In a daring overhaul of the All Blacks lineup, head coach Scott Robertson has made a total of twelve changes for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup clash. Among the notable adjustments, breakout star Fabian Holland and center Billy Proctor have been sidelined, signaling a bold strategy as Robertson shakes things up amid an injury crisis. Leicester Fainga’anuku marks his return to the field, while Quinn Tupaea steps in to handle the crucial midfield responsibilities.
Robertson's reshuffling includes seven new starters and five changes to the bench. The injury list compelled four of these alterations, but strategic decisions led to the others, such as the exclusion of Holland, who has been a fixture in the team since his debut this season. Scott Barrett’s return from a shoulder injury is a welcome boost as he reclaims his position, pushing Holland out of the lineup.
"We saw how competitive and determined the Wallabies were in Auckland last weekend, staying in the fight right to the end,"
Robertson remarked.
"We expect another tough contest this Saturday. We have picked a 23 to go toe-to-toe with a quality Australian team."
Proctor’s omission is particularly striking as Robertson had previously pegged him as the solution to the All Blacks' number 13 jersey. However, following several lackluster performances, Tupaea has been given the nod against the Wallabies. In the forwards, Peter Lakai steps in for Wallace Sititi, joining a dynamic loose trio with Ardie Savea and Simon Parker.
The backline sees Fainga’anuku start on the wing, replacing an injured Caleb Clarke. Damian McKenzie steps in at fly-half for the sidelined Beauden Barrett, partnering with Cam Roigard as the key playmakers. The bench features potential game-changers like Rieko Ioane and the youthful Ruben Love, providing depth and versatility.
With the Rugby Championship hanging in the balance, Robertson’s revamped squad at Perth’s Optus Stadium is poised to deliver a performance to remember. This match is not just about defending a title but proving the strategic mettle of a coach willing to make tough calls in pursuit of victory.
All Blacks team to face Wallabies:
All Blacks: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 George Bower, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Rieko Ioane, 23 Ruben Love
2,199 posts
In a daring overhaul of the All Blacks lineup, head coach Scott Robertson has made a total of twelve changes for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup clash. Among the notable adjustments, breakout star Fabian Holland and center Billy Proctor have been sidelined, signaling a bold strategy as Robertson shakes things up amid an injury crisis. Leicester Fainga’anuku marks his return to the field, while Quinn Tupaea steps in to handle the crucial midfield responsibilities.
Robertson's reshuffling includes seven new starters and five changes to the bench. The injury list compelled four of these alterations, but strategic decisions led to the others, such as the exclusion of Holland, who has been a fixture in the team since his debut this season. Scott Barrett’s return from a shoulder injury is a welcome boost as he reclaims his position, pushing Holland out of the lineup.
"We saw how competitive and determined the Wallabies were in Auckland last weekend, staying in the fight right to the end,"
Robertson remarked."We expect another tough contest this Saturday. We have picked a 23 to go toe-to-toe with a quality Australian team."
Proctor’s omission is particularly striking as Robertson had previously pegged him as the solution to the All Blacks' number 13 jersey. However, following several lackluster performances, Tupaea has been given the nod against the Wallabies. In the forwards, Peter Lakai steps in for Wallace Sititi, joining a dynamic loose trio with Ardie Savea and Simon Parker.
The backline sees Fainga’anuku start on the wing, replacing an injured Caleb Clarke. Damian McKenzie steps in at fly-half for the sidelined Beauden Barrett, partnering with Cam Roigard as the key playmakers. The bench features potential game-changers like Rieko Ioane and the youthful Ruben Love, providing depth and versatility.
With the Rugby Championship hanging in the balance, Robertson’s revamped squad at Perth’s Optus Stadium is poised to deliver a performance to remember. This match is not just about defending a title but proving the strategic mettle of a coach willing to make tough calls in pursuit of victory.
All Blacks team to face Wallabies:
All Blacks: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 George Bower, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Rieko Ioane, 23 Ruben Love
Date: Saturday, October 4
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 17:45 local time (10:45 BST, 09:45 GMT)
Referee: Matthew Car