New Zealand have made wholesale changes and named an experimental side for their Saturday 7:45 pm clash against Japan.
Coach Steve Hansen has named a completely changed side from the one that romped to a comprehensive victory over Australia last week, as he looks to give opportunities to fringe players hoping to break into the team for next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Debutants Matt Proctor and Dalton Papalli, and more established names such as Nehe Milner-Skudder and Waisake Naholo, will be desperate to impress after the primary squad travelled to London early to prepare for Tests in Europe.
Such is the depth of quality at Hansen’s disposal, that the back three of Milner-Skudder, Naholo and Jordie Barrett have already amassed 155 Test points between them.
Hansen hopes his new selections bed in quickly.
He says: “It is important to get clarity over what your role is.
“The message at the end of the week is to trust their instincts. The reason you have been picked to be an All Black in the first place is because you are a good rugby player.”
WEEKEND INTERNATIONALS
Wales v Scotland (4.45pm), Ireland v Italy (10 pm)
All Blacks
15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Waisake Naholo, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Te Toiroa Tahuriiorangi, 8 Luke Whitelock (captain), 7 Dalton Papalii, 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Jackson Hemopo, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ofa Tuungafasi .
Replacements:
16 Liam Coltman, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Dillon Hunt 20 Gareth Evans, 21 Mitch Drummond, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 George Bridge.