All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has left out some of his big-name stars for this Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup match against the Wallabies in Auckland.
In the front-row Owen Franks has been dropped
from the 23-man squad with Nepo Laulala taking his place at tighthead prop,
while Atu Moli has given up his place on the bench for Ofa Tuungafasi.
Due to Scott Barrett’s sending off last
week and subsequent three-week ban from rugby, there is a starting berth for
Patrick Tuipulotu, who is partnered by Sam Whitelock.
Jackson Hemopo is the replacement lock.
There are a few alterations in the back-line
too as Sonny Bill Williams returns at inside-centre with Anton Lienert-Brown
moving to outside-centre following Jack Goodhue’s injury.
Meanwhile, Hansen has decided to remove
both his wingers from last weekend, Rieko Ioane and Ben Smith, and give starts
to George Bridge and Sevu Reece.
Despite calls from fans to change things up Richie Mo’unga will continue at fly-half and Beauden Barrett will remain at full-back.
Last weekend’s 47-26 loss to the Wallabies
was the heaviest defeat to their rivals in their history and Hansen knows that the
opposition will be raring to go once more on Saturday.
“We have worked hard this week on our game and all that comes with it. We’ve had a great preparation and really excited and looking forward to a massive, must-win match for the Bledisloe Cup on Saturday. We know that Australia will be determined and confident after their win in Perth which makes the challenge even more exciting,” he said.
The All Blacks will be hoping to send a message to the rest of the rugby world on Saturday after failing to win in their past two games, while also retaining their Bledisloe Cup trophy, however, the Wallabies will be looking to end a 33-year wait to win at Eden Park. Prepare for a cracker!
Check Out the Full 23-Man Squad Below.
1. Joe Moody (39)
2. Dane Coles (63)
3. Nepo Laulala (18)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (23)
5. Samuel Whitelock (110)
6. Ardie Savea (37)
7. Sam Cane (62)
8. Kieran Read – captain (120)
9. Aaron Smith (85)
10. Richie Mo’unga (11)
11. George Bridge (3)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (52)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (36)
14. Sevu Reece (1)
15. Beauden Barrett (76)
16. Codie Taylor (43)
17. Ofa Tuungafasi (28)
18. Angus Ta’avao (6)
19. Jackson Hemopo (4)
20. Matt Todd (19)
21. TJ Perenara (57)
22. Ngani Laumape (12)
23. Jordie Barrett (10)
