Jerome Kaino has been named in the New Zealand team to start tomorrow’s first rugby Test against England at Eden Park, lining up his first appearance for the All Blacks since the World Cup final on the same ground three years ago.
Kaino, who played at blindside flanker during the World Cup, was named on Thursday at No. 8, replacing Kieran Read, who was ruled unfit and is now in the second month of a struggle against a serious concussion.
Aaron Cruden has been preferred in the starting flyhalf role, despite a Super Rugby season that has been truncated by injuries.
New Zealand have three uncapped players: lock Patrick Tuipulotu, scrumhalf T.J. Perenara and center Malakai Fekitoa.
Meanwhile, England have named Gloucester’s Freddie Burns to start at flyhalf in his fourth Test, while formerly New Zealand-based flanker James Haskell returns to the team after a 12-month absence. Haskell is to play his 51st Test match.
Kyle Eastmond has been chosen at inside center in place of Billy Twelvetrees, who is recovering from injury, and Manu Tuilagi and Geoff Parling give some experience to the side.
“Billy Twelvetrees is recovering well from his ankle injury and should be available for the second Test, and it’s now a good opportunity for Kyle Eastmond to build on what he achieved in Argentina last summer,” England coach Stuart Lancaster said. “It’s great to welcome back Geoff Parling and James Haskell, who have a lot of experience, and equally it’s a fantastic opportunity for Joe Gray and Chris Pennell, who have really impressed in training, should they come off the bench for their first caps.”
New Zealand are unbeaten in 31 matches at Eden Park since 1994.
Kaino, 31, played more minutes than any other player during the World Cup, but quit New Zealand rugby after the All Blacks’ 8-7 final win over France to take up a two-year contract in Japan.
He returned to New Zealand this season and quickly regained his best form during his Super Rugby games with the Auckland Blues. He is to play his 49th Test in an experienced backrow combination with captain Richie McCaw, who is to play his 125th Test, and Liam Messam, who is to play his 30th.
“I would firstly like to congratulate Jerome on his return to the Test side, and also the three uncapped players who have been selected in the 23,” head coach Steve Hansen said in naming the team. “It is the first time in our long history that we are playing a three-match series against England, and they are the perfect opponent for us at this time.”
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