The All Blacks' lineup just got a shake-up that's got everyone talking, but not all of it is good news. As they gear up for a titanic clash against the Wallabies at Eden Park this Saturday, they'll be missing a key warrior; Captain Scott Barrett is on the injury bench with a dodgy shoulder. Stepping up to the plate as captain is none other than Ardie Savea, ready to lead the team in this critical Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup showdown.
While Barrett's absence might be a headline-grabber, the All Blacks aren't exactly stepping into the fray unarmed. The return of heavy hitters like Codie Taylor, Cam Roigard, Caleb Clarke, Patrick Tuipulotu, and Cortez Ratima adds some serious muscle to the squad. Plus, Peter Lakai is gearing up to add more caps to his collection, set to make his first Test appearance of the year after a striking debut last season.
In the backline, Roigard is set to start at scrumhalf, partnering with Beauden Barrett. They'll be feeding a midfield duo of Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor, while Clarke and Leroy Carter man the wings, and the ever-dynamic Will Jordan holds down the fort at fullback.
Up front, the scrum is anchored by Taylor, flanked by Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax. The second row sees Fabian Holland and Tupou Vaa’i pairing up, while the loose trio comprises of the new skipper Savea, Simon Parker, and Wallace Sititi.
"All teams are two from four in this Rugby Championship, so we all have everything to play for in these final two rounds,"
commented Coach Scott Robertson, highlighting the stakes. He added, "We are preparing for a strong Australian side and understand the importance of this match and the Bledisloe Cup. There is a lot to play for on Saturday evening."
The Wallabies are coming in hot, and with the All Blacks' recent roster shake-ups, this match promises to be an electrifying battle of titans. Fans will be on the edge of their seats to see if the new-look All Blacks can hold the fort at Eden Park.
ALL BLACKS TEAM LIST: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Wallace Sititi, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot. Bench: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Damian McKenzie.
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The All Blacks' lineup just got a shake-up that's got everyone talking, but not all of it is good news. As they gear up for a titanic clash against the Wallabies at Eden Park this Saturday, they'll be missing a key warrior; Captain Scott Barrett is on the injury bench with a dodgy shoulder. Stepping up to the plate as captain is none other than Ardie Savea, ready to lead the team in this critical Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup showdown.
While Barrett's absence might be a headline-grabber, the All Blacks aren't exactly stepping into the fray unarmed. The return of heavy hitters like Codie Taylor, Cam Roigard, Caleb Clarke, Patrick Tuipulotu, and Cortez Ratima adds some serious muscle to the squad. Plus, Peter Lakai is gearing up to add more caps to his collection, set to make his first Test appearance of the year after a striking debut last season.
In the backline, Roigard is set to start at scrumhalf, partnering with Beauden Barrett. They'll be feeding a midfield duo of Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor, while Clarke and Leroy Carter man the wings, and the ever-dynamic Will Jordan holds down the fort at fullback.
Up front, the scrum is anchored by Taylor, flanked by Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax. The second row sees Fabian Holland and Tupou Vaa’i pairing up, while the loose trio comprises of the new skipper Savea, Simon Parker, and Wallace Sititi.
"All teams are two from four in this Rugby Championship, so we all have everything to play for in these final two rounds,"
commented Coach Scott Robertson, highlighting the stakes. He added, "We are preparing for a strong Australian side and understand the importance of this match and the Bledisloe Cup. There is a lot to play for on Saturday evening."
The Wallabies are coming in hot, and with the All Blacks' recent roster shake-ups, this match promises to be an electrifying battle of titans. Fans will be on the edge of their seats to see if the new-look All Blacks can hold the fort at Eden Park.
ALL BLACKS TEAM LIST:
15 Will Jordan, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Wallace Sititi, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Bench: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Damian McKenzie.