Rugby: Ranger to start on wing in third test

After two stunning performances off the reserves bench against France, Rene Ranger gets the chance to demonstrate his unique brand of high-octane rugby from the opening whistle in New Plymouth on Saturday.

Ranger will start for the All Blacks on the left wing at Yarrow Stadium in the third test, replacing Julian Savea in one of five changes to the starting XV which wrapped up the series in Christchurch.

Piri Weepu starts at halfback ahead of Aaron Smith, Dan Carter has won his No10 jersey back from Aaron Cruden after recovering from a broken right hand, Victor Vito starts at blindside flanker ahead of Liam Messam and Andrew Hore replaces Dane Coles at hooker.

None of those usurped players wins a place on the reserves bench. At the weekend Steve Hansen hinted that now the series has been won he could take the opportunity to introduce some of his new players to test rugby and three have the chance make their debuts.

Crusaders flanker Matt Todd and Blues players Steven Luatua and Charles Piutau are in line to win their first caps. Luatua, normally a loose forward, will also cover lock, with Piutau covering the outside backs.

Todd's opportunity is a big one - he was only called into the squad at the 11th hour due to lock Dominic Bird's season-ending chest injury.

Hansen said: "We are committed to continue building the depth in our squad and introducing new players to test match rugby, hence why we have selected the team we have."

Hansen has resisted the urge to move Ben Smith from the right wing to centre ahead of namesake Conrad, but the in-form Highlander is likely to get some time there in the second half after Piutau's introduction.

For Ranger, the start is a deserved one. Hansen and his fellow selectors had appeared happy with the Blues player being left in an impact role. It was a task he performed in every sense during his 14 minutes in the first test in Auckland and 21 minutes at AMI Stadium last weekend.

At Eden Park he flattened fullback Yoann Huget with an almost irresistible carry and in Christchurch he played a big part in Beauden Barrett's superb team try in the final minutes of the 30-0 victory.

Given the momentum he provided, and his impending departure to French club Montpellier, it seemed the part-time role was something he would be stuck with. His response will be interesting - can he keep his all-energy game going for 60-plus minutes? It will be only his second start in six tests.

The other significant change is Vito for Messam. Having put the onus on his players in the No6 jersey to be more physical, it is a big opportunity for Hurricane Vito to stamp his authority on a French team which might not have much appetite for it after their disappointment in Christchurch, a match in which they threw everything at the All Blacks for no reward.

All Blacks

Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Rene Ranger, Dan Carter, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read (c), Sam Cane, Victor Vito, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Ben Franks, Matt Todd, Steven Luatua, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Charles Piutau.