All Blacks have made three changes for the Bledisloe Cup match against the Wallabies at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne on Thursday night.
Hoskin Sotutu will be the eighth man of the day on the All blacks’ side after Ardie Savea opted out of the squad due to family commitments. This will be Sotutu’s first appearance for the All-blacks since he started at No 8 against Italy in Rome on November last year.
Scott Barret will be on the outside flanks alongside Captain Sam Cane. Barret will be a replacement of Shannon Frizell who injured his ribs during their match against Argentina.
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Samisoni Taukei’aho will be tasked with the hooking duties in place of Dan Coles who was dropped to the bench. Ethan De Groot and Tyrell Lomax will be tight head and loose head props respectively.
Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock will be in the second row.
Aaron Smith will pair up with Richie Mo’unga as half back and fly half respectively. David Havili will play as the inner centre while Rieko Ioane will be at the outer side.
Caleb Clarke will occupy the left wing while Will Jordan will be operating in the right wing. The fullback duties will be covered by Jordie Barrett.
All Blacks: 1. Ethan De Groot 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho 3. Tyrell Lomax 4. Sam Whitelock 5. Brodie Retallick 6. Scott Barret 7. Sam Cane 8.Hoskin Sotutu 9.Aaron Smith 10. Richie Mo’unga 11.Caleb Clarke 12. David Havili 13. Rieko Ioane 14. Will Jordan 15. Jordie Barret
Replacement: 16. Dan Coles 17. George Bower 18. Fletcher Newell 19. Akira Ioane 20. Dalton Papali’i 21. Finlay Christie 22. Beauden Barret 23. Quinn Tupaea
