Du’Plessis Kirifi will captain the All Blacks XV for the Northern Tour, with the support of experienced first-five eighth Harry Plummer as Vice-Captain for the match against Munster.
All Blacks XV v Munster, 2 November 5.30PM (GMT) / 3 November 6.30AM (NZDT), Thomond Park, Limerick, Ireland
All Blacks XV match-day 23:
1. George Bower* (Crusaders / Otago)
2. Brodie McAlister (Crusaders / Canterbury)
3. George Dyer (Chiefs / Waikato)
4. Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hurricanes / Hawke's Bay)
5. Fabian Holland (Highlanders / Otago)
6. Oliver Haig (Highlanders / Otago)
7. Du'Plessis Kirifi - Captain (Hurricanes / Wellington)
8. Devan Flanders (Hurricanes / Hawke's Bay)
9. Finlay Christie* (Blues / Tasman)
10. Harry Plummer - Vice-Captain* (Blues / Auckland)
11. Kini Naholo (Hurricanes / Taranaki)
12. Quinn Tupaea* (Chiefs / Waikato)
13. AJ Lam (Blues / Auckland)
14. Chay Fihaki (Crusaders / Canterbury)
15. Shaun Stevenson* (Chiefs / North Harbour)
16. Bradley Slater (Chiefs / Taranaki)
17. Xavier Numia (Hurricanes / Wellington)
18. Marcel Renata (Blues / Auckland)
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Chiefs / Bay of Plenty)
20. Corey Kellow (Crusaders / Canterbury)
21. Noah Hotham* (Crusaders / Tasman)
22. Josh Jacomb (Chiefs / Taranaki)
23. Ruben Love* (Hurricanes / Wellington)
*denotes capped All Blacks player
All Blacks XV Head Coach Clayton McMillan said: “There is a long-standing rivalry between New Zealand teams and Munster. We are expecting an intense, competitive clash in front of a sold-out passionate Irish crowd in Limerick.”
McMillan congratulated Kirifi on being appointed as Captain and Plummer as Vice-Captain of the All Blacks XV and said their leadership would be an asset to the team.
“Du’Plessis has experience in the All Blacks XV environment and is a natural leader who holds mana within the team. Harry had an outstanding Super Rugby Pacific season and has been in the All Blacks squad this year so his leadership will be immense in attack.
“We’ve had a short lead in to this first match, the team is a blend of experience with younger rising talent. The players are all out to showcase their skills and make the most of the opportunity to play on an international scale, representing New Zealand. It’s a proud moment for players and their whanau.”
The All Blacks XV starting front row features loosehead prop George Bower, tighthead prop George Dyer and Brodie McAlister at hooker. Bradley Slater, Xavier Numia and Marcel Renata will provide impact off the bench.
Isaia Walker-Leawere and Fabian Holland make up the locking duo, with Oliver Haig, Kirifi and Devan Flanders the loose forward trio. Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Corey Kellow are named on the bench.
In the backs, the experienced Blues and All Blacks combination of Finlay Christie and Plummer will take the field at halfback first five-eighth, with recent All Black Noah Hotham on the bench. With an equally strong mid-field, Quinn Tupaea returns to international rugby in the No.12 jersey and AJ Lam starts at centre.
The back three is made up of Kini Naholo on the left wing, Chay Fihaki on the right and Shaun Stevenson at fullback. Stand out Bunnings Warehouse NPC player Josh Jacomb and recent All Blacks debutant Ruben Love will be injected off the bench.