All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson plans to give opportunities to several of his extended squad members when they face the FIJI Water Flying Fijians in San Diego this weekend.
Robertson has made only one compulsory change to his starting lineup between the first and second matches against England, substituting injured halfback TJ Perenara with Finlay Christie.
This adjustment brought Cortez Ratima onto the bench, who eventually made his debut in last Saturday night’s 24-17 second test victory in Auckland. Others are expected to follow suit in the United States.
“Now this game against Fiji is an opportunity for us. We’ve got a great squad and some great depth, and some great young talent to come through,” Robertson told reporters.
“It’s their opportunity, before we enter the Rugby Championship, to show they’re here for a reason.”
Hooker George Bell, prop Pasilio Tosi, loose forward Wallace Sititi, and center Billy Proctor were the other four uncapped players included in Robertson’s 32-man squad to face England and Fiji, all hoping for debuts in San Diego.
Prop Tamaiti Williams, flanker Ethan Blackadder, and wingers Caleb Clarke and Emoni Narawa are also yet to be involved, with Robertson indicating there might be a couple of adjustments to the broader traveling squad to allow key players a chance to rest.
The All Blacks last played Fiji in July 2021, securing victories in two tests: 57-23 in Dunedin and 60-13 in Hamilton.
The Flying Fijians vs the All Blacks match kicks off at 2.30pm this Saturday at the Snapdragon Stadium.