All Blacks: Ranger rises to highest honour

Rene Ranger says getting called in was a bit of a shock. Photo / Christine Cornege

It was a risk but one All Black coach Graham Henry felt compelled to take.

He has asked experienced fullback Mils Muliaina and lock Tom Donnelly to suit up against Wales at Hamilton on Saturday with little more than a game of club rugby between them this season.

Donnelly made his first appearance last week in club rugby in Central Otago after suffering a stress fracture in his foot in mid-March while Muliaina broke his thumb at the start of April and then strained a calf muscle before grabbing a club game for Te Rapa a fortnight ago.

They are two of the seven changes to the starting XV while Northland utility three-quarter Rene Ranger has been called in to cover for injury and is assured of a debut from the bench. He was picked because fullback Israel Dagg (concussion) and centre Conrad Smith (eye) were ruled out of this weekend.

Lock Anthony Boric has also been rested because of his cheekbone injury while Aaron Cruden remains on standby to start the test until Daniel Carter tries his sore calf tomorrow.

"We are hopeful Dan will be right. We have had these situations before when his calf tightens up but he thinks he got it early enough," Henry said.

If Carter fails to front, Henry was certain the 21-year-old Cruden would handle his start with aplomb.

"I don't know anyone better, at his age, at running a team," said Henry.

"I coached Grant Fox for quite a long time and he's probably an equivalent at the same age. He's a very good navigator for a young person."

Donnelly was a first-choice lock at the end of last year and while he was short of a gallop he needed a run to get him in some sort of condition for the Tri-Nations. It was better for him and Muliaina to play on a top-quality surface in Hamilton, rather than risk themselves in club rugby.

Henry felt his side had been performing at about 70 per cent efficiency in their victories against Ireland and Wales. He was looking for a stronger start and better strategies from his side in this test.

In other changes, experienced props Tony Woodcock and Neemia Tialata replace the Franks brothers, a fit Jerome Kaino comes in for Victor Vito, Zac Guildford gets a run on the wing and Richard Kahui moves into centre on his home ground.

Ranger was in Wellsford and about to head out for some snapper fishing when he received a text to assemble with the All Blacks.

He had been on standby injury cover for the All Blacks in New Plymouth but this was the real deal.

"Getting called in was a bit of a shock, a bit of a rush but the boys have helped me out and I am stoked to be here."

Henry explained that Ranger had more utility value to use from the bench so he was chosen ahead of Rokocoko who has also been troubled by a tender knee.

All Blacks
Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Richard Kahui, Benson Stanley, Zac Guildford, Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Tom Donnelly, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Rene Ranger.