All Blacks Coach, Scott Robertson can’t be accused of being conservative or boring this week for Bledisloe 2 as he brings in blockbusting utility back Leicester Fainga’anuku to start in the No 11 jersey, in what will be his first appearance for the All Blacks since the 2023 World Cup.
Sure, injuries have somewhat forced his hand, but the All Blacks’ head coach has gone from boring to bold in making seven changes to his starting team for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup clash with the Wallabies in Perth.
Not in the original Rugby Championship squad, Fainga’anuku has been training with the team as injury cover since returning from France, and has been pushing for selection on the back of excellent form for Tasman.
Caleb Clarke’s ankle injury opened the door for his inclusion on the left wing, one of three changes to a new-look backline, but is nonetheless a welcome move due to Fainga’anuku’s game-breaking ability.
Some were easily predictable, including the return of captain Scott Barrett from a shoulder injury, and Damian McKenzie’s elevation to the No 10 jersey for the injured Beauden Barrett (shoulder).
Quinn Tupaea replaces Billy Proctor in the No 13 jersey.
In a surprise move, Robertson has named Peter Lakai at No 8 after he was essentially the forgotten man in the pack up until last weekend.
In for the benched Wallace Sititi, he will start alongside Ardie Savea and Simon Parker in what’s the latest of a host of loose forward trios Robertson has rolled out under his watch.
All Blacks: Will Jordan, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard; Peter Lakai, Ardie Savea, Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa’i, Scott Barrett (capt), Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Rieko Ioane, Ruben Love.
The All Blacks play the Wallabies in Perth at 9.45pm this Saturday.
[Source: stuff.co.nz]
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