It might be a mixed blessing for Manu Samoa, but coach Stephen Betham has thanked his All Blacks counterpart Steve Hansen for picking a strong starting line-up for Wednesday's historic test, and in particular Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.
Betham said there was excitement among his players as they read the All Blacks team this morning. The early talk about regular McCaw being named on the bench has proven to be unfounded, with Hansen naming his 137-test veteran in the No7 jersey.
"We're happy seeing him start - that was the buzz this morning," Betham said. "When the boys took a look at the All Blacks team they knew they're in for it this coming Wednesday. Just to have Richie McCaw and Dan Carter take the field, the boys are honoured but at the same time we've got a job to do and they know we can't get fazed by that, not just by the occasion but the people on the field."
He added: "The All Blacks are coming full strength and I think that's a respect that they've given us. We need to gauge ourselves heading to the World Cup and we need to gauge ourselves against the best, and we thank Steve Hansen for naming a very strong side."
Chiefs player Tim Nanai-Williams starts at fullback in his debut test, with former Hurricanes first-five Tusi Pisi and flanker Jack Lam also starting.
