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Six debutants named for All Blacks' one-off test against Fiji in San Diego
Stephen Foote • July 18th, 2024 11:20 am
Scott Robertson has rung the changes for his All Black squad to face Fiji in San Diego on Saturday afternoon (NZ time).
Just four players from the second-Test win over England remain in the starting XV, as the new coach looks to give his entire squad a taste of action in their final hit out before the Rugby Championship.
Midfielder Billy Proctor will start in the No. 13 jersey as one of six debutants, with hooker George Bell, prop Pasilio Tosi, lock Sam Darry, No. 8 Wallace Sititi, and halfback Noah Hotham each set to earn their first cap from the bench.
After impressing off the pine at Eden Park, Cortez Ratima has earned the nod to start at halfback, combining with first-five Damian McKenzie in the halves.
Beauden Barrett replaces Stephen Perofeta at fullback on the back of his match-winning cameos off the pine against the English last weekend.
The entire front row has been refreshed, with Asafo Aumua packing down at hooker between props Fletcher Newell and Tamaiti Williams, while Tupou Vaa'i joins skipper Scott Barrett in the second row.
In the loose forwards, Ethan Blackadder has been shifted from the more familiar role of blindside flanker to openside, joined by Luke Jacobson and vice-captain Ardie Savea at No. 8.
Blues standout Caleb Clarke returns to the starting line-up to form a wing tandem with Sevu Reece, with Anton Lienert-Brown slotting into the centres next to Proctor.
Emoni Narawa is poised to play his second Test off the bench, the first since his debut against Argentina in Mendoza over 12 months ago.
Jordie Barrett and Ethan de Groot are the only other two experienced faces in the reserves, with the remainder comprised of the rest of the debutants.
"They've earned their opportunity," Robertson said of the six new faces selected.
"They've prepared well and they are ready for Test match rugby. We have a lot of respect for Fiji who will be fast and physical and we're looking forward to the contest.
"It's been a superb week in in San Diego. Our leaders have fed off the younger players energy and our focus is now on performing."
More to come
ALL BLACKS: 15. Beauden Barrett, 14. Sevu Reece, 13. Billy Proctor, 12. Anton Lienert-Brown, 11. Caleb Clarke, 10. Damian McKenzie, 9. Cortez Ratima, 8. Ardie Savea (vc). 7. Ethan Blackadder, 6. Luke Jacobson, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 3. Fletcher Newell, 2. Asafo Aumua, 1. Tamaiti Williams.
Reserves: 16. George Bell, 17. Ethan de Groot, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Sam Darry, 20. Wallace Sititi, 21. Noah Hotham, 22. Jordie Barrett, 23. Emoni Narawa.
FIJI: 15. Vilimoni Botitu, 14. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu (captain), 12. Inia Tabuavou, 11. Semi Radradra, 10. Isiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9. Frank Lomani, 8. Viliame Mata, 7. Kitione Salawa, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 3. Mesake Doge, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 1. Eroni Mawi
Reserves: 16. Zuriel Togiatama, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Samu Tawake, 19. Albert Tuisue, 20. Elia Canakaivata, 21. Simione Kuruvoli, 22. Caleb Muntz, 23. Sireli Maqala
