Three changes as All Blacks target another win over Wallabies
by AFP · KickOffNew Zealand made three changes to its starting side on Thursday for the second Bledisloe Cup Test, with forwards Josh Lord and Ethan de Groot dropped as they target a 13th consecutive victory over Australia.
Dave Rennie's side thrashed the Wallabies 50-19 at Eden Park last weekend to secure the trans-Tasman trophy for a 24th consecutive time.
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With the silverware secured, Rennie has brought in Fabian Holland at lock to replace Lord, while George Bower was preferred to De Groot at loosehead prop for Saturday's clash in Sydney.
Josh Moorby got the nod on the wing ahead of Rieko Ioane, replacing Leroy Carter, who faces a spell on the sidelines after injuring his ankle while scoring a try in the victory in Auckland.
These are among eight changes to the match-day 23, with forwards Asafo Aumua and Anton Segner, both ruled out with concussion, and Ethan Blackadder, who has a calf injury, also unavailable.
Hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho, prop Xavier Numia, loose forward Du'Plessis Kirifi, halfback Cortez Ratima and midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai come into the squad as reserves.
They join prop Pasilio Tosi, loose forward Shannon Frizell and Ioane on the bench.
Veteran Beauden Barrett is again at fullback, with Damian McKenzie retained at fly-half after playing an influential role in orchestrating last week's win.
Cam Roigard once again has scrum-half duties, with Rennie hoping his kicking game can cause Australia major problems again.
"Last week was a big week, with it being our first game back on New Zealand soil after a long tour away and the Bledisloe Cup on the line," said Rennie.
"We put in a performance befitting the occasion. Now we need to back that performance up."
All Blacks team to face the Wallabies
15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Josh Moorby, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor (captain), 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Shannon Frizell, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Rieko Ioane.