The All Blacks have named an exciting lineup for their second round of Bledisloe Cup 2023 clash against the Wallabies this weekend in Otago with the return of veteran lock Sam Whitelock into the starting 15.
The side also includes two debutantes and a potential debutante as Chiefs duo Shaun Stevenson and Samipeni Finau will be making their debuts on the wing and flanker respectively, while Crusaders winger Dallas Mcleod will be coming off the bench.
Tamaiti Williams, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Nepo Laulala will start in the front rows with Brodie Retallick and Whitelock forming the locks pair.
Finau will partner with captain Sam Cane on the flanks while Ardie Save will start at number 8.
Finlay Christie will start at halfback forming the halves combination with flyhalf Damien McKenzie.
Leicester Fainga’anuku also makes a return to the squad and will start on the left wing partnering with Stevenson while Will Jordan will start at fullback.
There is no lack of power in the bench as well with Dane Coles, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Va’ai and Luke Jacobson covering the forwards while nippy halfback Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga and McLeod will cover for the backs.
The All Blacks will take on the Wallabies at 2.35pm Saturday.
