miss the World Cup.
However, thanks to a traditional herbal remedy, the 24-year-old Fiji-born flyer has made a recovery that has astounded the specialists.
“We’re looking forward to seeing Waisake back on the track, he’s been jumping out of his skin at training and I’m sure he can’t wait for game day,” Hanson said.
Hansen has made 10 changes to the starting line-up that defeated Namibia on 24 September with Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino and Julian Savea making a 3rd start.
4 Players were not considered for selection due to injury – Ma’a Nonu (shoulder), Colin Slade (hamstring), Liam Messam (calf) and Beauden Barrett (whiplash).
Back in the starting line-up is Dan Carter, the all-time leading points scorer in test history on 1 532 points. Hansen said with only 1 fit flyhalf available, TJ Perenara would cover that role off the bench, if needed.
“While it’s disappointing to have Beauden, Colin, Ma’a and Liam unavailable for selection, their injuries are minor and they’re all expected to be available for selection next week.
“This game gives us an opportunity to build on our previous performances against an opposition who have proven to be very physical in their 2 matches.
“Although we don’t know a lot about them, we know enough. They’re big, strong athletes and should contribute to what will be a great occasion at Millennium Stadium. I know everyone in our group is looking forward to it,” he added.
Hansen also paid tribute to All Blacks assistant manager Gilbert Enoka, who will be involved in his 200th test match this weekend. Hansen said Enoka, who 1st started working with the team in 2000, was a very important cog in the All Blacks machine.
“His contribution is highly valued by all players and management and to be associated with a team for 200 test matches is a huge achievement, one I’m sure he and his family are very proud of, as we are of him,” said Hansen.
New Zealand All Blacks: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (Captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Wyatt Crockett
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Tony Woodcock, 18 Owen Franks, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Sam Cane, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 TJ Perenara, 23 Malakai Fekitoa.
Date: Friday 2 October
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-Off: 21:00 SA Time (20:00 BST, 19:00 GMT, 23:00 Georgia Time, 09:00 Saturday NZ Time)
Referee: Pascal Gauzère (France)
Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Mathieu Raynal (France)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
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