IRB Rugby World Cup
Nehe Milner-Skudder passed fit to take place in unchanged All Blacks side
Tom Hamilton
October 29, 2015
World Cup final: The All Blacks desperately want two in a row

New Zealand have named an unchanged side for the Rugby World Cup final against Australia on Saturday.

Joe Moody keeps his place at loose-head while Nehe Milner-Skudder is passed fit after picking up a knock in their semi-final win over the Springboks. The matchday 23 boasts 1,339 caps of experience. 

"We came here as contenders for the Cup, just like everyone else," Steve Hansen said.

"In our minds, we have never been defenders. We knew we would have to earn the right to progress through the tournament so being in the final is very satisfying in its own right, as it's the first Rugby World Cup final an All Blacks team has made in the UK.

Legends predict nailbiting World Cup final
%]

"But the ultimate goal has always been to win it, so we are exactly where we need to be to try and achieve that.

"Both teams have arrived at the final by different pathways. We've had the luxury of building game by game throughout the whole tournament, whilst Australia have had to be at their best right from day one. Mental fortitude and physical endurance, together with skill execution and sheer desire, will be the key ingredients come Saturday."

New Zealand team to play Australia:

Ben Smith, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith; Joe Moody, Dane Coles, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read

Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices