mens
nations-championship
148-Test veteran Beauden Barrett will be the captain All black people into a Test match for the first time in his career this weekend against Wales, in a heavily changed line-up named by Dave Rennie.
Barrett will start at full-back at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, marking his 149th Test cap. Crusaders first-five Richie Mo’ung gets the nod at No. 10, while Hurricanes flyer Fehi Fineanganofo will line up for his first Test start in an All Blacks jersey.
Up front, Rennie stuck with Fletcher Newell in solid form, joining Asaf Aumua and George Bower in the front row. Aumua replaces Codie Taylor on the hook, giving the experienced captain a week off.
It’s totally Taranaki Bulls second row, with Josh Lord named in the starting line-up to join forces with Scott Barrett, who continues to thrive in his return to the All Blacks.
Blues loose forward Anton Segner starts on the blind flank, while No. 7 Peter Lakai remains in the starting back row. Wallace Sititi, who scored a superb set piece last week at Murrayfield, will be looking to extend his run of solid form against Wales when he lines up at No.8.
Cortez Ratima starts ahead of Kyle Preston, joining Mo’unga in the all-important 9-10 combination.
The back three sees an exciting starting debut for Fineanganofo, named on the right wing, with Josh Moorby on the left.
Bosses duo Anton Lienert-Brown and Quinn Tupaea start in midfield in the absence of second-five Jordie Barrett.
Rennie named a largely inexperienced bench, with George Bell, Xavier Numia, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Blackadder and Leicester Fainga’anuku get their first taste Nations Championship action in November.
The All Blacks coach opted for a 6-2 bench split for the first time in his tenure, with Preston and 92-Test outside back Rieko Ioane named as sole backline cover.
Rennie said this weekend in the Test match against Wales will be a special occasion for Beauden Barrett.
“Beauden brings such valuable experience and is greatly respected by all of us,” said Rennie.
“To captain the All Blacks in Tests is an honor I know he doesn’t take lightly, so it will be a proud day for him and his whanau,” Rennie said.
Despite ten changes, the All Blacks head coach believes he has selected a strong side that can do Wales proud.
“We have made good depth in this group, and the competition is big for places as well. We have selected a strong team with 783 games.
“Wales are a proud rugby nation and are developing well under Steve Tandy. We are aware of the threat they pose and the challenge of playing in front of a passionate crowd at the Principality Stadium.”
All Blacks match on the 23rd (Cap test in parentheses):
1. George Bower (32)
2. Asafo Aumua (28)
3. Fletcher Newell (44)
4. Scott Barrett (92)
5. Josh Lord (18)
6. Anton Segner (4)
7. Peter Lakai (17)
8. Wallace Street (26)
9. Cortez Ratima (26)
10. Richie Mountain (57)
11. Josh Moorby (8)
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (94)
13. Quinn Tupaea (32)
14. Fehi Finegananofo (1)
15. Beauden Barrett (148) – Captain
16. George Bell (4)
17. Xavier Numia (6)
18. Pasilio Tosi (20)
19. Jamie Hannah (1)
20. Ethan Blackadder (15)
21. Leicester Fainga’anuku (12)
22. Kyle Preston (6)
23. Rieko Ioane (92)
Unavailable due to injury: Will Jordan (hamstring)
