Beauden Barrett has returned from injury and will steer the All Blacks in the No. 10 jersey against Ireland in Chicago, Damian McKenzie drops to the bench with Quinn Tupaea to make his second consecutive start at centre.
Ethan de Groot returns from concussion to join Fletcher Newell and Codie Taylor in the starting front row.
This sees Tamaiti Williams move to the bench where he will play an impact role alongside fellow front-rowers Pasilio Tosi and Samisoni Taukei’aho.
The only other change to the forwards is on the bench, with lock Josh Lord coming into the side to replace the injured Patrick Tuipulotu.
In the backs, Caleb Clarke returns from his ankle injury to take the left wing with Leicester Fainga’anuku and McKenzie on the bench with halfback Cortez Ratima as the back line cover.
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson says the squad has prepared well in Chicago this week for what they know will be a tough match against Ireland.
Robertson says this is an awesome match to kick off their Northern Tour with as Ireland are a strong side and will have a loud contingent of supporters in Chicago, so they are prepared for a passionate clash on the Soldier Field stage.
He says they have had a great week together leading up to the Test and now are looking forward to the contest this weekend.
The All Blacks play Ireland at 8.10am Sunday at Soldier Field, Chicago.
Starting 15: Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett (C), Fabian Holland, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea (VC), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Will Jordan.
Impact Players: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Leicester Fainga’anuku,Damian McKenzie.
Source : allblacks.com
