The All Blacks have made massive changes to their squad to face Australia in Dunedin on Saturday, with just three players kept in the XV compared to the one who crushed the Wallabies last Saturday.
Coach Ian Foster has decided to give all members of his squad playing time before announcing the names of the All Blacks selected for the Rugby World Cup in France (September 8-October 28) on Monday. Sam Cane returns as captain for the second Bledisloe Cup match after a neck injury ruled him out of Saturday’s 38-7 success in Melbourne.
Faced with an Australian team that has still not won a victory since the return to the helm of Eddie Jones, his New Zealand counterpart has only retained Ardie Savea, captain last week, Brodie Retallick and Will Jordan to start. Jordan went from wing to fullback. Shaun Stevenson is established on the right wing for his first selection.
The other newcomer at kick-off is Stevenson’s Waikato Chiefs teammate Samipeni Finau at the wing third line. Canterbury Crusaders center Dallas McLeod, who will sit on the substitutes’ bench, is in the running for his first cap.
It will also be the first national team appearances this year for two other Crusaders players, Leicester winger Fainga’anuku and substitute prop Fletcher Newell, who have both overcome injuries.
Foster said his side will be motivated to maintain their strong start to the season, having beaten Argentina, South Africa and Australia in impressive fashion to secure a successful final home game in 2023. is special for us because we are completing this stage of our preparation for the World Cup, said Foster. “It’s our last chance to play in front of our fans and, even with a few changes, it’s a great opportunity for us to take another step forward as a team,” he said.
New Zealand squad roster vs Australia:
Jordan – Stevenson, Ennor, Lienert-Brown, Fainga’anuku – (o) McKenzie, (m) Christie – A. Savea, Cane (cap.), Finau – Whitelock, Retallick – Laulala, Taukei’aho, Williams
Replacements: Coles, Tungafasi, Newell, Vaughn, Jacobson, Smith, Mounga, McLeod
Coach: Ian Foster (NZL)
