All Blacks make 11 changes for the rugby test against Fiji in San Diego
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has made 11 changes to his starting lineup for Friday’s rugby test against Fiji in San Diego.
Six uncapped players have been selected in the squad, including Hurricanes center Billy Proctor, who is in the starting XV. The others are on the reserves bench.
Among the new caps in the replacements is Crusaders scrumhalf Noah Hotham, who wasn’t included in the initial 32-man squad selected by Robertson ahead of New Zealand's two home tests against England.
Hotham has just completed his first full Super Rugby season, playing 12 matches for the Crusaders, five of those as a replacement. He joined the squad as cover after T.J. Perenara was injured in the series-opening win over England test and now has moved into the match 23 as understudy to Cortez Ratima.
Ratima made his debut in the second test last weekend and will have his first start against Fiji.
The other uncapped players are hooker George Bell, prop Pasilio Tosi, lock Sam Darry and backrower Wallace Sititi.
The starting lineup to face Fiji at the Snapdragon Stadium includes an all-new front row of props Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell and hooker Asafo Aumua. Newell and Aumua were in the reserves in the England tests.
Captain Scott Barrett remains in the second row and is paired with Tupou Vaa’i, who was used off the bench against England.
Ardie Savea continues at No. 8 in a new backrow combination with Luke Jacobson and Ethan Blackadder. Jacobson was a reserve against England but Blackadder will play for the first time this season.
Damian McKenzie has been retained at flyhalf and will play his 50th test, while Proctor will combine with Anton Lienert-Brown in a new midfield partnership.
Caleb Clarke returns on the left wing and Beauden Barrett will start at fullback after coming off the bench against England. Sevu Reece remains on the right wing.
Robertson congratulated the six new caps.
“They’ve earned their opportunity,” he said. “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 San Diego. Our leaders have fed off the younger players' energy and our focus is now on performing.”
The All Blacks were disappointing in their tests against England — recording 16-15 and 23-15 wins — and will hope for a better attacking game against Fiji, which is coming off a 21-12 win over Georgia.
Fiji head coach Mick Byrne made seven changes to his 23-man squad for the test. Flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula will start a test for the first time after making his debut off the bench against Georgia.
Vilimoni Botitu moves from flyhalf to fullback and Semi Radradra will make his first appearance of the year on the left wing.
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Squads:
New Zealand: Beauden Barrett, Sevu Reece, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima; Ardie Savea, Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson, Tupou Vaa’i, Scott Barrett (captain), Fletcher Newell, Asafo Aumua, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: George Bell, Ethan de Groot, Pasilio Tosi, Sam Darry, Wallace Sititi, Noah Hotham, Jordie Barrett, Emoni Narawa.
Fiji: Vilimoni Botitu, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu (captain), Inia Tabuavou, Semi Radradra, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Frank Lomani; Viliame Mata, Kitione Salawa, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere, Eroni Mawi. Reserves: Zuriel Togiatama, Haireiti Hetet, Samu Tawake, Albert Tuisue, Elia Canikaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Sireli Maqawa.
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