Richie Mo’unga has been given first crack in the All Blacks’ No 10 jersey, relegating Beauden Barrett to the bench for Saturday night's season-opening test against Tonga in Auckland.
It’s a change in tack from coach Ian Foster, who followed the lead of his predecessor and went for a dual playmaker setup last year, with Mo’unga starting the big tests at pivot and Barrett at fullback.
Meanwhile, George Bower who has links to Fiji will make his All Blacks debut against Tonga this Saturday while Sevu Reece and Hoskins Sotutu have missed out on selection.
Bower who was born in Wellington plays for the Crusaders in the Super Rugby.
The team also includes captain Sam Whitelock, Dane Coles, Rieko and Akira Ioane, Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, George Bridge, Brad Weber, Scott, Jordie and Beauden Barrett.
The All Blacks will play Tonga at 7.05pm this Saturday.
The All Blacks will then play Fiji at 7.05pm next Saturday and on the 17th of this month.
[Source: Stuff.Co]
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