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Weepu to lead New Zealand

Sunday 16th November 2008

New skipper: Piri Weepu

Wellington scrum-half Piri Weepu will captain New Zealand for the first time against Munster at Thomond Park.

The All Blacks' line-up for Tuesday also includes wing Joe Rokocoko, who started the 22-3 victory over Ireland in Dublin.

Two other players make their full All Blacks debuts - Tasman prop Ben Franks and Taranaki flanker Scott Waldrom - with two more prospective newcomers on the bench in Hawke's Bay hooker Hikawera Elliott and Wellington half-back Alby Mathewson.

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

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

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

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

The New Zealand squad will arrive in Cardiff on Wednesday to prepare for next Saturday's Test match against Wales - in which they protect a 55-year unbeaten record against the current Six Nations champions.

New Zealand: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Hosea Gear, 13 Anthony Tuitavake, 12 Isaia Toeava, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Piri Weepu (captain), 8 Liam Messam, 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Ross Filipo, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Jamie Mackintosh.
Replacements: 16 Hikawera Elliott, 17 John Afoa, 18 Brad Thorn, 19 Kieran Read, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Richard Kahui, 22 Mils Muliaina.

Date: Tuesday, November 18
Venue: Thomond Park, Limerick
Kick-off: 19:30 (19:30 GMT)
Referee: Tbc