Rugby World Cup: New Zealand vs South Africa - Wyatt Crockett ruled out as Joe Moody starts in only change for All Blacks

Crockett suffered a groin injury in the quarter-final victory over France with Ben Franks added to the replacements

Andrew Baldock
Thursday 22 October 2015 14:01 BST
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New Zealand prop Joe Moody replaces Wyatt Crockett
New Zealand prop Joe Moody replaces Wyatt Crockett (Getty Images)

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New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has made one enforced change for Saturday's World Cup semi-final against South Africa at Twickenham.

As expected, prop Wyatt Crockett misses out due to a groin injury suffered during last weekend's quarter-final victory over France.

Joe Moody replaces Crockett, with Ben Franks moving on to the bench.

Hansen said: "We have had a great preparation so far this week.

"We have put a full stop on last weekend's performance and have been slowly building throughout the week to produce another game we can all be proud of.

"Though we have many times over the years, we have only played three times at the Rugby World Cup and these cup finals matches are totally different. They have a 'live-or-die' nature to them and both teams will be desperate to advance.

"As a group we are really looking forward to this challenge. It will require a massive amount of intensity and composure and accurate skill execution.

"The team has high expectation of itself and enjoys the big occasion."

New Zealand team to play South Africa in World Cup semi-final at Twickenham on Saturday:

B Smith; N Milner-Skudder, C Smith, M Nonu, J Savea; D Carter, A Smith; J Moody, D Coles, O Franks, B Retallick, S Whitelock, J Kaino, R McCaw (capt), K Read.

Replacements: K Mealamu, B Franks, C Faumuina, V Vito, S Crane, T Kerr-Barlow, B Barrett, S B Williams.

PA

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