Ian Foster and his fellow selectors have reacted to the All Blacks’ 16-all draw in the Bledisloe Cup opener by making a number of changes to the side for Game 2 this weekend at Eden Park.
With George Bridge ruled out for six months due to a chest injury sustained at training yesterday, Caleb Clarke has been promoted to the starting XV after a strong debut outing from the bench in Wellington.
Beauden Barrett has been named at fullback after missing Game 1 with a tight achilles tendon. The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year’s return has pushed Damian McKenzie onto the bench after he filled in at fullback last week. Jordie Barrett remains on the wing.
Reiko Ioane has been moved from his starting midfield role last Sunday to a bench role this week after an outing to forget in Wellington in which he lost the ball while attempting to ground it for a try, and came up with a poor defensive read in the lead-up to Australia’s first try. Anton Lienert-Brown comes into outside centre, with Jack Goodhue staying at second-five.
Bridge isn’t the only injury omission for the All Blacks. Veteran lock Sam Whitelock has been ruled out of the match due to concussion, replaced by Tupou Vaa’i in the starting side with Scott Barrett making his return to rugby on the bench. Barrett missed all of the Crusaders’ successful Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign with a plantar fascia injury but was cleared to play by medical staff earlier this week.
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Vaa’i only made his Test debut from the bench last week, but coach Foster was confident in the youngster’s ability to step into the run-on XV.
“It’s a great opportunity for Tupou,” Foster said.
“We enjoyed seeing him come off the bench last weekend, he brought a lot of energy and he has settled in well.”
Prop Alex Hodgman has been named to make his debut on the bench in place of Karl Tu’inukuafe, while Tyrel Lomax, who was a late addition to the bench last week, has been replaced by Nepo Laulala. Hookers Dane Coles and Codie Taylor have swapped positions, with the former starting and the latter coming off the bench.
Speaking on last week’s outing in Bledisloe 1, Foster said the team were targeting significant improvements in their game for Eden Park.
“It was our first Test together last weekend and while there were some aspects of our game that we were pretty excited about, especially around our set piece, we didn’t get the performance that we wanted, so there has been plenty for us to work on. We need to be smarter with our ball and more focussed defensively.
“The Bledisloe series is back to square one and starts again this weekend, which is exciting. It’s the last Test at home for us so there will also be massive excitement amongst our fans. There is everything to play for and we can’t wait.”
All Blacks team for Bledisloe 2
1. Joe Moody
2. Dane Coles
3. Ofa Tuungafasi
4. Patrick Tuipulotu
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Shannon Frizell
7. Sam Cane (c)
8. Ardie Savea
9. Aaron Smith
10. Richie Mo’unga
11. Caleb Clarke
12. Jack Goodhue
13. Anton Lienert-Brown
14. Jordie Barrett
15. Beauden Barrett
Bench
16. Codie Taylor
17. Alex Hodgman
18. Nepo Laulala
19. Scott Barrett
20. Hoskins Sotutu
21. TJ Perenara
22. Rieko Ioane
23. Damian McKenzie
adam smith
Guest
Hey Pauli, well I guess that’s why I don’t gamble often...couldn’t have got my prediction more wrong????♂️...you can imagine how much trouble I’m in with the minister of finance????????????????
taylorman
Roar Guru
Hi PT, Yep haven’t followed sport a lot this year. Watching everyone struggle to get parity in any sport has been hard to watch when you cant really do a lot. Good to see tests being played again. Hopefully the old Eden park jinx on the Wallabies after a draw or win carries the day. Doesn’t help Henry throwing Fozzie on the fire but you never know with these guys, that may be the plan. Catch them off guard. Wily old bgga’s.
chucked
Guest
Paolo, yes massive penalty count..in favour of the All Blacks, as the Ref will catch the off the ball hits by Aussies, which last weeks Ref missed
Must be one of the 7 wins he has is it? And as we know winning does not mean its the best you could have done...He does not deserve to be the 10 in an ABs run on side.....7 from 11 is proof of that
How many has he lost? You know you are being silly when you talk about debutants as they have yet to prove or disprove that they can do the job and if they dont they will be gone. Mounga has had 11 starts to prove he can or cant do the job and he has only been part of the team to win on 7 of the 11 starts. In the 10 position that not real flash from an AB.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Nah, the ABs have influenced him enough and he is a home town ref, so this is a huge stitch up. Predicting a massive penalty count to favour the ABs.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
It will be interesting, some of his changes I like, some I think only go half way to fixing the problem. Let’s us know how the bet rolls out.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
Watch out... the SA contingent on here will be after you for that one. Hahahaha... that was an awesome comment though and I tip my hat to you.
Drs
Guest
Whitelock is still working hard in the dark places, I reckon he’s getting very little help from his blindside, his partners in the second row and props . Who apart from moody looked very unfit
Drs
Guest
He’s only 6,1
Sylvester
Guest
RM hasn't lost a test at Eden Park though, so we should be OK.
Sylvester
Guest
Caleb Clarke hasn't won a game in the black jersey, Jacko. How'd he get picked to start...?
Sylvester
Guest
I'm going to make a bold call and say the game won't be won and lost on the right wing.
sheek
Roar Guru
Pinetree/Jacko, That's the difference. Best Wallabies win ratio is high 70s. Best ABs win ratio is early 90s.
pm
Roar Rookie
I'm glad we have relatively strong bodied wingers in Daugunu and Korobetie. They can hopefully slow him just a little till help arrives. I'd be terried if we were playing Wright or Hodge against him. Surprised Jordie is still starting on a wing. Would have thought Beaudon and Mckenzie together made more sense.
pm
Roar Rookie
I reckon it's him who can step up and set the tone for the ABs both at line-out and all over the park. especially with Whitelock out. If I'm LSL I'm making sure I'm a handful for him. Hannigan appears to have been picked just to be an extra big body to stick in his way.
adam smith
Guest
Not usually pessimistic but I think the Wallaby hoodoo is about to be broken. It’s like Foster didn’t learn anything as an assistant, players out of position, rookies in important positions. So I’m putting my money where my mouth is, $300 on Wallabies at $5.30...
The Answer is simple, you don’t even need to ask Rassie, Barrett steps into a squad system with match fit players. Your sarcasm is noted though :thumbup:
Panana split
Roar Rookie
Danes lineout throws make every All Blacks lineout a lottery, very concerning indeed.
Faith
Roar Rookie
Clarke and BBB will run amok. But ABs will almost be foiled by a card or two when they take their physicality a step too far ... but still win by a try if not two ...