In a dramatic shake-up, Scott Robertson, the mastermind behind the All Blacks, has overhauled his squad for the upcoming battle against Wales. Following a disappointing 33-19 defeat to England, which shattered their grand slam tour dreams, Robertson is injecting fresh blood with 13 new starters as they hope to close the season on a high note.
The All Blacks’ historical dominance over Wales is undeniable, with the Kiwis securing victories in 34 out of 37 encounters. However, the last time they tasted defeat was way back in 1953 in Cardiff. Aware of the historical context, Robertson emphasized the need for precision and ferocity.
"We do not underestimate the passion and resolve that Wales will bring and we know how organised, accurate and ruthless we need to be in return,"
he stated, setting the stage for a fierce showdown.
The starting lineup sees a complete overhaul in the front row, with Tamaiti Williams, Samisoni Taukei’aho, and Pasilio Tosi stepping up, while Fletcher Newell will be cooling his heels on the bench this time around. Scott Barrett remains as captain, teaming up with a returning Fabian Holland in the second row, while the backrow sees Simon Parker holding his ground, flanked by Du’Plessis Kirifi and Wallace Sititi.
In the backs, Ruben Love secures his second start at fullback, with Damian McKenzie steering the ship at flyhalf. The dynamic duo of Anton Lienert-Brown and Rieko Ioane will look to wreak havoc from the midfield. On the wings, speedsters Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan will undoubtedly be on the lookout for any gaps in the Welsh defense. Bench strength looks solid with the likes of George Bell, George Bower, and the fast and furious Sevu Reece ready to jump into the fray.
As the All Blacks gear up for their final match of the 2025 season, the pressure is squarely on 'Razor' Robertson to carve out a victory and avoid ending the tour on a sour note. Whether this revamped team will rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure — it’s going to be a cracker of a match.
All Blacks – 15 Ruben Love, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett (capt), 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Tamaiti Williams Bench: 16 George Bell, 17 Fletcher Newell, 18 George Bower, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Christian Lio-Willie, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 23 Sevu Reece.
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In a dramatic shake-up, Scott Robertson, the mastermind behind the All Blacks, has overhauled his squad for the upcoming battle against Wales. Following a disappointing 33-19 defeat to England, which shattered their grand slam tour dreams, Robertson is injecting fresh blood with 13 new starters as they hope to close the season on a high note.
The All Blacks’ historical dominance over Wales is undeniable, with the Kiwis securing victories in 34 out of 37 encounters. However, the last time they tasted defeat was way back in 1953 in Cardiff. Aware of the historical context, Robertson emphasized the need for precision and ferocity.
"We do not underestimate the passion and resolve that Wales will bring and we know how organised, accurate and ruthless we need to be in return,"
he stated, setting the stage for a fierce showdown.The starting lineup sees a complete overhaul in the front row, with Tamaiti Williams, Samisoni Taukei’aho, and Pasilio Tosi stepping up, while Fletcher Newell will be cooling his heels on the bench this time around. Scott Barrett remains as captain, teaming up with a returning Fabian Holland in the second row, while the backrow sees Simon Parker holding his ground, flanked by Du’Plessis Kirifi and Wallace Sititi.
In the backs, Ruben Love secures his second start at fullback, with Damian McKenzie steering the ship at flyhalf. The dynamic duo of Anton Lienert-Brown and Rieko Ioane will look to wreak havoc from the midfield. On the wings, speedsters Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan will undoubtedly be on the lookout for any gaps in the Welsh defense. Bench strength looks solid with the likes of George Bell, George Bower, and the fast and furious Sevu Reece ready to jump into the fray.
As the All Blacks gear up for their final match of the 2025 season, the pressure is squarely on 'Razor' Robertson to carve out a victory and avoid ending the tour on a sour note. Whether this revamped team will rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure — it’s going to be a cracker of a match.
All Blacks – 15 Ruben Love, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett (capt), 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Tamaiti Williams Bench: 16 George Bell, 17 Fletcher Newell, 18 George Bower, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Christian Lio-Willie, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 23 Sevu Reece.