Several of the changes are injury-forced with Beauden Barett and Ethan de Groot remaining in New Zealand, while Tyrel Lomax (thumb injury) and Caleb Clarke (ankle) will not play this Test. Lomax suffered a broken thumb in the first Bledisloe Cup match at Eden Park and after a scan yesterday, will return home to New Zealand this evening.
In the forwards Captain Scott Barrett returns to the side in the number four jersey, partnering Tupou Vaa’i in the second row. Peter Lakai is set for his first Test start, at No.8, after four previous appearances off the bench with Wallace Sititi moving into an impact role, while Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell come into the front row.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- Why Patrick Odongo Okong’o feels indebted
- List of rugby prospects from high school
- Colman Were keen to redefine Kenyan rugby’s physical edge
- Follow Scrummage Africa on Facebook
In the backs Damian McKenzie starts at first-five, Leicester Fainga’anuku will play his first Test since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and will start on the left wing, and Quinn Tupaea starts in the No.13 jersey for the first time. Will Jordan will make his 50th Test appearance in the All Blacks jersey as he runs out on Saturday.
Unavailable for selection: Tyrel Lomax (thumb), Caleb Clarke (ankle), Beauden Barrett (shoulder), Ethan de Groot (concussion), Ollie Norris (back), Emoni Narawa (rib fracture), Timoci Tavatavanawai (fractured radius).
In addition to the changes to the starting XV, there are six changes on the bench for the final round clash in the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship and second Bledisloe Cup Test.
All Blacks match-day 23
(Test caps in brackets)
1. Tamaiti Williams (22)
2. Codie Taylor (102)
3. Fletcher Newell (30)
4. Scott Barrett (85) (Captain)
5. Tupou Vaa’i (45)
6. Simon Parker (4)
7. Ardie Savea (102)
8. Peter Lakai (4)
9. Cam Roigard (13)
10. Damian McKenzie (69)
11. Leicester Fainga’anuku (7)
12. Jordie Barrett (76) (Vice-Captain)
13. Quinn Tupaea (20)
14. Leroy Carter (2)
15. Will Jordan (49)
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (38)
17.George Bower (23)
18. Pasilio Tosi (11)
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (55)
20. Wallace Sititi (14)
21. Cortez Ratima (17)
22. Rieko Ioane (86)
23. Ruben Love (3)
