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Naholo dropped for British and Irish Lions decider

Naholo dropped for British and Irish Lions decider
Waisake Naholo in an earlier match against the British and Irish Lions (radionz).

The All Blacks have dropped Waisake Naholo and Rieko Ioane for the third and deciding Test against the British and Irish Lions.

Israel Dagg will now shift from fullback to the right wing.

20‑year‑old Jordie Barrett will start at fullback.

Julian Savea is on the left wing.

Ngani Laumape will pair up with Anton-Lienert brown at centre with Malakai Fekitoa on the bench.

All three new starting faces are Hurricanes backs, and will operate outside Hurricanes playmaker, first five‑eighth Beauden Barrett.

Ioane's dropping is the biggest surprise, with the 20‑year‑old having utilised his speed to score twice in the 30‑15 first Test win at Eden Park.

All Blacks captain Kieran Read will play his 100th Test in what is his 25th cap as skipper.

He will be the seventh All Black to reach a century milestone.

Aaron Cruden and Charlie Faumuina will bring up 50 caps if used off the reserves bench.

It could also be the last Test for the pair, who have signed French club contracts beginning later this year.

Coach Steve Hansen says the Test shapes as a "cracker".

The All Blacks meet the British and Irish Lions at 7.35pm Saturday.

All Blacks: Jordie Barrett, Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert‑Brown, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (capt), Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.

Reserves: Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Aaron Cruden, Malakai Fekitoa

Source: Radio NZ

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