All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has changed his match-day squad significantly for the Test against Fiji in San Diego on Saturday.
Robertson has made 11 changes to the starting line-up that beat England 24-17 at Eden Park last weekend, with Billy Proctor set to make his Test debut in the midfield and five players in line to play their first Tests off the reserves bench.
Proctor replaces Rieko Ioane at centre, with Anton Lienert-Brown, used off the bench during the All Blacks’ series win over England, starting at second-five. Vice-captain Jordie Barrett is on the bench.
Beauden Barrett starts at fullback, with Damian McKenzie retaining his place at first-five.
Robertson has completely reshuffled his pack, with Tamaiti Williams, Asafo Aumua and Fletcher Newell starting in the front row, skipper Scott Barrett and Tupou Vaa’i in the second row, and Ethan Blackadder at openside flanker. Luke Jacobson is at blindside and Ardie Savea at No.8 complete the loose forwards.
Cortez Ratima starts at halfback after an encouraging cameo at Eden Park, with Barrett, Caleb Clarke and Sevu Reece completing the back three.
George Bell, Pasilio Tosi, Sam Darry, Wallace Sititi and Noah Hotham are the five in line to make their Test debuts off the bench.
Lock Darry and halfback Hotham, who were not named in the initial 32-man squad, come into the side for Patrick Tuipulotu and TJ Perenara respectively. Tuipulotu has remained in New Zealand to freshen up following two starts against England, while Perenara is recovering from a knee injury suffered during the first Test in Dunedin.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said the six uncapped players deserved their opportunity.
“They’ve prepared well and they are ready for Test match rugby," he said. "We have a lot of respect for Fiji who will be fast and physical and we’re looking forward to the contest.
"It’s been a superb week in in San Diego. Our leaders have fed off the younger players energy and our focus is now on performing.”
McKenzie is set to bring up his 50th Test cap.
Clarke comes into the starting side in the No.11 jersey for the first time in 2024, while reserve wing Emoni Narawa is back on the All Blacks team sheet for the first time since his Test debut against Argentina in 2023. The 25-year-old was then ruled out of the All Blacks Rugby World Cup campaign after suffering a slipped disc in his back.
It will be Blackadder’s first Test start since 2021 when he wore the No.6 jersey against Ireland in Dublin. Similarly hooker Asafo Aumua starts a Test for the first time since 2021, which was also in America, a 104-14 win over the United States in Washington DC.
All Blacks team to play Fiji at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego:
Kick-off 2.30pm Saturday, (caps in brackets)
1. Tamaiti Williams (7), 2. Asafo Aumua (8), 3. Fletcher Newell (15), 4. Scott Barrett (71), Captain), 5. Tupou Vaa’i (27), 6. Luke Jacobson (20), 7. Ethan Blackadder (10), 8. Ardie Savea (83) (Vice Captain), 9. Cortez Ratima (1), 10. Damian McKenzie (49), 11. Caleb Clarke (20), 12. Anton Lienert-Brown (72), 13. Billy Proctor (0)*, 14. Sevu Reece (25), 15. Beauden Barrett (125).
Reserves: 16. George Bell (0)*, 17. Ethan De Groot (24), 18. Pasilio Tosi (0)*, 19. Sam Darry (0)*, 20. Wallace Sititi (0)*, 21. Noah Hotham (0)*, 22. Jordie Barrett (59) (Vice Captain), 23. Emoni Narawa (1).
SHARE ME