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Ardie Savea named at 6 as All Blacks keep Barrett-Mo'unga combo for Bledisloe Cup

8th August, 2019
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8th August, 2019
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Ardie Savea will play this week’s Bledisloe Cup opener wearing the number 6 jersey in a surprise selection move from the All Blacks.

Savea was expected to play at number 8 with Kieran Read moving to flanker, but the skipper has kept his place at the back of the scrum. The back row is filled out by Sam Cane.

Scott Barrett has proven his fitness and comes into the side as a straight swap for the injured Brodie Retallick at lock, while Steve Hansen has decided to persevere with the combination of Richie Mo’unga at flyhalf and Beauden Barrett fullback.

The two natural first-fives started together in New Zealand’s 16-all draw with South Africa a couple of weeks ago, and while they didn’t quite click, there were promising signs from the duo.

Their selection means Ben Smith remains out on the wing opposite Rieko Ioane, while Anton Lienert-Brown has been named at inside centre in Sonny Bill Williams’ absence, with Jack Goodhue on his outside.

Lienert-Brown had a strong Super Rugby season for the Chiefs, and a similarly impressive performance against the Wallabies will go some way towards earning a spot in New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup squad.

There has been one more change to the backline, with Aaron Smith replacing TJ Perenara as the run-on halfback.

Dane Coles will start at hooker with Owen Franks and Joe Moody completing the front row, while Sam Whitelock will partner Scott Barrett in the second row.

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A win for the All Blacks in Perth on Saturday night will keep the Bledisloe Cup in New Zealand for another year, but with the Springboks currently a point ahead on the Rugby Championship ladder, Hansen’s men will likely need the Pumas to get a result in Salta to retain that trophy.

All Blacks team for Bledisloe 1 (15-1)
Beauden Barrett, Ben Smith, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Kieran Read (c), Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Joe Moody.

Bench: Codie Taylor, Atu Moli, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Ngani Laumape, George Bridge

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