All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson is set to provide opportunities to several members of his wider squad when they face the FIJI Water Flying Fijians in San Diego this weekend.
Robertson made only one enforced change to his starting lineup between the first and second matches against England, replacing injured halfback TJ Perenara with Finlay Christie.
This change led to Cortez Ratima being included on the bench, ultimately making his debut in Saturday night’s 24-17 second test win in Auckland. Additional players are expected to join him in the United States.
“Now this game (against Fiji) is an opportunity for us. We’ve got a great squad with substantial depth and talented young players coming through,” Robertson told reporters.
“This is their opportunity, before we head into the Rugby Championship, to demonstrate why they are part of the team.”
Hooker George Bell, prop Pasilio Tosi, loose forward Wallace Sititi, and center Billy Proctor are the other uncapped players included in Robertson’s 32-man squad for the matches against England and Fiji. They are hopeful for their debuts in San Diego.
Prop Tamaiti Williams, flanker Ethan Blackadder, and wingers Caleb Clarke and Emoni Narawa are also yet to be involved. Robertson indicated there might be minor adjustments to the extended travelling squad to give key players a chance to rest.
The All Blacks last played Fiji in two tests in July 2021, winning the first 57-23 in Dunedin and the second 60-13 in Hamilton.
The Flying Fijians vs. the All Blacks match kicks off at 2:30 pm this Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium.