Fiji-born winger Sevu Reece has been rested as Coach Scott Robertson implements four changes to the All Blacks starting lineup for their upcoming match against Argentina in the second Test. Former captain Sam Cane has also been included on the bench.
In response to last weekend’s unexpected 38-30 defeat, Robertson has made adjustments, swapping out three backs and one forward for the clash at Auckland’s Eden Park. Prolific winger Will Jordan, who played as a substitute in the Wellington loss, will take Reece’s position on the right wing. Caleb Clarke is set to replace Blues teammate Mark Tele’a on the left wing.
In the center, experienced Blues player Rieko Ioane returns in place of Anton Lienert-Brown. In the forward pack, Tamaiti Williams steps in as loose-head prop, taking over for Ethan de Groot, who is sidelined with a neck injury. De Groot contributes to a growing injury list that also includes captain Scott Barrett (finger), Patrick Tuipulotu (calf), Stephen Perofeta (calf), and Luke Jacobson (hamstring).
Cane, despite announcing he will retire from international rugby at the end of this year to join Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath, has made a return to the bench. The 95-Test veteran’s last outing for the All Blacks was as captain in the World Cup final last October, where he was issued a red card for a high tackle in the narrow 12-11 loss to South Africa in Paris.
The All Blacks last suffered a defeat at Eden Park 30 years ago, during which they have secured nearly 50 Test victories at the celebrated venue.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:05 PM.
New Zealand (15-1): Beauden Barrett; Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke; Damian McKenzie, TJ Perenara; Ardie Savea (captain), Dalton Papali’i, Ethan Blackadder; Sam Darry, Tupou Vaai; Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams.
Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Josh Lord, Sam Cane, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, Mark Tele’a.