With the Bledisloe Cup safe for another year, All Blacks coach Ian Foster has made a number of changes for the final game of the series, bringing in four debutants to the side.
Akira Ioane will earn his first cap in the run-on side at blindside flanker, while fellow Test rookies Asafo Aumua, Cullen Grace and Will Jordan will all come off the bench.
“We’ve been really impressed with Akira. He’s keen, he’s ready and to have his first Test start is pretty special. I know Asafo is also excited for his first Test and he’ll bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm when he comes off the bench,” Foster said.
“Cullen Grace is a young man who has also been very impressive. He’s got a nice, quiet demeanour about him, but we know he’s excited. Will Jordan has also been working really hard; he’s settled in really, really well and he’s got a calmness about him. He’s been doing a great job behind the scenes and we’re delighted he’s got his opportunity.”
The changes haven’t stopped there though, with Richie Mo’unga out of the side and Beauden and Jordie Barrett switching to flyhalf and fullback respectively. Sevu Reece takes Jordie’s vacant wing spot, and Reiko Ioane will start out wide in the no.11 jersey in place of Caleb Clarke.
Anton Lienert-Brown is the only back who will start in the same place as in Bledisloe 3, with both Ngani Laumpe and TJ Perenara given starts at inside centre and scrumhalf respectively.
The reserve backs are also completely different to those used last weekend, with Damian McKenzie and Brad Weber joining Jordan on the pine.
In the forwards, The starting front row has just the one change, with Dane Coles dropping out of the matchday squad and Codie Taylor starting in his place, and Scott Barrett has been promoted to the second-row for Patrick Tuipulotu, who moves back to the bench.
Ardie Savea returns to the side at number eight after missing Game 3 while on paternity leave, forcing Hoskins Sotutu out of the side.
“We’ve been really delighted with the whole squad, so we feel that there are some players who are really putting their hand up and deserve an opportunity,” Foster said.
“Secondly, it’s been a big three-week Test series to date against Australia; it’ll be another massive Test, so we’ve brought in some freshness and new energy into the group. Players are jumping out of their skins to get onto the park.”
Related
All Blacks team for Bledisloe 4
1. Karl Tu’inukuafe
2. Codie Taylor
3. Ofa Tuungafasi
4. Scott Barrett
5. Samuel Whitelock
6. Akira Ioane
7. Sam Cane (c)
8. Ardie Savea
9. TJ Perenara
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Rieko Ioane
12. Ngani Laumape
13. Anton Lienert-Brown
14. Sevu Reece
15. Jordie Barrett
Bench
16. Asafo Aumua
17. Alex Hodgman
18. Tyrel Lomax
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Cullen Grace
21. Brad Weber
22. Damian McKenzie
23. Will Jordan
nroko
Roar Rookie
Good performance from the Wallabies. I did say they play well in Brisbane and dead rubbers. ABs played like they had been drinking from the Bledisloe Cup all week.
Phantom
Roar Rookie
So what do you think now.
Oblonsky’s Other Pun
Guest
I’d say the All Blacks have an embarrassment of riches in the outside backs. Personally I think Jordie may eventually find himself on the bench unless BB moves back to 10. I don’t think he’s a natural winger and believe he may be usurped on the wing by Jordan and/or Ioane. Especially when you consider that if David Havili ever has an extended run without injuries he would make a really pressing case to be backup fullback behind BB.
Diesel 2.0
Roar Rookie
I agree Ob's. Its looking pretty bleak for DMac. He will have to reinvent himself or risk being left behind. What you do with Jordan is such a hard one to figure out. I agree, he will start on the wing and move from there to the back but then what happens to Jordie? What are your thoughts on where you put him?
Oblonsky’s Other Pun
Guest
Tough for DMac to get a gig at 10 too given Mounga, Barrett and Ioane are all available and superb. I think Jordan will likely start on the wing before eventually shifting to fullback. He’s such a gifted player that I’m sure Foster would love him to be able to start with Barrett and Mounga if possible.
Diesel 2.0
Roar Rookie
“If you ONLY consider Jordan as a specialist FB…” I missed an imperative word in the structure of my comment which led the narrative down the wrong path. Soz. Great comments btw. I hope Reiko gets a run at 13 and Jordan is outside him. They would be lethal together as is he and Clarke. Reiko needs more time at 13 to give him the experience he needs but also to build further depth in that position. DMac has lost a lot starting at Super level this year. I don’t see him in the 23 WC squad unless he shifts to 10?
Diesel 2.0
Roar Rookie
The battle of the boofheads and what a match up then it will be. I say Lachie gets the handbags out first
moaman
Roar Guru
Especially when it comes to music.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Everything old is new again...
Gun Dog
Roar Rookie
This is still a very strong AB team. It should beat the Wallabies convincingly . The AB depth is phenomenal..the Wallabies on the other hand are in dire straights. Selecting Hodge at 10 confirms that the cupboard is well and truly bare..Rennie has gone into damage control mode..These selections are an attempt to minimise a blow out on the score board..????✌
Jokerman
Roar Guru
I do like this lineup. It changes but evolves maybe like a second wave. How big, we’ll see. Gotta’ show some courage and expand and find out. Refresh too. I really do think World Rugby should add a 5 metre rule for the backs. The rush defence really shuts the backs down and it simply doesn’t go wide as often. World Rugby maybe slow on this as the AB’s have the best backs.
Jokerman
Roar Guru
Should have taken the drop goal after hitting the post. Two phases in - sharp and quick. At least attempt it. In front of the post - 75%+ Chance. First win on NZ soil in 19 years. Take the good odds bro!!
Gun Dog
Roar Rookie
Yes..I want the pack to be a lot more physical..not just in carrying the ball but in defence..Plumtree was quoted in an article that I read recently as saying that the new strategy they wanted to implement was to create space by moving bodies at the break down .not just by moving the ball..we need big mongrel physical grunters at 6 and 8..we have a few who are also skillful and carry well. I want to see them get more game time..
Die hard
Roar Rookie
TJ and BBBBB have had plenty of seasons making hay for the Cane's Faith, so I think they know each others games well enough. Actually the 8,9,10,15 spine are all Cane's so there is good continuity especially with Laumape on Baretts shoulder. I am looking forward to how the new boys go in amongst all that.
Die hard
Roar Rookie
No need to rush Will Jordan into the run on team. Plenty of time......
Die hard
Roar Rookie
I absolutely agree with you Gun Dog. I very much appreciate what Savannah's brings but I consider that he is NOT a No. 8 even though many more knowledgeable than I think he is. I think that he is the perfect bench man able to cover any of the loose forwards and that his busy bustling, leg drive, and speed make him an optional weapon in the closing stages. I don't like him in the run on team at all. I also am interested in seeing what Akira can bring!
TJ is only having a sabatical tho...he will be available for the July tests and the RC I thought!
geez if Ioane ( R ) goes to 13 thats a large centre pairing....
CUW I dont agree. If he was concussed he would not pass a concussion test but he passed an HIA... So all good
I disagre with your assessment of TJ this year...I think he's been very good coming on at the end and certainly contributes well. His passing has not suddenly dropped from being very good and his physical presence is working for him.