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Shaun Stevenson one of three debutants as All Blacks team named for Bledisloe clash
By Ben Smith
Ian Foster has named his All Blacks side to face the Wallabies in Dunedin in the second Bledisloe Test with a host of changes, including the popular selection of Shaun Stevenson.
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The Chiefs flyer has been handed a start on the right wing as part of a new look back three, with Crusader Leicester Fainga’anuku earning a berth on the left wing and Will Jordan wearing the No 15 jersey for the first time.
Beauden Barrett has been rested from the gameday 23, meaning the Mt Smart Test was his last on New Zealand soil ahead of his post-World Cup move to Japan.
Foster has gone with a fresh midfield, handing Braydon Ennor a start in the No 13 jersey alongside Anton Lienert-Brown at 12, while Dallas McLeod is in line for his first cap having been named on the bench in the 23 jersey.
In the halves, Damian McKenzie has been given another start at No 10 after his impressive performance in the opener in Mendoza and he will partner Finlay Christie, who will wear the No 9.
Aaron Smith has been named on the bench, which means last week’s debutant Cam Roigard misses out. Smith will have the opportunity to farewell the Dunedin faithful in the black jersey after a storied career for the Highlanders. Richie Mo’unga has been named as the reserve first five-eighth.
The changes continue up front with a new look front row. Tamaiti Williams has been handed his first start at loosehead prop, alongside Samisoni Tau’keiaho and Nepo Laulala. Fletcher Newell returns to the side on the bench, alongside reserves Dane Coles and Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
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The second row is familiar with Sam Whitelock returning to the starting side to resume his partnership with Brodie Retallick. Tupou Vaa’i has been named on the bench as the reserve lock, while Scott Barrett has been rested.
The back row is headlined by the debut of Samipeni Finau in the No 6 jersey, while Sam Cane also returns to the lineup after sitting out the Melbourne Test with a neck concern. Ardie Savea will play again in at No 8, with Luke Jacobson named as loose forward cover.
All Blacks side to face the Wallabies at Forsyth Barr 2.35pm NZT:
1. Tamaiti Williams
2. Samisoni Tau’keiaho
3. Nepo Laulala
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Sam Cane (c)
8. Ardie Savea
9. Finlay Christie
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Leicester Fainga’anuku
12. Anton Lienert-Brown
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Shaun Stevenson
15. Will Jordan
Reserves
16. Dane Coles
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi
18. Fletcher Newell
19. Tupou Vaa’i
20. Luke Jacobson
21. Aaron Smith
22. Richie Mo’unga
23. Dallas McLeod
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Perfect
Well, Foster had one job and that was to select Roigard. Despite 20 attempts he failed at it.
Tough gig for DMac and ALB.
DMac could do with a better 9, a second playmaker and a big line straightening 12. ALB needs a bigger partner too, like McLeod.
Surely too late now for Havili, Moody and Blackadder. And go Tamaiti!
Here’s a question for the stats gurus
How long has it been since an all black team sheet hasn’t mentioned the surname Barrett at least once???
Okay lets go ABs. I like the team. I just think Leicester Fainga’anuku is too slow to be a test level winger. He should be at 12 or 13.
It has the hint of a risk about it.
Well thats a very changed team and will require a very different game plan. Apart from 10 there is no kickers so that is a massive difference and these guys will hardly know each other. Imagine if we win with this many changes.
Finally some bold picks....Shaun go man