New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has named an All Black team with four changes for this weekend’s Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia on Saturday.
All four of the changes are in the backs and most notably Lima Sopoaga comes in for Beauden Barrett in the 10 jersey.
Waisake Naholo comes in on the right wing for the injured Nehe Milner-Skudder. TJ Perenara is reserve halfback, with Anton Lienert-Brown coming into the 23 to provide additional back cover.
Meanwhile, Sam Cane will play his 50th Test in an All Blacks career which started five years ago in June 2012 when he made his Test debut against Ireland.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said this weekend had all the makings of another great Test match.
“Both teams have their own goals and expectations. From Australia’s point of view, they’ll be desperate to win as they haven’t done so for some time. For us, our goal is to never be satisfied at where we’re at, and that means it’s greater than just the outcome. It’s about how we play, individually and collectively as a unit. We’re always striving to get better every game and this week is no different.
“As always, to do that, our preparation has to be spot on and bone deep. It’s an individual focus for each player. The job of the team management is to facilitate a training week which provides them with clarity and the right amount of intensity so that they can arrive on Saturday ready to hum.
“It’ll be another great opportunity for this young team to show what they’ve learnt throughout the year and playing at Suncorp Stadium will be another fantastic learning experience for them all. It’s a great ground with a lot of tradition and there’ll be huge support for the All Blacks, which we’re looking forward to.”
New Zealand
1. Kane Hames, 2. Dane Coles, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Samuel Whitelock , 5. Scott Barrett , 6. Liam Squire , 7. Sam Cane, 8. Kieran Read (c), 9. Aaron Smith , 10. Lima Sopoaga , 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. Sonny Bill Williams , 13. Ryan Crotty, 14. Waisake Naholo , 15. Damian McKenzie
Replacements : 16. Codie Taylor , 17. Wyatt Crockett , 18. Ofa Tu’ungafasi , 19. Patrick Tuipulotu , 20. Matt Todd, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown , 23. David Havili
Pingback: Australia vs New Zealand live Bledisloe Cup score update - Super Rugby | Super 15 Rugby and Rugby Championship News,Results and Fixtures from Super XV Rugby