Scotland v New Zealand: Dan Carter returns at 10 for All Blacks   14 Nov 2014

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World record points scorer Dan Carter starts his first game in a year for New Zealand against Scotland on Saturday.

He was a replacement against the United States two weeks ago but has not started since last November.

The 32-year-old is named at fly-half for the game at Murrayfield and is one of 13 personnel changes from the starting XV that beat England 24-21.

Captain Richie McCaw switches to blind-side flanker and Ben Smith moves to full-back from the wing.

Carter returns having fully recovered from a broken leg.

Hooker James Parsons makes his Test debut and there are also starts for the likes of Colin Slade - normally a fly-half but chosen on the wing against Scotland - centre Malaki Fekitoa, prop Joe Moody and second-row forward Dominic Bird.

Shoulder injuries have sidelined locks Brodie Retallick and Patrick Tuipulotu ahead of the match against a team buoyed by their own win over Argentina.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said: "We have had a good week's preparation so far, there is a spring in the step of the team and real excitement looking forward to the Scottish Test.

"We have a lot of respect for the Scots and, like all northern hemisphere teams, know that they will bring a lot of physicality to the park.

"However, we also expect them to want to move the ball, particularly from any turnovers or free-kicks.

"That style certainly suited them last week and makes them, we believe, even more dangerous.

"Though we have made changes to our team, there is an expectation that those who fill the jersey will deliver quality performances."

New Zealand team: Ben Smith; Colin Slade, Malakai Fekitoa, Ryan Crotty, Charles Piutau; Daniel Carter, TJ Perenara; Joe Moody, James Parsons, Charlie Faumuina, Jeremy Thrush, Dominic Bird, Richie McCaw (capt), Sam Cane, Victor Vito.

Replacements: Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Luke Romano, Liam Messam, Augustine Pulu, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea.

Source BBC

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