The All Blacks have named their team to play the Wallabies in the first Bledisloe Cup match on Saturday, with in-form playmaker Beauden Barrett given the nod to lead the team at fly-half.
As is always the case with New Zealand, it’s a strong side.
Kieran Read captains the side from number 8, and he will be joined in the back row by the experienced Sam Cane and Jerome Kaino. There was no room in the starting team for Ardie Savea, or his brother for Julian for that matter. Both Saveas will be on the bench.
The only place Australia might think they have a distinct advantage is in the front row, with the All Blacks naming veteran props Wyatt Crockett and Owen Franks to partner the relatively inexperienced Nathan Harris.
But from Aaron Smith onwards it looks to be all class from the All Blacks backs.
Barrett will lead them around with Ryan Crotty at inside centre, partnering Malakai Fekitoa, who has been a little inconsistent of late.
Ben Smith and Waisake Naholo make a tremendous wing pairing, with the prodigious boot of Israel Dagg occupying the fullback spot.
Aaron Cruden will wait for his turn on the bench, along with Codie Taylor in the absence of Dane Coles, who misses this game due to injury.
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Nathan Harris
3. Owen Franks
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Samuel Whitelock
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Sam Cane
8. Kieran Read – captain
9. Aaron Smith
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Waisake Naholo
12. Ryan Crotty
13. Malakai Fekitoa
14. Ben Smith
15. Israel Dagg
Replacements:
16. Codie Taylor
17. Kane Hames
18. Charlie Faumuina
19. Liam Squire
20. Ardie Savea
21. TJ Perenara
22. Aaron Cruden
23. Julian Savea
What do you think of this team Roarers? Are they going to walk away with Game 1?
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