Robert Kitson in Hamilton 

New Zealand recall Kieran Read for final Test against England

New Zealand have recalled the No8, Kieran Read, after concussion trouble for Saturday’s third and final Test against England in Hamilton and picked Malakai Fekitoa in place of the injured Conrad Smith at centre
  
  

New Zealand's Kieran Read missed the first two Tests against England because of concussion trouble
New Zealand's Kieran Read missed the first two Tests against England because of concussion trouble. Photograph: Michael Mayhew/Sportsphoto Ltd/Allstar Photograph: Michael Mayhew/Sportsphoto Ltd/Allstar

New Zealand have recalled the No8, Kieran Read, after concussion trouble for Saturday’s third and final Test against England in Hamilton and picked the centre Malakai Fekitoa for his first Test start in place of the injured Conrad Smith.

Jerome Kaino moves to the blindside flank, with Liam Messam on the bench.

The 28-year-old Read was forced to sit out New Zealand’s first two Tests – in which the All Blacks secured an unbeatable 2-0 lead – after suffering lingering concussion symptoms. Now the Crusaders loose-forward will win his 62nd cap this weekend, with the captain, Richie McCaw, completing a fearsome back-row unit to take his 127th All Blacks bow.

New Zealand B Smith (Highlanders); Jane (Hurricanes), Fekitoa (Highlanders), Nonu (Blues), Savea (Hurricanes); Cruden (Chiefs), A Smith (Highlanders); Woodcock (Blues), Coles (Hurricanes), Franks (Crusaders), Retallick (Chiefs), Whitelock (Crusaders), Kaino (Blues), McCaw (Crusaders, capt), Read (Crusaders).

Replacements Mealamu (Blues), Crockett (Crusaders), Faumuina (Blues) Tuipulotu (Blues), Messam (Chiefs), Perenara (Hurricanes), Barrett (Hurricanes), Crotty (Crusaders).

 

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