mens
international
All black people Head coach Dave Rennie opted for consistency in selection for his own Nations Championship conflict against Scotland this weekend at Murrayfield.
Rennie named a mostly composed side after their two recent Bledisloe Cup wins over Australia, making just five changes, mostly from the bench.
Codie Taylor will once again lead the side in the absence of Ardie Save, where he will be joined by Ethan de Groot and Fletcher Newell in the front row.
The impressive duo of Fabian Holland and Scott Barrett continue in the second row, after outstanding performances in Sydney three weeks ago.
Like the tight five, the back row remains from the Bledisloe Cup, with the powerful and versatile combination of Tupou Vaa’i, Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi going up against the in-form Scotland trio.
Cameron Roigard and Damian McKenzie line up at half-back and fly-half, while the tenacious Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea are set to combine in midfield.
The final three feature years of All Blacks experience with Beauden Barrett and Will Jordan joining them Hurricanes winger Josh Moorby on the left wing.
Rennie made some minor changes to the bench, including elevating Cortez Ratim to the bench over Kyle Preston, who was named in the 23-man squad for every game on the All Blacks’ tour of South Africa.
George Bower, Asafo Aumua and Pasilio Tosi form a settled front row on the bench, while Otago’s Christian Lio-Willie gets his first chance for Rennie’s side this year.
German-born Anton Segner, 91-Test outside back Rieko Ioane, and Highlanders midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai makes the bench.
Rennie said that while this week has been tough for the group, following the sudden death of their head of security, Logan Cadwallader, the boys are fit and ready.
“It’s been a really tough week for our group after Logan’s death. He was one of us, and he’ll be in our thoughts as we take the field on Saturday. The boys have relied on each other and prepared well, so we’re ready to go – we know that’s what Logan would want and expect.”
“Scotland are a quality side. They are very well coached and have built a lot of depth over the last few years. They play a very similar brand of football to us and we know we will have to be at our best on Saturday. Murrayfield is an iconic place to play, so it will be a special occasion to start our tour of the north,” Rennie said.
The All Blacks will wear their white poppy jersey to mark Armistice Day, along with black armbands in memory of All Blacks head of security Logan Cadwallader, who died suddenly Edinburgh on Sunday morning (local time).
All Blacks Match Day 23 (trial caps in brackets):
1. Ethan de Groot (46)
2. Codie Taylor (114) – Captain
3. Fletcher Newell (43)
4. Scott Barrett (91)
5. Fabian Holland (16)
6. Tupou Va’i (53)
7. Peter Lakai (16)
8. Wallace Street (25)
9. Cam Roigard (26)
10. Damian McKenzie (83)
11. Josh Moorby (7)
12. Jordie Barrett (86)
13. Quinn Tupaea (31)
14. Will Jordan (63)
15. Beauden Barrett (147)
Reserves
16. Asafo Aumua (27)
17. George Bower (31)
18. Pasilio Tosi (19)
19. Christian Lio-Willie (3)
20. Anton Segner (3)
21. Cortez Ratima (25)
22. Timoci Tavatavanawai (3)
23. Rieko Ioane (91)