The continual rotation of selection in the All Blacks Number 6 jersey continues, with Coach Ian Foster selecting Blues standout Dalton Papalii to complement Captain Sam Cane and Ardie Savea.
Selecting three specialists Openside-Flankers leaves the All Blacks with fewer lineout options and smaller bodies on defense but offers more mobility around the field with a nod to the All Blacks’ potential game plan this week.
Scott Barrett shifts to lock, after playing blindside-flanker last week. The Crusaders Captain replaces Sam Whitelock who is taking the week off after suffering delayed concussion symptoms. With additional lock squad members Tupou Vaa’i and Josh Lord unavailable, Patrick Tuipulotu has been recalled from his recent season in Japan, to provide lock cover from the bench.
The backline remains intact with Beauden Barrett and Quinn Tupaea rewarded for a solid partnership last week. While the back three of Leicester Fainga’anuku, Sevu Reece and Jordie Barrett will need to take their chances with a fit-again Will Jordan coming onto the bench.
Prop Aidan Ross and Highlanders Halfback Folau Fakatava are set to make their test debuts from the bench.
Ireland have also made limited changes with Coach Andy Farrell looking to level the series on Saturday. Captain Johnny Sexton has overcome concussion protocols to be fit in time to wear the 10 jersey.
Whilst the only other starting changes see Mack Hansen replace try scorer Kieth Earls on the Right-Wing with James Lowe and Hugo Keenan rounding out the back three.
Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw will look to continue their partnership in the midfield.
The starting forwards remain the same with Hooker Rob Herring and Tighthead prop Finlay Bealham have been selected on the bench.
Ireland will look for halfback Jamison Gibson-Park to bring more ruckspeed to this week’s game to bring back the style of play that saw Ireland dominate the All Blacks last November.
Leinster number 8 Jack Conan and Connachts Bundee Aki will again be asked to provide impact from the bench.
Ireland: Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Johnny Sexton (c), Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter. Reserves: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Kieran Treadwell, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Bundee Aki.
All Blacks team: Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (captain), Dalton Papalii, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Pita Gus Sowakula, Folau Fakatava, Richie Mo’unga, Will Jordan.
