Whitelock named for record-equalling 148th All Blacks test

ST ETIENNE, France - Sam Whitelock will match Richie McCaw's record as the most-capped New Zealander when he plays his 148th test on Friday after being named in a much-changed All Blacks team for the World Cup clash against Namibia.

The 34-year-old, a World Cup-winner in 2011 and 2015, will line up with longtime second-row partner Brodie Retallick, who made an earlier return than expected from a knee injury off the bench in the tournament opener.

Only the recently-retired Alun Wyn Jones, who won 158 caps for Wales and 12 for the British & Irish Lions at lock, has played more tests than Whitelock and his former All Blacks captain McCaw.

New Zealand coach Ian Foster made a string of changes to his team from last week's tournament opener as the All Blacks look to get back to winning ways after successive defeats by South Africa and France.

Ardie Savea skippers the side in the absence of Sam Cane, who withdrew just before the opening loss to the hosts with back spasms and is being managed back to fitness.

New Zealand thrashed Namibia 71-9 at the last World Cup and nothing less than another big win in Toulouse on Friday will settle the nerves of the notoriously skittish All Blacks fans.

New Zealand team: 15-Beauden Barrett, 14-Caleb Clarke, 13-Anton Lienert-Brown, 12-David Havili, 11-Leicester Fainga'anuku, 10-Damian McKenzie, 9-Cam Roigard, 8-Ardie Savea (captain), 7-Dalton Papali'i, 6-Luke Jacobson, 5-Sam Whitelock, 4-Brodie Retallick, 3-Nepo Laulala, 2-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 1-Ofa Tu’ungafasi

Replacements: 16-Dane Coles, 17-Ethan de Groot, 18-Fletcher Newell, 19-Scott Barrett, 20-Tupou Vaa'i, 21-Aaron Smith, 22-Richie Mo'unga, 23-Rieko Ioane REUTERS