21 Jun 2012

Six changes to All Blacks side

5:48 pm on 21 June 2012

Dan Carter's injury has forced the first five eighth to make way for Aaron Cruden in six changes to the All Blacks side for the third rugby test against Ireland in Hamilton on Saturday night.

Carter has been bothered with a hamstring injury since Tuesday, meaning Cruden will make his fourth test start, and first since the World Cup final.

Crusaders lock Luke Romano will make his debut after being named to start alongside Sam Whitelock. Brodie Retallick drops to the bench.

Kieran Read has been ruled out with concussion so there is a reshuffled loose forward combination with Sam Cane on the openside, Richie McCaw at number eight and Liam Meesam on the blindside.

Ben Smith and Hosea Gear replace Zac Guildford and Julian Savea on the wings.

Coming into the reserves are Beauden Barrett, Tamati Ellison and Keven Mealamu.