The All Blacks have rotated their squad ahead of this Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks at the Westpac Stadium.
Head coach Steve Hansen has brought back in many of their Crusaders contingent including fly-half Richie Mo’unga, meaning that Beauden Barrett moves to fullback. With fans particularly excited to see the two playmakers start in the same team.
There is also a return to the back-line for star centre Sonny Bill Williams who has recovered from a hamstring injury and gain some much-needed game-time ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Experience runs through the entire team with Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Owen Franks replacing last weekend’s front-row trio of Ofa Tuungafasi, Dane Coles and Angus Ta’avao, all of whom are named among the replacements.
Slotting in behind them are Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick, with Shannon Frizell and Matt Todd on the flanks and Kieran Read captaining the side from No 8.
TJ Perenara opens alongside Mo’unga in the half-backs, with Williams at inside-centre and Jack Goodhue in the 13 channel.
Rieko Ioane begins on the left-wing, with Ben Smith shifting to the right to accommodate Barrett at full-back.
As well as the star front-rowers on the bench there are also the likes of Aaron Smith and Anton Lienert-Brown to call upon.
Speaking ahead of the game Hansen admitted that he is excited to see how this team works out and is hoping to build on last weekend’s 20-16 win over Argentina.
“The selectors are once again very excited with the team we’ve selected and are very much looking forward to seeing them play. The key for us this week has been to continue building on the very good groundwork we’ve put in over the last couple of weeks. Whilst we were a little rusty last week, we’re looking forward to seeing improvements in all areas of our game this week,” he said.
The Springboks are in fine form and ran out 35-17 winners against Australia last week, having rested many of their star names and Hansen knows that they will provide a tough challenge.
“It’s always an exciting occasion when we play the Springboks. We have a lot of respect for them and love playing them, as they bring many challenges to the contest. One of those challenge this week will be to not only match the physicality of the Boks, but to impose our own physicality on the game, and execute our game and our skillsets at a higher level,” he added.
He closed-up by encouraging fans to get behind the team in what is their opening home fixture this year.
“We love playing in Wellington and this is the first of only three home Tests for the team this year before the Rugby World Cup, so we’re looking forward to seeing a full house in full voice at Westpac Stadium on Saturday,” he finished.
The game on Saturday will provide a dress-rehearsal for when the two sides meet during the Rugby World Cup later this year. While it could also decide the winner of this year’s shortened Rugby Championship.
Check Out the Full 23-Man Squad Below.
1. Joe Moody (37)
2. Codie Taylor (41)
3. Owen Franks (106)
4. Brodie Retallick (76)
5. Samuel Whitelock (108)
6. Shannon Frizell (4)
7. Matt Todd (17)
8. Kieran Read – captain (118)
9. TJ Perenara (55)
10. Richie Mo’unga (9)
11. Rieko Ioane (24)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (51)
13. Jack Goodhue (7)
14. Ben Smith (77)
15. Beauden Barrett (74)
16. Dane Coles (61)
17. Ofa Tuungafasi (27)
18. Angus Ta’avao (4)
19. Vaea Fifita (10)
20. Dalton Papalii (2)
21. Aaron Smith (83)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (34)
23. George Bridge (1)
