In a bold move that screams 'shake-up', All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has overhauled his squad for the upcoming clash against Wales, following a disappointing 33-19 loss to England. With their Grand Slam dreams dashed, only Simon Parker and Scott Barrett remain in their starting roles, while Will Jordan adapts to a new position on the wing, leaving no room for Ardie Savea in the final test of the year.
Rieko Ioane marks his return to the starting lineup, pairing up with Anton Lienert-Brown in the centres, igniting fresh dynamism in the backline. The reshuffle doesn't stop there, as Damian McKenzie and Cortez Ratima take the helm at half-back, stepping in for the injured duo of Beauden Barrett and Cam Roigard. With Robertson opting for robustness, the front row sees the powerhouse trio of Tamaiti Williams, Samisoni Taukei'aho, and Pasilio Tosi starting, while the bench promises impact with the likes of George Bell and George Bower.
Rubbing salt into the wound, Ardie Savea finds himself sidelined, paving the way for Du’Plessis Kirifi to show his mettle at openside flanker, alongside number eight Wallace Sititi. This game also sees Caleb Clarke make a comeback on the wing after clearing concussion protocols, joining Ruben Love who slots in at full-back.
“We have a lot to play for this weekend – we want to put on a performance that reflects the effort and pride we have put in, and that is a fitting farewell to Jason, Robbo and Coops [Assistant Coach Jason Holland; NZR CEO Mark Robinson and NZR President Matthew Cooper],” Robertson remarked.
He further emphasized the challenge posed by Wales, “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.”
The All Blacks are evidently looking to rebound with a vengeance at the Principality Stadium. Yet, the real question remains: Can this radically transformed lineup deliver the redemption they seek?
All Blacks team to face Wales: 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 (c), 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Tamaiti Williams Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Christian Lio-Willie, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 23 Sevu Reece Date: Saturday, November 22 Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Kick-off: 15:10 GMT (04:10 NZDT) Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)
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In a bold move that screams 'shake-up', All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has overhauled his squad for the upcoming clash against Wales, following a disappointing 33-19 loss to England. With their Grand Slam dreams dashed, only Simon Parker and Scott Barrett remain in their starting roles, while Will Jordan adapts to a new position on the wing, leaving no room for Ardie Savea in the final test of the year.
Rieko Ioane marks his return to the starting lineup, pairing up with Anton Lienert-Brown in the centres, igniting fresh dynamism in the backline. The reshuffle doesn't stop there, as Damian McKenzie and Cortez Ratima take the helm at half-back, stepping in for the injured duo of Beauden Barrett and Cam Roigard. With Robertson opting for robustness, the front row sees the powerhouse trio of Tamaiti Williams, Samisoni Taukei'aho, and Pasilio Tosi starting, while the bench promises impact with the likes of George Bell and George Bower.
Rubbing salt into the wound, Ardie Savea finds himself sidelined, paving the way for Du’Plessis Kirifi to show his mettle at openside flanker, alongside number eight Wallace Sititi. This game also sees Caleb Clarke make a comeback on the wing after clearing concussion protocols, joining Ruben Love who slots in at full-back.
“We have a lot to play for this weekend – we want to put on a performance that reflects the effort and pride we have put in, and that is a fitting farewell to Jason, Robbo and Coops [Assistant Coach Jason Holland; NZR CEO Mark Robinson and NZR President Matthew Cooper],” Robertson remarked.
He further emphasized the challenge posed by Wales, “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.”
The All Blacks are evidently looking to rebound with a vengeance at the Principality Stadium. Yet, the real question remains: Can this radically transformed lineup deliver the redemption they seek?
All Blacks team to face Wales:
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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 (c), 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Tamaiti Williams
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Christian Lio-Willie, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 23 Sevu Reece
Date: Saturday, November 22
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 15:10 GMT (04:10 NZDT)
Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)