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Foster makes four changes in latest All Blacks team to face Boks
By Liam Heagney
Ian Foster has named an All Blacks team for next Saturday’s rematch with the Springboks in Johannesburg showing four changes – three in the starting pack – following last weekend’s deflating 26-10 round one Rugby Championship loss in Mbombela.
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The 16-point margin made it New Zealand’s fifth-equal biggest loss in their 616-Test history and the under-fire head coach has reacted by shaking things up in the forwards and also making a switch at fly-half.
Props Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax, who were both replacements last weekend, have been promoted to start at the expense of the benched George Bower and the excluded Angus Ta’avao. With tighthead Ta’avao not making the 23, the bench cover will be supplied by the uncapped Fletcher Newell.
Elsewhere, blindside flanker Shannon Frizell has been promoted from the replacements to start at Ellis Park following his try-scoring cameo. He takes over from the benched Akira Ioane while in the backs, Richie Mo’unga will be the starting No10 in place of the demoted Beauden Barrett for the first time this season. Codie Taylor replaces Dane Coles as the sub hooker on a bench that has five alterations from last weekend.
“Belief and confidence remain high in our group, which is working incredibly hard this week,” said Foster. “Playing at Ellis Park is always a special occasion for any All Blacks team and this weekend will be no different. Adding to that, the Freedom Cup is on the line which makes this a challenge that everyone is looking forward to.”
Our 23 for Ellis Park ? pic.twitter.com/T6a7wZaPIL
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 11, 2022
All Blacks (vs Springboks, Saturday)
1. Ethan de Groot (5)
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (12)
3. Tyrel Lomax (15)
4. Samuel Whitelock (135)
5. Scott Barrett (51)
6. Shannon Frizell (18)
7. Sam Cane – captain (81)
8. Ardie Savea (63)
9. Aaron Smith (106)
10. Richie Mo’unga (36)
11. Caleb Clarke (6)
12. David Havili (17)
13. Rieko Ioane (51)
14. Will Jordan (16)
15. Jordie Barrett (40)
Replacements:
16. Codie Taylor (69)
17. George Bower (15)
18. Fletcher Newell *
19. Tupou Vaa’i (13)
20. Akira Ioane (15)
21. Finlay Christie (7)
22. Beauden Barrett (105)
23. Quinn Tupaea (10)
* Debut
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Why are the All Blacks struggling of late?
Simple answer. Ask yourself... how many of this current All Black team will be selected in a World team? Apart from maybe Beauden Barret, none. Zero. Zilch.
That is the problem with NZ rugby. It is the current players. Not the coach. You can bring in any new coach. It won't change the fortunes of this All Black side by much.
Where are the Collins', McCaws, Carter's, Cullens, Nonus, Umagas?
Always respected the All Black teams in the past. In the past 10 years, a World team would consist of 8 to 10 All Blacks at least.
Not anymore.
No BB?? Out of all the changes Foster could have made, that one seems the most difficult to comprehend. There is no doubt Richie is a great 10 for the Crusaders at the Super Rugby level. However, he has not yet proved himself at the international level. Not sure if Ellis Park is the place to give him another starting opportunity.
It’s official. Foster is the worst coach in NZ pro rugby.
Good to see some young blood coming in. Go All Blacks!
Here's to Ian Forster's swan-song.