Mum first to know of Moala's All Black selection

Name: All Blacks: Moala rises from Blues to All Black
Uploaded: 2015-07-06T11:44:24+12:00
Duration: 196 s
Description: Brutal running game earns winger place in starting line-up to face physical Samoa. A season of relentless lows for George Moala has spiked to an unprecedented high with the Blues utility back named to win his first test cap against Samoa. Moala will take his place on the right wing in a starting XV

By Joseph Pearson

NZ Herald·

5 Jul, 2015 11:34 PM3 mins to read

Brutal running game earns winger place in starting line-up to face physical Samoa. A season of relentless lows for George Moala has spiked to an unprecedented high with the Blues utility back named to win his first test cap against Samoa. Moala will take his place on the right wing in a starting XV

George Moala said his mum was the first person to know when he found out he was starting for the All Blacks on Wednesday against Samoa.

Moala will start on the wing as one of four debutants in the squad with Nepo Laulala, Brad Weber and Charlie Ngatai all being named on the bench.

Andy Ellis starts at halfback - his first All Black appearance since the 2011 World Cup Final - with Dan Carter starting at first five-eighths and Steve Hansen has picked an experienced pack for the physical challenge he expects from Samoa.

"The team in the end has picked itself this week", said Hansen. "We went with people we want to see and people who need game time.

"Any time someone comes into the All Blacks it's exciting. To be given the opportunity to fill the shirt in a test match is even more exciting.

"There's a bit of nerves and George and the three are probably nervous. We saw it yesterday at training as we put quite a bit of pressure on the players with a high intensity training run."

Moala's earned his spot with his performances for the Blues and it comes after a season where he's been dealing with his own issues off the field.

"I told my mum and mum started tearing up on the phone. It's a great moment for me and my family.

"Obviously I've been through a lot on the last couple of years but I've left that in the past. I've put my head down and worked hard to be where I am today.

"Coming in and seeing the environment with how the players work as a team, it really helps you. It's more professional and I've really enjoyed it.

"I'm really really excited for the opportunity from Steve Hansen. I'm very grateful. To wear the black jersey is really exciting and I can't wait to get out there and do the task.

"There was a bit of nerves at the start but Steve Hansen and the other coaches and players have really helped me along the way to get me updated with everything."

Moala has impressed the All Blacks coaching staff in training and he said he was prepared for the physical test the Samoans will pose.

Hansen added: "He's adapted quickly and fitted in. He's comfortable on the ball and with the things we need him to do. It's going to be a big test and we need people to be comfortable."

Starting XV:

1. Tony Woodcock (110)
2. Keven Mealamu (123)
3. Owen Franks (57)
4. Luke Romano (17)
5. Samuel Whitelock (62)
6. Jerome Kaino (56)
7. Richie McCaw - captain (137)
8. Kieran Read (72)
9. Andy Ellis (26)
10. Daniel Carter (102)
11. Charles Piutau (14)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (23)
13. Ryan Crotty (13)
14. George Moala
15. Israel Dagg (46)
Reserves

16. Hikawera Elliot (3)
17. Wyatt Crockett (27)
18. Nepo Laulala
19. Brodie Retallick (36)
20. Matt Todd (2)
21. Brad Weber
22. Colin Slade (17)
23. Charlie Ngatai