All Blacks refresh tight five and overhaul bench for Bledisloe II

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international

The All black people made just three changes to their starting XV for the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney, but big changes on the bench.

With the Bledisloe Cup safely tucked away for another 12 months after a 50-19 win in Auckland, Dave Rennie’s side are looking for their 130th win over Australia of all time. They will have to do so without the services of Leroy Carter, Anton Segner and Assaf Aumua after the trio suffered injuries in last week’s win.

Carter’s place on the left wing was taken by Josh Moorby, while Aumua’s place on the bench was taken by Samisoni Taukei’aho and Segner’s backup striker Du’Plessis Kirifi.

Ethan de Groot has been given the week off as George Bower moves into the starting team and Xavier Numia moves to the bench. Fabian Holland also replaced Josh Lord in the starting XV.

Cortez Ratima gets a long-awaited opportunity to support Cam Roigard from the bench after Kyle Preston usurped him in the order during rugby’s biggest rivalry, and Highlanders The fans got their wish when Timoci Tavatavanawai entered the 23rd match on the bench.

“Last week was a big week, because it was our first game back New Zealand ground after a long away tour and the Bledisloe Cup on the line. We put on a performance befitting the occasion; now we have to back up that performance,” said head coach Rennie.

“The Wallabies are a proud side and will be hurt after last week. It’s a big challenge for us to face them in front of their home crowd in Sydney.”

All Blacks team to play the Wallabies

1. George Bower (30)
2. Codie Taylor (113) – Captain
3. Fletcher Newell (42)
4. Scott Barrett (90)
5. Fabian Holland (15)
6. Tupou Va’i (52)
7. Peter Lakai (15)
8. Wallace Street (24)
9. Cam Roigard (25)
10. Damian McKenzie (82)
11. Josh Moorby (6)
12. Jordie Barrett (86)
13. Quinn Tupea (30)
14. Will Jordan (62)
15. Beauden Barrett (146)

Reserves

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (45)
17. Xavier Numia (5)
18. Pasilio Tosi (18)
19. Shannon Frizell (34)
20. Du’Plessis Kirifi (8)
21. Cortez Ratima (24)
22. Timoci Tavatavanawai (2)
23. Rieko Ioane (90)

Unavailable due to injury: Leroy Carter (ankle); Anton Segner (concussion); Congregation Aumu (concussion); Ethan Blackadder (calf); Richie Doctor (calf); Fehi Fineanganofo (hamstrings).