Steve Hansen has announced the New Zealand team to play Australia in the final of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, taking place at Twickenham this Saturday.
It is a completely unchanged squad from the one that snuck past South Africa 20-18 in the semi-final last weekend. There is a total of 1,339 caps between the 23 players.
All Blacks Head Coach Hansen said: “We came here as contenders for the Cup, just like everyone else. In our minds, we have never been defenders. We knew we would have to earn the right to progress through the Tournament so being in the Final is very satisfying in its own right, as it’s the first Rugby World Cup Final an All Blacks team has made in the UK. But the ultimate goal has always been to win it, so we are exactly where we need to be to try and achieve that.
“Both teams have arrived at the Final by different pathways. We’ve had the luxury of building game by game throughout the whole Tournament, whilst Australia have had to be at their very best right from day one. Mental fortitude and physical endurance, together with skill execution and sheer desire, will be the key ingredients come Saturday.
“We’ve had a great preparation so far this week at Pennyhill; the boys are feeling really fresh and energised. We’re building towards Saturday’s match with a growing sense of determination and real excitement and I couldn’t be happier with where we are at.
“We know that all our fans here and at home are as excited as we are. Once again, we’d like to thank them for all their good wishes and support, and we’ll be looking to put in a performance all of us can be proud of.”
NEW ZEALAND TEAM TO PLAY AUSTRALIA
15. Ben Smith 14. Nehe Milner-Skudder 13. Conrad Smith 12. Ma’a Nonu 11. Julian Savea 10. Dan Carter 9. Aaron Smith; 1. Joe Moody 2. Dane Coles 3. Owen Franks 4. Brodie Retallick 5. Sam Whitelock 6. Jerome Kaino 7. Richie McCaw 8. Kieran Read
Replacements: 16. Keven Mealamu 17. Ben Franks 18. Charlie Faumuina 19. Victor Vito 20. Sam Cane 21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow 22. Beauden Barrett 23. Sonny Bill Williams
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
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Have to say Australia deserve it more, they’ve had a much tougher time getting to the final …