All Blacks

Hansen was contracted through until the end of next year's British and Irish Lions tour.

Following the world cup win over Australia in November, Hansen indicated he was unlikely to continue through to 2019 but has had a change of heart.

RNZ reports the 22 year old, who made his All Blacks Test debut against Wales last month, said it had been an easy decision to re-commit until the end of 2018.

"I'm loving my rugby right now at all levels of the game and I'm excited about the future with both the Hurricanes and, if I'm good enough to be selected again, the All Blacks.

RNZI reports the hosts are seeking to wrap up the three-Test series with a game to spare, a win in Wellington tonight would achieve just that.

Read conceded the All Blacks were rusty in last week's win at Eden Park but he said tonight's effort should be a significant improvement.

RNZI reports Savea has been dropped for Saturday night's second test against Wales in Wellington, with Israel Dagg at fullback, Ben Smith on the right wing and Waisake Naholo the left.

Coach Steve Hansen said Savea was in top physical condition, but the selectors believed the blockbusting wing needed time to get his head right.

RNZI reports in 31 matches and 111 years the Welsh rugby team have won only three times - most recently in 1953.

They gave it a good effort in the first half last week at Eden Park, but still ended up getting thrashed 39-21.

RNZI reports Savea had an indifferent game in the first Test at Eden Park and was replaced just after half time.

Waisake Naholo moves from the right wing to the left wing, Ben Smith moves from fullback to the right wing and Israel Dagg gets his first Test since the Rugby Championship last year, starting at fullback.

Sam Whitelock returns from injury to start at lock with Luke Romano dropping out of the match day squad.

RNZI reports the All Blacks matchday 23 features an experienced core of senior players and new talent, with 720 caps in the squad and an average of 31 caps per player.

One other key feature of the squad is the naming of two new players, loose forward Ardie Savea and midfielder Seta Tamanivalu, who could make their All Blacks Test debuts off the bench.

Hansen said: "Whilst the opposition might believe that we're vulnerable because it's our first Test and we have lost some experienced players, we don't have that mindset."

The French scored three tries in the first five minutes and a upset looked on the cards until the All Black Sevens fought back.

RNZI reports captain Tim Mikkelson scored just before half time and he and Kurt Baker touched down in the second half for the New Zealanders to sneak hom.

The game's governing body said it had concluded its investigation into the alleged breach of Law 3 by the NZ sevens team during last weekend's Pool A game.

While Law 3.2 provides for a penalty kick to be awarded when a team fields more than the maximum number of players, the referee was not aware of the additional Kiwi player on the field before the end of the match, according to the statement.

The 30-year-old has been playing in japan for the Canon Eagles and Kubota Spears since helping New Zealand win the 2011 World Cup at home.

The backline utility ended his roller-coaster international career after that tournament, having played 35 tests since breaking into the All Blacks as a 19-year-old in 2005.