All Blacks coach Ian Foster has been forced into making two late changes for the Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia.
Reserve prop Nepo Laulala was a gameday withdrawal due to personal reasons, joining star fullback Beauden Barrett in missing the match.
The Blues playmaker is out with an achilles injury, with Damian McKenzie coming from the clouds to start in his place.
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“Beaudie’s achilles flared up a little bit at training yesterday afternoon,” Foster said on Saturday at a light training session.
“It settled down overnight and is not too bad, he’s kicking out there now but we just made a decision for the first Test to pull him out early.”
Foster’s decision to draft in McKenzie is a surprising one, given the 25-year-old wasn’t in the 23-man squad for Sunday’s Test at Wellington’s Sky Stadium.
On Friday, the All Blacks boss admitted Jordie Barrett, who will start on the wing, was “probably the form 15 in the country”.
However, the first-time New Zealand coach has opted for the Chiefs man as “he’s a quality 15 and ready to go”.
“It means less disruptions to the rest of the squad and all of the other positions stay the same,” Foster said.
Captain Sam Cane said the decision was borderline.
“He probably could have played at a push but there’s a fair bit of rugby ahead,” he said.
“It’s disappointing for Beaudie obviously … but he knows it’s the smart decision.”
Despite the drama, the All Blacks will start healthy favourites against the Wallabies, who are without a win over New Zealand on Kiwi soil for 19 years.
Cane, who will lead the All Blacks for the first time as appointed skipper, said they weren’t banking a win.
“It’s going to be a heck of a Test match. These ones always are. It’ll be physical. It’ll be fast. It’ll test us all physically and mentally,” he said.
“And that’s what we want.”
Double Agent
Guest
I'd say Foster is regretting the DMac idea. Don't think he's had a great season at all.
Tom
Guest
That's why Rennie is in the top three former or dedicated NZ coaches. Not sure if fosters in top ten hence two year contract not four. Don't think we will break the 28 year Bledisloe record with Rennie we might of.
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
McKenzie is a wonderful player but like others I too am a little surprised Jordy Barrett has not been shifted to 15. But Foster is also doing some experimenting I think and wants to see how Jordy does at 14 for when his brother returns at 15. I can accept that but wouldn’t be surprised at some point a winger will come in for McKenzie and Jordy will move to 15. Besides the debutant players for both teams but especially for the Wallabies this match also has us all excited because 1)none of us have seen international rugby since the pandemic first struck and 2)both teams are with a new coach and new styles of play. Hopefully makes for a fascinating game.
Miz its all about the wingers jumping and catching ability by the looks of it. And I think its as much about attack as it is defence as I see the kickers giving the Wallaby wingers and FB some testing kicks....
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
We have no idea how Foster told them to position on the field. He could have one attacking and a different defending. I’m not saying this is a good idea, but we have to wonder.
Broken Shoulder
Roar Rookie
My thoughts too. And then you’d have Clarke/Reece/Jordan for wing or bench options
Double Agent
Guest
Jordie was close to being best player in the comp. I'm very surprised he wasn't shifted to 15.
Aiden
Guest
We need to steal Papynhouzen from the NRL. He reminds me a lot of MacKenzie
Ben
Guest
Yea. I wouldve promoted Clarke to start and Jordie to the back with Mckenzie on the bench. They seem absorbed with this 2 playmaker thing. Im not sold on it yet.
Harry Jones
Expert
Agree
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Wish we had McKenzie !
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Personally would have moved Jordie to fullback. Especially with the weather conditions, his catching skills and sheer size make him a safer/more dangerous prospect.
Ben
Guest
Laulala out, Lomax in. I dont mind that. I think both scrum really well however i think Lomax carries better and more often.