New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen and selectors have named an All Blacks team with three changes for this weekend’s Rugby Championship match against Australia at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Hansen has been able to bring back hooker Dane Coles to the starting side for what will be his 50th Test, with Codie Taylor moving to the bench.
The matchday squad shows three changes from last week’s team and all are in the forwards. Prop Kane Hames comes onto the bench replacing Wyatt Crockett, while Scott Barrett is the reserve lock, in for Luke Romano, who has a minor foot niggle.
Lock Sam Whitelock will be playing his 90th Test this weekend which makes the 28-year-old the most capped All Blacks lock of all time.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: “It’s been great to be back home in New Zealand and we’ve had a great week’s preparation here in Dunedin. Whilst we were very happy with the way we played for periods of the game in the first Test, there were also moments where we weren’t so crash hot. ”
“However, this is a new week and we’re well aware that we’ll have to be better in all areas of our game, and we’ve concentrated on those areas we want to improve. Once again, a good start will be important.”
Steve Hansen said the team was again looking forward to playing at Forsyth Barr Stadium: “Playing under the roof in Dunedin means we should see a high-speed game, which should suit both teams and create an entertaining match that fans won’t want to miss. I know the team itself is looking forward to Saturday as it’s another opportunity to grow and develop as a group.”
New Zealand
1. Joe Moody , 2. Dane Coles, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Brodie Retallick, 5. Samuel Whitelock , 6. Liam Squire , 7. Sam Cane, 8. Kieran Read (c) , 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Beauden Barrett , 11. Rieko Ioane , 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 13. Ryan Crotty , 14. Ben Smith , 15. Damian McKenzie
Replacements :16. Codie Taylor, 17. Kane Hames, 18. Ofa Tu’ungafasi , 19. Scott Barrett, 20. Ardie Savea , 21. TJ Perenara, 22. Lima Sopoaga , 23. Anton Lienert-Brown
