Dave Rennie has made an immediate statement by naming a bold All Blacks side to face France in Christchurch on Saturday.
The new coach has handed starting roles to several players in unexpected positions, while Hurricanes prop Xavier Numia and exciting winger Fehi Fineanganofo are in line to make their Test debuts from the bench in the Nations Championship clash.
Perhaps the biggest selection surprise comes in the loose trio, where captain Ardie Savea has been named at No 8 instead of openside flank. Luke Jacobson starts in the No 7 jersey, while Peter Lakai gets the nod at blindside ahead of Simon Parker and uncapped German-born flanker Anton Segner.
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Rennie has also opted for an unfamiliar lock pairing of Josh Lord and Sam Darry, with experienced campaigner Patrick Tuipulotu providing cover from the bench.
In the backline, Cam Roigard and Ruben Love combine as the halfback pairing, with Damian McKenzie shifting to fullback. Veteran Beauden Barrett misses out on the match 23 altogether.
The midfield remains unchanged, with Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea reunited in the centres.
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“There is no doubt players have forced our hand as selectors through quality Super Rugby performances,” Rennie said.
“We have selected an exciting blend of experience and youth, with a powerful bench that will add impact.
“We know we will be facing a formidable French side with a strong set-piece, kicking game and ability to keep the ball alive, so we will need to be physical, accurate and alert. We’ve worked hard and connected well over the past nine days. That clarity will give us the opportunity to express ourselves.”
ALL BLACKS – 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Peter Lakai, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Bench: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Billy Proctor, 23 Fehi Fineanganofo.
Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
The post No Beauden in Rennie’s first All Blacks team appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Dave Rennie has made an immediate statement by naming a bold All Blacks side to face France in Christchurch on Saturday.
The post No Beauden in Rennie’s first All Blacks team appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
