9 Nov 2012

Ellison and Ben Smith the new midfield for Scotland test

6:34 pm on 9 November 2012

The Highlanders Tamati Ellison and Ben Smith will form a new midfield combination for the All Blacks when New Zealand plays Scotland on Monday.

Tawera Kerr Barlow and Dane Coles are likely to make their All Black debuts from the bench in Edinburgh, while Adam Thompson will start on the blind side flank and Piri Weepu at half back.

The veteran lock Ali Williams is also in the reserves as is the rookie first five Beuden Barrett.

Richie McCaw will captain the side, but he may be replaced by Sam Cane during the match if the All Blacks gain the ascendancy.

The All Blacks have played Scotland 28 times and never lost a match.

The 23 man team features an 8 man bench as the game is being played under a new rule that requires two prop forwards to be in the reserves.

Starting XV:

1. Wyatt Crockett (7)

2. Andrew Hore (72)

3. Owen Franks (41)

4. Luke Romano (8)

5. Samuel Whitelock (35)

6. Adam Thomson (28)

7. Richie McCaw - captain (113)

8. Victor Vito (17)

9. Piri Weepu (66)

10. Daniel Carter (92)

11. Julian Savea (5)

12. Tamati Ellison (3)

13. Ben Smith (9)

14. Cory Jane (38)

15. Israel Dagg (22)

Reserves:

16. Dane Coles *

17. Tony Woodcock (92)

18. Ben Franks (21)

19. Ali Williams (75)

20. Sam Cane (4)

21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow *

22. Beauden Barrett (2)

23. Ma'a Nonu (73)