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18:03 GMT, Tuesday, 25 November 2008

Smith back in New Zealand line-up

ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND
Venue: Twickenham Date: Saturday, 29 November Kick-off: 1430 GMT Coverage: Live on Sky Sports and BBC Radio 5 Live. Highlights on BBC Three (Saturday, 1910 GMT) and BBC Two (Sunday, 1510 GMT), BBC Red Button and BBC Sport website. Live text commentary on BBC Sport website

New Zealand centre Conrad Smith

New Zealand have recalled centre Conrad Smith in the only change to the team for their 'grand slam' tour decider against England on Saturday.

Smith missed the victory over Wales because of a groin injury he picked up against Ireland on 15 November.

The 27-year-old will start at outside centre in place of Richard Kahui, who drops out of the squad completely.

Should New Zealand defeat England, they will complete their third successful 'grand slam' tour of the home nations.

New Zealand have not conceded a try in their wins over Scotland, Ireland and Wales this month and have won their last six games against England.

They are aiming to add to their previous grand slams in 2005 and 1978.

PREVIOUS ‘GRAND SLAM’ ATTEMPTS


England go into the game on the back of a record home defeat at the hands of South Africa, and All Blacks coach Graham Henry has warned his side to expect a backlash from Martin Johnson's men.

"After England's loss to South Africa last weekend we know they will come out and throw everything at us," said Henry.

"But the All Blacks are relishing the challenge and looking forward to the Test."

Victory at Twickenham will be a sweet moment for the New Zealand management team after the torrid end to their World Cup campaign last year.

Henry, together with assistants Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith, remained in posts despite the shock quarter-final defeat against France in Cardiff.

But since then they have retained the Tri-Nations for the fourth season running as well as sealing a 3-1 Bledisloe Cup triumph over Australia in Hong Kong on 1 November.

"We've been through a lot of pressure, but winning the Tri-Nations and the Bledisloe Cup gave us an opportunity to relax and enjoy the tour," said Henry.

606: DEBATE
What do you make of the New Zealand line-up?
"As for the grand slam, it's important for teams to set goals and leave a legacy.

"To play Tests on five consecutive Saturdays and win them all is a major achievement, just as much as the Tri-Nations or a Bledisloe Cup."

Henry added that the selection of Smith was a "reasonably straightforward decision".

"I feel for Richard but Conrad has played some good rugby all year. He was our number one centre coming over, so we are back to our number one line-up."

Hooker Hikawera Elliot will take over from Corey Flynn in an otherwise unchanged set of replacements.

The last time the teams met at Twickenham was in 2006, when the All Blacks won 41-20.


New Zealand: Mils Muliaina; Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Neemia Tialata, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (capt), Rodney So'oialo.
Replacements: Hikawera Elliot, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava.



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Related to this story:

Cipriani axed from England team (25 Nov 08 |  English )
Jeremy Guscott column (24 Nov 08 |  Rugby Union )
Wales 9-29 New Zealand (22 Nov 08 |  Welsh )
England 6-42 South Africa (22 Nov 08 |  English )
Ireland 3-22 New Zealand (15 Nov 08 |  Rugby Union )
England 14-28 Australia (15 Nov 08 |  English )
Scotland 6-32 New Zealand (08 Nov 08 |  Scottish )
England 39-13 Pacific Islanders (08 Nov 08 |  English )

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