Friday 03 September 2010
19:39

16 June 2009 11:49

HOOKER: Keven Mealamu

 WELLINGTON - New Zealand have made four changes to the starting side for Saturday's second test against France in Wellington as the injury-ravaged All Blacks seek to recover from a surprise 27-22 loss in Dunedin last weekend.

Outside centre Conrad Smith and blindside flanker Jerome Kaino were both rushed back into the run-on side after missing the opening match with injuries.

Hooker Keven Mealamu and openside flanker Tanerau Latimer were also promoted to the starting line-up after Andrew Hore and Adam Thomson were ruled out, joining a long casualty list of 12 unavailable players.

"The return of Jerome and Conrad from injury will be a boost for the guys," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said in a statement.

"The team was disappointed with the way they played in last weekend's loss to France and are looking forward to making big improvements this week."