The All Blacks have named a powerful squad to take on the Wallabies at the MCG on Saturday night.
Ardie Savea will lead the side for the fifth time in his career, featuring in a loose forward trio which has undergone one change. Regular skipper Sam Cane has been withdrawn due to a neck strain sustained in the win over South Africa in Auckland.
His absence means Dalton Papali’i will wear the No.7 jersey for the 14th time in his Test career, with Luke Jacobson coming into the match-day 23 as loose forward cover. Ian Foster said Cane’s injury was not serious and he would be expected to play in Bledisloe II.
(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
While the rest of the run-on side remains unchanged, further additions have been made to the reserves.
Experienced campaigners Anton Lienert-Brown and Samuel Whitelock are set to make their first appearances of the season. Ofa Tu’ungafasi returns after playing the opening Test against Argentina and Cam Roigard is in line to make his Test debut as halfback cover.
“This is a special Rugby Championship Test, which doubles as the opening Bledisloe Cup clash of the year,” said Foster. “This trophy means so much to both countries and we expect a massive challenge on Saturday.”
The Wallabies made seven changes in their team for the game.
This weekend will mark the first All Blacks Test at the MCG since 2007. With over 80,000 fans expected, it is tipped to be the biggest Bledisloe Cup crowd since 2009 when 80,228 turned out to watch at Homebush.
“As the final Rugby Championship Test, there is much at stake in this game,” added Foster. “We have learned a lot from two stern Tests so far this year and there is huge excitement about playing Australia at this iconic ground.”
Much of the attention in New Zealand focussed on the locks combination of Brodie Retallick and Scott Barrett with Sam Whitelock bench bound.
”He’s been out a while, and it’s a chance for him to come back via the bench,” said Foster of Whitelock’s role. “We felt we got some nice combinations going in the last test (the 35-20 victory over the Boks), and it’s a chance to keep growing that. Sam’s introduction via the bench is a different role for him, but it’s great to have his experience to inject at some point.”
He said Retallick are Barrett “are two quality locks”. “They do their core roles well. If you look back to their last Test, they dealt with a big, physical South African pack around the park, with their carry/clean a pretty high standard. Their challenge is to keep doing that,” he said.
Foster was asked if the impact role was part of Whitelock’s repertoire. He replied: “It’s his repertoire for this week. That’s as far as we’re looking. I know everyone is intrigued with the locks, and it’s a great situation to be in. We’ve had Josh Lord play really well against Argentina, Tupou [Vaa’i] came off the bench effectively twice and now we’ve got Sam coming back.
“There’s no doubt about his class and experience. He’s been used to starting, so this is a different challenge. We’ll assess that and see how we go, but there’s plenty of rugby ahead.”
All Blacks team
1. Ethan de Groot (15)
2. Codie Taylor (78)
3. Tyrel Lomax (25)
4. Brodie Retallick (101)
5. Scott Barrett (60)
6. Shannon Frizell (27)
7. Dalton Papali’i (24)
8. Ardie Savea (72 – captain)
9. Aaron Smith (116)
10. Richie Mo’unga (46)
11. Mark Telea (3)
12. Jordie Barrett (50)
13. Rieko Ioane (61)
14. Will Jordan (22)
15. Beauden Barrett (114)
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (22)
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (51)
18. Nepo Laulala (47)
19. Samuel Whitelock (143)
20. Luke Jacobson (12)
21. Cam Roigard *
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (60)
23. Caleb Clarke (17)
moaman
Roar Guru
:thumbup:
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
Tell you what Rongo....if DP doesn't play as Cane #2 then tbh, we are literally f*#ked. Why?? because it disrupts the synergy with No6 & No8 who now, have to play more defensively rather than, offensively. IMO, he needs to definitely, step up.
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
Are you suggesting a stop-start game Westy??? Who's the ref???
Tim
Roar Rookie
I'd like to see Asafo Aumua get a run, he causes havoc whenever he plays for the canes. Had had a great year in my opinion
Nick
Roar Rookie
JM my wife had to tell me to shut up I was jumping up & down so much in that game :laughing:
Jokerman
Roar Guru
Yeah Nic wicked bench! Upload it, surprise them with the timing . Foster just needs a better feel on it. I remember Hansen throwing SBW in at the ‘15 RWC final around the 45 minute mark taking Conrad Smith off - ha what?! It was a risk and a surprise and it worked real fine. Get the core bench right first …then the timing huh? So cool seeing the All Blacks returning! I was screaming and stunned - ha the old feeling in that first 20 against the Boks recently. Man! :stoked: :happy:
Dean
Roar Rookie
Sorry, I didn’t mean to panic anyone or have anybody injure their ribs from uncontrolled laughter with my initial error in my scoreline prediction???? Hopefully my Wallabies turn up and you fellas get more than a light, opposed, training run.
Nick
Roar Rookie
Exactly JM. Think of a bench of TE, Samisoni, LJ, Fletcher, the unlucky lock, DMac, Leicester & Roigard (if he's as advertised). That's some firepower to bring on!!!
Faith
Roar Rookie
Yes, bullet proof defence like reds and brumbies did against Chiefs.
Faith
Roar Rookie
The WBs on paper are very strong. Depends on how they go ...
Faith
Roar Rookie
DP starting at 7. Nepo and Ofa wtf. Shooter should play. So, should LF.
Faith
Roar Rookie
very good observation CUW ...
Faith
Roar Rookie
Ofa and Nepo are prop dinosaurs. I guess Ryan would know what he's doing but man.
Faith
Roar Rookie
But DP starting is a huge change - he really has to play Cane's role and not be a 2nd Ardie.
Faith
Roar Rookie
I hope so re: DP. That he's there to completely fulfill Sam's role. The right loosie combo is very key. If he swans we are done for.
CUW
Roar Rookie
if SS was to play - he shud have played against the argies now he will be edgy and will try to do mtoo much to prove a point - and lose the focus. it seems the coaches are moving mountains to get CC in form - coz he isnt doing shyt atm!! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
CUW
Roar Rookie
given how Ardie plays 8 - they shud have gone with someone like Kirifi or Crusaders Christie - a proper fetching 7 who play tight!! maybe even train Jacobson or Blackadder when fit to do it . Papalii is also more of a Savea clone .... unless all blacks are trying to mimic the French 3rd row of 3 proper 8s !!! :silly: :silly:
CUW
Roar Rookie
@ Old Bugger strange isnt it - does it mean people agree with the squad ?? or are they just still on cloud 9 after the bok supper ?? props - questionable 7 questionable both 11s questionable expecting BB to backup RM questionable bu then these are the all blacks and the coaches know it all :silly: :silly: :silly:
CUW
Roar Rookie
what happened to that other crusaders prop ? injured or forgotten ??
CUW
Roar Rookie
isnt it likely that SS is out - as he was only injury cover - unless now he is covering LF ??