Beauden Barrett will start at first-five for the All Blacks against the Wallabies in Wellington on Saturday, with both flanker Sam Cane and halfback TJ Perenara given the honour of starting the Test – their last at home.
Barrett’s selection, after he missed last weekend’s victory over the Wallabies in Sydney due to illness, was predictable – and not only for Damian McKenzie’s mixed performance in the No.10 jersey.
It is the first time Barrett has started at first-five for the All Blacks since their close win over Scotland in Edinburgh in November, 2022, and he requires more time there as another option for the selectors ahead of a challenging Northern tour.
McKenzie, who has started all eight Tests this year at first-five, has been named on the reserves bench.
Cane’s selection is no surprise either – he will celebrate his 100th Test in his final home game, with the former skipper becoming a necessary part of this All Blacks’ pack due to his experience and toughness.
Perenara’s is more intriguing given Cortez Ratima’s superb form last weekend. But, again, the Hurricanes’ veteran played an important role, particularly with his defence, when he came on in the final quarter at Accor Stadium.
Anton Lienert-Brown has replaced the injured Jordie Barrett at second-five, with the starting backline otherwise unchanged. The versatile David Havili has been named on the bench.
“Damian McKenzie can provide experienced cover at both first-five and fullback, as Beauden has previously, and it is great to bring David Havili in to complete the 23, providing strong depth across the back line,” head coach Scott Robertson said.
“We are excited about the opportunity this week to put in a complete performance against the Wallabies in Wellington.”
The only change to the pack comes on the bench, where Patrick Tuipulotu replaces Sam Darry. It will be Tuipulotu’s first involvement for the All Blacks since the team’s narrow win over England in Dunedin in July.
Robertson said the final home appearances for Cane and Perenara had played a part in the All Blacks’ build-up this week after they wrapped up the Bledisloe Cup for another year in Sydney.
“This will be a particularly special night for Sam and TJ and the boys will put in a performance that honours their contribution to this team.
“Sam will be joining an exclusive club of All Black centurions, which is testament to his fortitude and work ethic.
“As a Wellington man and the most-capped Hurricane of all time, we know that TJ is a crowd favourite in the capital and we look forward to him expressing himself on the field in front of friends and whānau at home.”
Apart from Jordie Barrett (knee), prop Fletcher Newell (calf), Ruben Love (quadriceps), were also unavailable.
All Blacks team to play Wallabies
Sky Stadium, Saturday, kick-off 7.05pm
1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 6. Wallace Sititi, 7. Sam Cane, 8. Ardie Savea, 9. TJ Perenara, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Anton Lienert-Brown, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Will Jordan.
Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Luke Jacobson, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Damian McKenzie, 23. David Havili.
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