The composition of New Zealand to face this Saturday the French team was unveiled. With many surprises.
All Blacks Coach Scott Robertson created a number of surprises in his first group of the season, including four novices and a new line of three-quarters for the opening of the summer series against the French team, on Saturday in Dunedin.
The young second-line Fabian Holland will start in the cage alongside Captain Scott Barrett, while Christian Lio-Willie will play his first test at the eight number, which will allow Ardie Savea to occupy the Flanker position.
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Tupou Vaa’i, who especially played as a second-line for the Waikato Chiefs in Super Rugby this season, will start with the jersey number 6 following the injuries of Wallace Sititi (ankle) and Luke Jacobson (cerebral concussion). The Ollie Norris pillar and the third-line of’Plessis Kirifi will make their first appearance on the bench while the All Blacks try to end a series of three defeats against the French.
McKenzie on the bench
“It’s a great moment for these men and their families, we are all delighted for them”Robertson said about players who will make their debut. “For Fabian and Christian, it will be special to start in front of the public of Dunedin and I am sure that the supporters of the Highlanders of Fabian and those of Otago de Christian will be there. Ollie and Du’Plessis both showed their class in super rugby this year and we know they are ready “.
Billy Proctor, who has already been selected twice, will carry the number 13 alongside Leinster Jordie Barrett player. Robertson kept Beauden Barrett and Cameron Roigard at the hinge, while appointing Will Jordan at the back, relegating the opening half of the Chiefs Damian McKenzie as a luxury replacement.
La composition des All Blacks
15–Will Jordan, 14–Sevu Reece, 13–Billy Proctor, 12–Jordie Barrett, 11–Rieko Ioane, 10–Beauden Barrett, 9–Cam Roigard, 8–Christian Lio-Willie, 7–Ardie Savea, 6–Tupou Vaa’i, 5–Fabian Holland, 4–Scott Barrett (capt), 3–Fletcher Newell, 2–Codie Taylor, 1–Ethan de Groot.
Replacements : 16–Samison Day Skills, 17–Ollie Norris, 18–Pacie Tos, 19–Jamese Finau, 20–Du’Plesis Kirifi, 21–Cortez Ratima, 22–Quinn Tupaea, 23–Damian McKenzie.
