All Blacks Make One Change For Semi-Final Clash
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New Zealand have made one change for Saturday’s World Cup semi-final against South Africa with Joe Moody replacing injured prop Wyatt Crockett.
Crockett has not recovered from the groin injury he suffered during the 62-13 quarter-final victory over France. Moody, 27, was only called into the squad because of a tournament-ending injury suffered by Tony Woodcock.
Winger Nehe Milner-Skudder, scorer of five tries in the tournament, has shaken off a shoulder knock and starts. Milner-Skudder did not return after half time in the win over France in Cardiff. He was replaced by Beauden Barrett with Ben Smith switching from full-back to the wing.
Richie McCaw, 34, will set a World Cup record in captaining his side for the 12th time in the competition. Prop Ben Franks has been promoted to the replacements’ bench.
New Zealand: Joe Moody, Dane Coles, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read; Aaron Smith, Dan Carter, Julian Savea, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Ben Smith.
Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams.
