All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall during the All Blacks team training session held at the Trusts Stadium, Henderson, on Thursday. Picture / Brett Phibbs
All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall during the All Blacks team training session held at the Trusts Stadium, Henderson, on Thursday. Picture / Brett Phibbs
Justin Marshall is in the All Blacks starting line-up to face the Lions in Christchurch on Saturday.
Halfback Marshall was on the bench for the All Blacks last match against Fiji, while Byron Kelleher started the game.
The starting side for the first test has five changes from the team againstFiji.
Prop Carl Hayman and fullback Leon MacDonald join the team from the New Zealand Maori squad while hooker Keven Mealamu, lock Chris Jack and Marshall assume starting spots after being on the bench against the Fijians.
MacDonald's return to the All Blacks comes after an absence of nearly two years – his last appearance was in the 2003World Cup – and a Super 12 season that coach Graham Henry described as "extraordinary".
"Leon's play for the New Zealand Maori was exceptional as well," said Henry. "His form is such that he's forced his way into the line-up ahead of Mils Muliaina who was the player of the tour at the end of last year."
Henry said several other All Blacks were also playing very well, but were unable to make the starting side.
He said: "There are number of players who have been pretty unlucky really; Conrad Smith, Rico Gear, Byron Kelleher, Jono Gibbes and Greg Somerville, for example. They are playing good football, but we can only start fifteen."
Hooker Anton Oliver and flanker Mose Tuali'i were not considered for selection due to injury.
Henry said the All Blacks will face a formidable Lions side on Saturday. He said: "As far as personnel are concerned, this is one of the strongest sides the All Blacks could play."
Team: Leon MacDonald - fullback Doug Howlett - wing Tana Umaga (captain) - midfield Aaron Mauger - midfield Sitiveni Sivivatu - wing Daniel Carter - first five-eighths Justin Marshall - halfback Rodney So'oialo - No 8 Richie McCaw - Flanker Jerry Collins - Flanker Ali Williams - Lock Chris Jack - Lock Carl Hayman - Prop Keven Mealamu - Hooker Tony Woodcock - Prop
