MX23RW : Tuesday, April 23 19:37:06| >> :600:9865670:9865670:
Rugby World Cup | Third Place Playoff
Nov 1, 2019 at 9am UK
 
New Zealand
40-17
Wales
Moody (5'), Barrett (13'), Smith (33', 40'), Crotty (42'), Mo'unga (76')
FT
Amos (20'), Adams (60')

Steve Hansen includes departing veterans in World Cup swansong

Captain Kieran Read and centres Sonny Bill Williams and Ryan Crotty are in the starting line up.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has rung the changes as he has named his side to face Wales in the bronze-medal match on Friday.

Hansen has created space for his departing veterans with captain Kieran Read, centres Sonny Bill Williams and Ryan Crotty, and wing Ben Smith all named to start.

Just eight starters from New Zealand's 19-7 semi-final loss to England have been named.

"This was a tough team to select because, as always, everyone wanted to play," Hansen said.

"But with a short turnaround and the nature of the tournament we feel that this is the right team for this occasion."

Hansen will retire as All Blacks coach after the match.

Wales have not beaten New Zealand in 66 years, but carry the momentum of winning the Six Nations earlier this year and the added incentive of it being Warren Gatland's last match as coach after 12 years in charge.

ID:376766: cacheID:376766:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3390:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
England's Mako Vunipola pictured on February 7, 2019
Read Next:
Mako Vunipola: 'We made sure New Zealand knew we were ready for the fight'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!