Hansen drops big names as All Blacks name team to face Australia

The All Blacks team has been named to play Australia in the Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park in Auckland next Saturday.

In changes from the 23 which played the first Bledisloe Cup Test in Perth, Nepo Laulala comes in for Owen Franks at tighthead prop, with Ofa Tuungafasi coming in for Atu Moli on the bench. Patrick Tuipulotu will start at lock alongside Sam Whitelock, with Jackson Hemopo coming into the 19 jersey.

In the backs, Sonny Bill Williams will start at 12, with Anton Lienert-Brown moving out to 13, replacing the injured Jack Goodhue. George Bridge and Sevu Reece come in for Rieko Ioane and Ben Smith in the 11 and 14 jerseys respectively, and Jordie Barrett comes onto the bench in the 23 jersey.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said: “We have worked hard this week on our game and all that comes with it. We’ve had a great preparation and really excited and looking forward to a massive, must-win match for the Bledisloe Cup on Saturday.

“We know that Australia will be determined and confident after their win in Perth which makes the challenge even more exciting.”

? TEAM NAMING | The All Blacks team has been named for the deciding #BledisloeCup Test against Australia at Eden Park on Saturday.

TEAM ?? https://t.co/rhUHjWtJSG #NZLvAUS #BACKBLACK pic.twitter.com/ao9lWpOXIY

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 14, 2019

Hansen added that his team was also looking forward to huge support in the stands on Saturday. “It’s a sell-out, which is fantastic, and we hope our fans are in full voice. We are always buoyed by the massive support we receive from our fans and we look forward to more of the same on Saturday night.”

NEW ZEALAND’S MATCHDAY 23 (Test caps in brackets):

1. Joe Moody (39)

2. Dane Coles (63)

3. Nepo Laulala (18)

4. Patrick Tuipulotu (23)

5. Samuel Whitelock (110)

6. Ardie Savea (37) 

7. Sam Cane (62)

8. Kieran Read – captain (120)

9. Aaron Smith (85)

10. Richie Mo’unga (11)

11. George Bridge (3)

12. Sonny Bill Williams (52)

13. Anton Lienert-Brown (36)

14. Sevu Reece (1)

15. Beauden Barrett (76)

16. Codie Taylor (43)

17. Ofa Tuungafasi (28)

18. Angus Ta’avao (6)

19. Jackson Hemopo (4)

20. Matt Todd (19)

21. TJ Perenara (57)

22. Ngani Laumape (12)

23. Jordie Barrett (10)

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