Beauden Barrett and Anton Lienert-Brown will start as two of five changes to the All Blacks’ starting lineup for Sunday’s Bledisloe Test against the Wallabies at Eden Park.
Barrett returns at fullback at the expense of Damian McKenzie. Barrett was set to start at the back last week, but had to withdraw due to a slight injury niggle.
Meanwhile, Rieko Ioane drops to the bench with Lienert-Brown elevated into a starting role at outside centre.
Caleb Clarke, who made his debut off the bench last week, has been fast-tracked into the run-on XV to replace the injured George Bridge at left wing.
Up front, an injury to Sam Whitelock opens the door for Tupou Vaa’i to start at No 5, while in the front row Dane Coles comes in for Codie Taylor.
The bench has also been comprehensively boosted by the return of Scott Barrett, who is back after a four-month injury layoff. In addition, prop Alex Hodgman is in line to make his Test debut following his selection in the match 23.
All Blacks – 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Jordie Barrett, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Joe Moody.
Subs: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Alex Hodgman, Nepo Laulala, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Hoskins Sotutu, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Rieko Ioane, 23 Damian McKenzie.
Photo: Getty Images
