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Sotutu to start while Hodgman on the bench for the All Blacks

Sotutu to start while Hodgman on the bench for the All Blacks
Hoskins Sotutu tackles Tom Banks. [Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images]

Hoskins Sotutu who has links to Fiji will create history this Saturday when he starts at number 8 for the All Blacks.

Hoskins has been in devastating form for the Blues this year and has come off the bench for NZ in both Bledisloe tests. Based on his performance, he has now earned his first start for the All Blacks.

His father, Waisake played for the Blues for one season in 1996 before transferring to the Crusaders in 1997. He was a strong Auckland wing, playing for the side from 1991 through to 1997. Waisake is also a former Fiji rep.

Meanwhile former Fiji U-20 prop Alex Hodgman is on the bench for the All Blacks third Bledisloe Cup match against the Wallabies.

Sevu Reece has once again missed out on selection for the match day 23.

Coach Ian Foster has again gone for a dual playmaker system with Beauden Barrett starting at fullback and Richie Mo’unga at flyhalf.

Caleb Clarke will look to continue his devastating form when he runs on the wing.

Foster has also named Karl Tu'inukuafe, Dane Coles, Ofa Tuungafasi Patrick Tuipulotu, Samuel Whitelock, Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane (captain), Aaron Smith, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown and Jordie Barrett in the starting 15.

The All Blacks play the Wallabies at 8.45pm Saturday in Sydney.


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