Weepu to lead NZ against Munster

Weepu came on as a replacement in Saturday's win over Ireland

Piri Weepu will captain New Zealand for the first time against Munster at Thomond Park on Tuesday.

The team shows 14 changes from Saturday's starting line-up against Ireland with only winger Joe Rokocoko retained in the side.

Munster, who will be aiming to repeat their famous 1978 win over the All Blacks, include New Zealanders Doug Howlett, Rua Tipoki and Lifeimi Mafi.

However, the Irish province are without their current Ireland regulars.

Ronan O'Gara, Paul O'Connell, Donncha O'Callaghan, Tomas O'Leary, John Hayes, David Wallace, Alan Quinlan, Jerry Flannery, Keith Earls and Marcus Horan are ruled out because of Ireland's crucial game against Argentina on Saturday.

However, Peter Stringer and Denis Leamy will start for Tony McGahan's side while the starting line-up also includes Barry Murphy, Mick O'Driscoll and Italian international prop Federico Pucciariello.

In addition, the Ireland management have given permission for Tony Buckley to be named on the bench.

Tasman prop Ben Franks and Taranaki flanker Scott Waldrom will make their All Blacks debuts in Tuesday's game.

The All Blacks team contains eight players who started New Zealand's 32-6 triumph against Scotland at Murrayfield earlier this month.

In addition to Franks and Waldron, the squad contains more prospective newcomers on the bench in Hawkes Bay hooker Hikawera Elliott and Wellington half-back Alby Mathewson.

The game against European champions Munster marks the official opening of their renovated Limerick stadium.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said: "The Munster match will be a special occasion for the team, and the guys are really looking forward to visiting Limerick.

"The team also knows that it will be a hard, physical match against the European club champions."

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Munster: D Howlett; B Murphy, R Tipoki, L Mafi, I Dowling; P Warwick, P Stringer; F Pucciariello, F Sheahan, T Ryan; M O'Driscoll (capt), D Ryan; J Coughlan, N Ronan, D Leamy.
Replacements: D Fogarty, T Buckley, M Melbourne, B Holland, J O'Sullivan, M Prendergast, J Manning.

New Zealand: C Jane; H Gear, A Tuitavake, I Toeava, J Rokocoko; S Donald, P Weepu (capt); J Mackintosh, C Flynn, B Franks, R Filipo, J Eaton, A Thomson, S Waldrom, L Messam.
Replacements: H Elliott, J Afoa, B Thorn, K Read, A Mathewson, R Kahui, M Muliaina.