Some interesting decisions by both coaches. Hansen has decided to retain the services of then failed midfield duo, SBW and Crotty, as we already know; Cheika has moved Folau fro the wing to outside centre. This was a move I was in favour of many years ago, so I'll be participatory interested to see how he performs here. I think he can provide the spark to bring creativity to the Wallaby game and bring teammates into the game in such a way that Hodge can't, whilst still being a threat himself.
Cheika has seen sense and moved Foley back to 10, but Beale now occupies 12 in place of Toomua, who has been omitted from the squad entirely. This could be Sonny's opportunity to get his game going. It's a gamble playing Beale at 12 again, as he missed 7 tackles the last time he did, which happened to be in the second All Black test.
Whitelock is back, in what looks like a very strong pack. I can see them bullying Australia around the field. Certainly, their lineout is likely to have problems again. The back three are scary, and TJ should bring some vigour to the service in place of the battle weary looking Smith. The All Black bench is especially strong, so Hansen has many options at hand. It's going to be a hard day for Australia.
Bet365 have given New Zealand odds of 11/100 to beat Cheika's beleaguered crew. I think a win by 17 is on the cards.
NEW ZEALAND
- Joe Moody
- Codie Taylor
- Owen Franks
- Sam Whitelock
- Scott Barrett
- Liam Squire
- Ardie Savea
- Kieren Read
- TJ Perenara
- Beauden Barrett
- Rieko Ioane
- Sonny Bill Williams
- Ryan Crotty
- Ben Smith
- Damian McKenzie
- Nathan Harris
- Karl Tu'inukuafe
- Nepo Laulala
- Brodie Retallick
- Matt Todd
- Aaron Smith
- Richie Mo'unga
- Anton Lienert-Brown
- Scott Sio
- Folau Faingaa
- Allan Alaalatoa
- Izack Rodda
- Rob Simmons
- Ned Hanigan
- Michael Hooper
- David Pocock
- Will Genia
- Bernard Foley
- Marika Koroibete
- Kurtley Beale
- Israel Folau
- Sefa Naivalu
- Dane Haylett-Petty
- Tolu Latu
- Sekope Kepu
- Taniela Tupou
- Rory Arnold
- Jack Dempsey
- Pete Samu
- Nick Phipps
- Samu Kerevi
- Tom Banks
