Fijian flyer Sevu Reece is set to start again for the All Blacks in their second international test against England at Eden Park tomorrow. Reece, who scored a crucial try in their narrow 16-15 victory over England in Dunedin last weekend, has been a standout performer for the team in recent times.
The only change in the starting lineup is at halfback, with Finlay Christie replacing TJ Perenara, who is sidelined with a leg injury. Christie gets the No.9 jersey after coming off the bench during the first Test win in Dunedin. This will be Christie’s first Test start since the All Blacks’ 23-20 win over Australia in Dunedin in August 2023.
Christie will help marshal an otherwise unchanged backline led by first five-eighth Damian McKenzie and fullback Stephen Perofeta. Making his Test debut, Cortez Ratima has been named in the match-day 23. The 23-year-old King Country-born player was one of five new caps announced for the 2024 Steinlager Ultra Low Carb Series.
In the forward pack, Samipeni Finau has been cleared to play and will start at blindside flanker alongside Dalton Papali’i at openside and Ardie Savea at No.8, keeping the rest of the pack unchanged.
Head Coach Scott Robertson expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and readiness to clinch the series at Eden Park. “Finlay has worked hard and earned his place in the starting side, and it will be a proud day for Cortez and his family. He’s a talented young man ready for Test rugby,” Robertson said. “We feel New Zealand’s support in Auckland, and a sold-out Eden Park will amplify that. It’s a special venue for the All Blacks, and we’re there to win the series against England.”
The All Blacks have maintained a winning streak at Eden Park dating back to 1994, achieving 48 wins and two draws since then. A victory tomorrow would secure the Steinlager Ultra Low Carb Series Trophy for the team, following their previous win in Dunedin.
The match kicks off at 7.05pm.
All Blacks starting lineup (1-15): Ethan De Groot, Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax, Scott Barrett (C), Patrick Tuipulotu, Samipeni Finau, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea, Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, Mark Tele’a, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Stephen Perofeta.
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, Beauden Barrett.