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Steve Devine © Getty Images
Steve Devine in action

Mitchell makes Devine change

18/11/2003

 

All Blacks coach John Mitchell has made just one change to the starting XV of his beaten semi final team as his side prepares for redemption against France.

The Australian born Devine comes into the side for the third/fourth place play off match in place of Justin Marshall, unavailable with a rib injury.

The Auckland scrum half’s only other involvement in the Tournament was as a starter against Canada and a late replacement  in the quarter final against South Africa.

The only other change occurs on the bench with Carl Hoeft coming into the reserves for Kees Meeuws, who has injured his calf muscle.

Mitchell’s selection reveals a fierce determination to end the Tournament on a high and improve New Zealand's record in the third/fourth place play off fixture. In 1991 they defeated Scotland 13-6, while in 1999 they were defeated 22-18 by South Africa.

The side for the 20.00 kick off on Thursday at Sydney’s Telstra Stadium is:

Muliaina, Howlett, MacDonald, Mauger, Rokocoko, Spencer, Devine, Collins, McCaw, Thorne (c), Williams, Jack, Somerville, Mealamu, Hewett.

Replacements: Hammett, Hoeft, Thorn, Holah, Kelleher, Carter, Ralph.

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France make 13 changesFrance make 13 changes


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New Zealand R.F.U.
Fédération Française De Rugby

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