By Patrick McKendry, Digital Sport Reporter
- Scott Robertson has resisted the urge to tinker too much with his line-up to play Australia in Sydney on Saturday, with Damian McKenzie retaining his place at first-five and Beauden Barrett back at fullback.
It means Will Jordan returns to the right wing after playing in the No.15 jersey against the Boks in Cape Town.
Barrett was on the bench for that defeat but has forced his way back into the starting line-up. It will be his 131st Test.
There is no change to the loose forward trio, with Wallace Sititi at blindside flanker, Ardie Savea at No.8 and Sam Cane at openside.
Halfback Cortez Ratima retains his place, with veteran TJ Perenara on the bench.
There are four changes in total. The most significant individual selection is that of back-up prop Pasilio Tosi, who will play his first Rugby Championship Test after coming off the bench against Fiji in San Diego.
Caleb Clarke is back on the left wing after recovering from a back problem.
“We have selected an experienced team which has combinations that have played some of our best rugby this season,” Robertson said.
“The Bledisloe Cup is so revered by both of these teams, we are expecting a classic showdown against our Australian rivals.
“We have acknowledged the rich history of the Cup this week as a team and recognise that history does not bestow any rights. The Bledisloe Cup is always hard-earned and each year is its own chapter in the Bledisloe story.”
More to come.
All Blacks team to play Australia
Accor Stadium in Sydney on Saturday, kick-off 5.45pm NZT:
1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 6. Wallace Sititi, 7. Sam Cane, 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Beauden Barrett.
Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Sam Darry, 20. Luke Jacobson, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Sevu Reece.
