New Zealand v Ireland, Christchurch, June 16
All Blacks tweak line-up for Ireland clash
ESPN Staff
June 13, 2012
New Zealand's Adam Thomson on the charge, New Zealand v Japan, Rugby World Cup 2011, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand, September 16, 2011
Adam Thomson returns to the All Blacks' starting line-up in the only change to the side that swept Ireland aside last weekend © PA Photos
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New Zealand have made one change to their line-up for Saturday's second Test against Ireland in Christchurch.

Highlanders flanker Adam Thomson steps into the void at blindside left by an injury to Victor Vito with uncapped Chiefs loose forward Sam Cane drafted onto the bench.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said, despite last week's 42-10 first Test win over the Irish in Auckland, there had still been a lot for his side to work on this week.

"Once again, for us it's about our preparation, getting clarity early in the week and building in intensity so we can have a performance we can all be proud of on Saturday," he said. "We (the coaches) are expecting further improvements in our game due to the extra training and preparation time we have had together, along with having a game under our belt.

"We are also expecting Ireland to improve, as they are a nation with a 'never-say-die' attitude so what we did last time won't be good enough."

Commenting on the All Blacks return to Christchurch, Hansen said: "It's great that Test footy has returned to Christchurch and the players are looking forward to playing in front of a sell-out crowd.

"The team, especially those of us from Christchurch, know that people have still been doing it tough so hopefully we can give them a performance on Saturday that puts a smile on their faces."

New Zealand: Israel Dagg; Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea; Daniel Carter, Aaron Smith; Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Samuel Whitelock, Adam Thomson, Richie McCaw (capt), Kieran Read

Replacements: Hikawera Elliot, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Sam Cane, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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