Analysis: Straightforward changes are coming at first-five and loosehead prop but there is intrigue at left wing and lock in particular, writes Patrick McKendry.
Damian McKenzie will almost certainly fill the gap left by Beauden Barrett (shoulder) for the Bledisloe Cup rematch against the Wallabies in Perth as the All Blacks attempt to win back-to-back Tests in the Rugby Championship for the first time this year.
In that case, Ruben Love will come on to the bench as cover for the squad to be confirmed at 5pm today.
Here are the ponderables for the Test at Optus Stadium which kicks off at 10.45pm NZT on Saturday:
Left wing
The wearer of the No.11 jersey carries the most intrigue due to Caleb Clarke’s ankle injury at Eden Park last weekend.
Unlike Beauden Barrett and de Groot, Clarke, who scored a try after four minutes on his return from his original ankle problem, has travelled to Perth and was given every chance to be available.
It will be a huge blow for Clarke personally if he is ruled out after a powerful performance in his first Test of the year.
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The Blues man was safe under the high ball and carried with impact – everything the coaches hoped for.
That he could hit the ground running so quickly for a well-taken try after watching dad Eroni sing the national anthem in a surprise performance was a testament to his composure.
So, if not Clarke, then who? Rieko Ioane, not required in an All Blacks’ match-day squad since their defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires in August, may get a reprieve.
Or the selectors may go for Leicester Fainga’anuku, the blockbusting Tasman and Crusaders midfielder/wing who was called into the squad following Timoci Tavatavanawai’s arm injury in late August.
Fainga’anuku, seen more as a midfielder now by the selectors after his two years in France, was overlooked for the two Boks Tests and Bledisloe Cup encounter but must be close to a recall in the All Blacks’ final Test before their northern tour.
He would be more of a like-for-like replacement than Ioane and a Fainga’anuku, Will Jordan and Leroy Carter back three would not lack for attacking impact.
Lock
Skipper Scott Barrett will presumably slot straight back in after missing the first Wallabies Test due to a shoulder injury.
But who will partner him? Tupou Vaai’i, excellent again at Eden Park, left the field with a knee injury but was expected to be available.
But, with the huge Will Skelton returning for Australia, will the selectors go for the bulk of Patrick Tuipulotu to take the edge off Skelton?
Tuipulotu, good off the bench on return from a facial injury last weekend, would appear to be a good fit to start this match, with the slightly more dynamic Vaai’i providing impact off the bench.
That would leave Simon Parker staying on the blindside flank in an unchanged loose forward trio, with Wallace Sititi at No.8 and Ardie Savea at No.7.
With Rob Valetini likely returning to start at blindside flanker alongside Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight for the Wallabies, that All Blacks' trio will have their hands full.
Front row
De Groot’s absence is probably the easiest of the selection issues to predict.
Tamaiti Williams, born in New Zealand but a resident of Perth until the age of 16, will presumably start at loosehead prop alongside Codie Taylor and Tyrel Lomax, with George Bower coming on to the reserves bench.
Samisoni Taukei’aho will probably be back-up hooker, with Fletcher Newell the cover for tighthead prop.
The only other area of intrigue is centre, with Billy Proctor likely to get the nod again.
Proctor, who made several high-profile mistakes against the Boks in Wellington, gave away a couple of early penalties at Eden Park last weekend such was his eagerness to shut down the Wallabies’ attack but otherwise was solid.
Anton Lienert-Brown will be itching for an opportunity, but the selectors have invested a lot of time and effort in Proctor and will probably select him again.
A potential change on the left wing will also strengthen Proctor’s case as the selectors go for as much continuity as possible.
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