Franks to join 100 club as All Blacks make two enforced changes

Owen Franks is set to earn his 100th cap on Saturday when New Zealand face Australia in the second round of the Rugby Championship.

The prop will become the ninth All Black to reach the milestone, a week after lock Sam Whitelock brought up a century of appearances in last Saturday’s 38-13 victory over the Wallabies in the Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney.

Franks is part of an unchanged front eight from that game, although head coach Steve Hansen has been forced into two alterations in the backline for the clash at Eden Park.

Winger Rieko Ioane (hamstring) misses out, meaning Waisako Naholo switches flanks to the left. His place on the right is taken by Ben Smith, who played at full-back last week, allowing Jordie Barrett to come into the side at 15.

In the centres, Ryan Crotty’s concussion means Ngani Laumape is given a chance.

 TEAM NAMING | Here is your #AllBlacks 23 for the second #BledisoeCup Test against Australia with Owen Franks confirmed to play his 100th Test.

FULL STORY: https://t.co/cRjbfV1U2F#NZLvAUS pic.twitter.com/2EBT1Wf3KN

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 22, 2018

“Whilst last week was a special occasion for Sammy Whitelock, this week it’s Owie’s turn to join that special club,” said Hansen of Franks, who made his debut against Italy in 2009.

“He has started 90 of his 99 Tests to date, which is an incredible achievement for a tighthead prop, one of the most physically demanding positions on the footy field.

“His professionalism and dedication to improvement has been an inspiration to other All Blacks for quite some time now. We congratulate him and his family on such a wonderful achievement.”

New Zealand XV to face Australia: Jordie Barrett, Ben Smith, Jack Goodhue, Ngani Laumape, Waisake Naholo, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Liam Squire, Sam Cane, Kieran Read (captain).

Replacements: Nathan Harris, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown.

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