Two new caps in All Blacks team to face Ireland

New All Blacks coach John Mitchell has named two uncapped players in his side to face Ireland at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

New All Blacks coach John Mitchell has named two uncapped players in his side to face Ireland at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

Canterbury centre Aaron Mauger and back-row Richie McCaw have both been drafted in by Mitchell, who takes charge of New Zealand for the first time.

Mitchell, who was assistant to Clive Woodward in the England set-up, has already made his presence felt by leaving star duo Jeff Wilson and Christian Cullen out of the touring party, which also includes Tests against Scotland and Argentina.

Other notable changes to the starting line-up see number eight Scott Robertson and prop Greg Feek return to the side after being omitted from this summer's Tri Nations squad.

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Ben Blair is rewarded for his 38 point haul in last night's 43-30 win over Ireland A at Ravenhill with a spot on the replacements' bench.

All Blacks: L MacDonald; D Howlett, T Umaga, A Mauger; J Lomu; A Mehrtens, B Kelleher; G Feek, A Oliver (cpt), G Somerville, C Jack, N Maxwell, R Thorne, R McCaw, Scott Robertson. Replacements: T Willis, D Hewett, D Waller, M Holah, M Robinson, B Blair, C Ralph.

PA