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11 All Blacks changes as Robertson names team to take on England
By
Liam Heagney
Scott Robertson has confirmed his All Blacks team to take on England this Saturday at Allianz Stadium, an XV with 11 changes from last Saturday’s tour opening win over Japan. New Zealand ran out convincing 64-19 winners in Yokohama in the opening match of their five-game trip and they have now unveiled a selection showing six backline changes and five more in the pack for their Twickenham renewal with the English.
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The All Blacks, who were 2-0 series winners in New Zealand when they countries clashed in July, have opted to only retain Mark Tele’a in a backline where he will be accompanied by the recalled Cortez Ratima, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Will Jordan.
In the pack, the retained trio of Tamaiti Williams, Wallace Sititi and Sam Cane are joined by Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax, skipper Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa’I and Ardie Savea.
An NZRU statement read: “The side to play England includes wholesale changes to the team that played Japan. Tamaiti Williams will start again at loosehead prop and will be joined by Tyrel Lomax and Codie Taylor to form the front row. Hooker Asafo Aumua and props Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Pasilio Tosi will provide cover.
“Captain Scott Barrett will partner with Tupou Vaa’i at lock, with Patrick Tuipulotu in reserve. In the loose forwards, Wallace Sititi moves to blindside, Sam Cane remains at openside flanker and Ardie Savea enters the team at No8, while Samipeni Finau takes an impact role this week.
“Cortez Ratima and Cam Roigard will share the half-back duties this week with Ratima starting. Beauden Barrett will run the cutter at first five-eighth and brother Jordie Barrett returns from injury to play second five-eighth.
“Mark Tele’a and Caleb Clarke will take the wings, while Rieko Ioane starts at centre and Will Jordan at fullback. Anton Lienert-Brown and Damian McKenzie will provide impact cover for the backs.
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Robertson said: “While we have met England twice this year already, four months is a long time in rugby and we know that both teams are different to the ones that met in New Zealand in July.
“Twickenham is such an iconic place to play and the roar of the crowd there is like few others. The All Blacks have had some fierce battles there in recent years and that’s a challenge that we will step forward to, especially with the Hillary Shield at stake.”
All Blacks (vs England, Saturday)
1. Tamaiti Williams (15 caps)
2. Codie Taylor (93)
3. Tyrel Lomax (40)
4. Scott Barrett (76) (captain)
5. Tupou Vaa’i (34)
6. Wallace Sititi (6)
7. Sam Cane (101)
8. Ardie Savea (90) (vice-captain)
9. Cortez Ratima (8)
10. Beauden Barrett (131)
11. Caleb Clarke (25)
12. Jordie Barrett (65) (vice-captain)
13. Rieko Ioane (77)
14. Mark Tele’a (16)
15. Will Jordan (37)
Replacements:
16. Asafo Aumua (16)
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (64)
18. Pasilio Tosi (4)
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (47)
20. Samipeni Finau (5)
21. Cam Roigard (6)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (80)
23. Damian McKenzie (57)
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Decent team, I would very much like to see Lakai in for Cane, but other than that this is the best 23 we have put out this year.
Can’t argue too much with this side. Expected to see BB at 10 and Dmac off the bench.
Williams is due a big game if he is going to nail down the no.1 jersey.
Also expected to see Clarke at 11. High balls incoming.
Clarke is very good under high ball. Its Tele'a who cannot catch a high ball to save his life.
De Groot, has he gone from first choice to third?
DeGroot is not a threat as a ball carrier. Williams and DeGroot are both destructive scrummagers.
AB by 10