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SBW to start in 50th Test, Damian McKenzie given the nod at fullback for All Blacks against Australia

October 25, 2018
All Blacks' Sonny Bill Williams during an All Blacks training session ahead of the third and final All Blacks v France test match at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand. 21 June 2018. Copyright Image: Derek Morrison / www.photosport.nz

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has named a strong side to face the Wallabies in Tokyo this weekend, with a number of players also returning from injury.

Sonny Bill Williams has been named to start at second-five, notching his 50th Test match, and will play alongside Ryan Crotty in midfield.

Elsewhere, forwards Joe Moody and Liam Squire will start on their return from respective injuries, while Brodie Retallick and Nepo Laulala will also make their comebacks, named on the bench.

In a somewhat surprising selection, Damian McKenzie is preferred at fullback, with Ben Smith to start on the right wing. There is no room for Jordie Barrett, omitted from the squad altogether.

"We'll be up against a good Australian team and they'll be desperate to win, but so are we," coach Steve Hansen said. "We know that they'll come with a lot of passion and physicality, but our focus this week has been about us and what we want to bring - intensity, skill and a triple threat game.

"Being well prepared, clear in our roles and excited about the opportunity in playing this one-off Test against Australia in Japan, will be a good start in achieving a quality performance."

The All Blacks face Australia on Saturday evening NZT.

ALL BLACKS: 15. Damian McKenzie, 14. Ben Smith, 13. Ryan Crotty, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 11. Rieko Ioane, 10. Beauden Barrett, 9. TJ Perenara, 8. Kieran Read (c), 7. Ardie Savea, 6. Liam Squire, 5. Scott Barrett, 4. Sam Whitelock, 3. Owen Franks, 2. Codie Taylor, 1. Joe Moody.

Reserves: 16. Nathan Harris, 17. Karl Tu'inukuafe, 18. Nepo Laulala, 19. Brodie Retallick, 20. Matt Todd, 21. Aaron Smith, 22. Richie Mo'unga, 23. Anton Lienert-Brown.

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