The All Blacks just cannot get out of their current injury crisis - just as Kieran Read looks set to return to the side following his time out with concussion, another veteran AB is out for 6 weeks.
Conrad Smith's broken thumb is a bit of a blow for the ABs - a big one for the Hurricanes with his season effectively over. However, it does open up opportunities for the likes of Malakai Fekitoa and Ryan Crotty.
While Fekitoa has been the flavour of 2014 so far, one cannot write off Ryan Crotty given his experience and his quality. The Crusaders vice captain has had a superb Super Rugby season and does deserve some game time - he is probably the sort of midfielder who would be more suitable to take on the English's more physical backs who love to play down the tight inside channels.
My tip for the side -
1.Tony Woodcock
2.Dane Coles
3.Owen Franks
4.Sam Whitelock
5.Brodie Retallick
6.Jerome Kaino
7.Richie McCaw
8.Kieran Read
9.Aaron Smith
10.Beauden Barrett
11.Julian Savea
12.Ma'a Nonu
13.Malakai Fekitoa
14.Cory Jane
15.Ben Smith
16.Keven Mealamu
17.Wyatt Crockett
18.Ben Franks
19.Liam Messam
20.Victor Vito
21.TJ Perenara
22.Aaron Cruden
23.Ryan Crotty
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