The All Blacks will be using their test against the Fiji Water Flying Fijians this weekend to keep consistent cohesion and get some rhythm and get some understanding going on.
This was highlighted by coach Scott Robertson following their 2-0 series win over England in Dunedin and Auckland.
Robertson says he is planning to make several changes for this weekend’s test.
Robertson only made one forced change to his starting lineup between match one and match two against England, replacing injured halfback TJ Perenara with Finlay Christie.
He says the All Blacks have got a great squad, great depth and some great young talents to come through.
He adds this is the players’ opportunity, before they go into the Rugby Championship, to show they are here for a reason.
Hooker George Bell, prop Pasilio Tosi, loose forward Wallace Sititi and centre Billy Proctor were the four other uncapped players included in Robertson’s 32-man squad to face England and Fiji, who will be hoping for debuts in San Diego.
Prop Tamaiti Williams, flanker Ethan Blackadder and wingers Caleb Clarke and Emoni Narawa are the others yet to be involved, with Robertson signalling there might be a couple of tweaks to the wider travelling squad to allow first-choice players the chance to freshen up.
There is also the question of whether Beauden Barrett will be promoted to start, after a pair of impactful performances off the bench, where he covers both first-five and fullback.
The All Blacks last played the Flying Fijians in a pair of tests in July 2021, winning the first 57-23 in Dunedin and the second 60-13 in Hamilton.
The All Blacks will take on Fiji at 2.30pm Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium, California.
Source: Stuff.rugby
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