In a bold move to shake up the All Blacks lineup after a devastating loss to the Springboks, head coach Scott Robertson has handed the captaincy to Ardie Savea for the upcoming clash against the Wallabies. This weekend’s game is not just about redemption but also a chance to ascend to the top of the Rugby Championship standings, though a defeat could plummet them to as low as fourth and break their winning streak at Eden Park.
Robertson’s decision follows a substantial reshuffle in the team due to injuries and form, with Scott Barrett sidelined with a shoulder issue. The starting XV sees Will Jordan retain his position at full-back, with wings Leroy Carter and Caleb Clarke, centers Billy Proctor and Jordie Barrett, and the halves duo of Beauden Barrett and Cam Roigard. The forward pack features Wallace Sititi, newly appointed skipper Savea, Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa’i, and newcomer Fabian Holland stepping in for Barrett.
Returning from injury, Codie Taylor joins front-rowers Tyrel Lomax and Ethan de Groot, while Damian McKenzie has been moved to the bench, making way for the reshuffled backline. New additions to the bench include Cortez Ratima and Peter Lakai, hinting at Robertson's strategy to inject fresh energy in the later stages of the game.
“With all teams being two from four in this Rugby Championship, we all have everything to play for in these final two rounds. 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,”
Robertson commented on his selection.
The high stakes of this match are clear, with both teams fighting not only for victory but for significant positioning in the tournament standings. As the All Blacks prepare to defend their fortress at Eden Park, all eyes will be on Savea’s leadership and Robertson's tactical acumen to see if they can overturn their recent misfortunes.
All Blacks team v Australia Starting XV: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea (C), 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot. Replacements: 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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In a bold move to shake up the All Blacks lineup after a devastating loss to the Springboks, head coach Scott Robertson has handed the captaincy to Ardie Savea for the upcoming clash against the Wallabies. This weekend’s game is not just about redemption but also a chance to ascend to the top of the Rugby Championship standings, though a defeat could plummet them to as low as fourth and break their winning streak at Eden Park.
Robertson’s decision follows a substantial reshuffle in the team due to injuries and form, with Scott Barrett sidelined with a shoulder issue. The starting XV sees Will Jordan retain his position at full-back, with wings Leroy Carter and Caleb Clarke, centers Billy Proctor and Jordie Barrett, and the halves duo of Beauden Barrett and Cam Roigard. The forward pack features Wallace Sititi, newly appointed skipper Savea, Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa’i, and newcomer Fabian Holland stepping in for Barrett.
Returning from injury, Codie Taylor joins front-rowers Tyrel Lomax and Ethan de Groot, while Damian McKenzie has been moved to the bench, making way for the reshuffled backline. New additions to the bench include Cortez Ratima and Peter Lakai, hinting at Robertson's strategy to inject fresh energy in the later stages of the game.
“With all teams being two from four in this Rugby Championship, we all have everything to play for in these final two rounds. 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,”
Robertson commented on his selection.The high stakes of this match are clear, with both teams fighting not only for victory but for significant positioning in the tournament standings. As the All Blacks prepare to defend their fortress at Eden Park, all eyes will be on Savea’s leadership and Robertson's tactical acumen to see if they can overturn their recent misfortunes.
All Blacks team v Australia Starting XV: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea (C), 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot. Replacements: 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.