The big guns have been brought out for Saturday’s potential Bledisloe Cup decider as New Zealand look to beat Australia again at Eden Park and clinch the series with a game to spare.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster will hand star winger Will Jordan a start on his return from injury, while Marika Koroibete comes back into the Wallabies XV after he was briefly dropped from contention.
That pair are due to collide in a direct head-to-head that could have a significant sway on the result, with the most notable changes for both teams located among the backs.
New Zealand survived a late comeback attempt to win 33-25 in Auckland last Saturday, though this game has extra significance serving as the opening fixture of the 2021 Rugby Championship.
Jordan’s return to the All Blacks XV means Rieko Ioane moves to outside centre as a replacement for the injured Anton Lienert-Brown, while Sevu Reece swaps over to the left wing.
Richie Mo’unga and Damian McKenzie keep their places at fly-half and full-back, respectively, as Barrett brothers Beauden and Jordie are forced to settle for places on the bench once again.
TJ Perenara also joins the reserves after replacing Brad Weber as deputy scrum-half after starter Aaron Smith dazzled on his 100th Test appearance for the All Blacks last time out.
Speaking at a press conference announcing his team, Foster said New Zealand were “delighted” with their first win of the series, adding: “We know that Australia will be disappointed with the result and will lift. It’s a do or die game for them.
“But the Bledisloe Cup means a lot to us. It’s an historic trophy and it’s easy for people to take it for granted based on results in recent years, but throughout history it has been a hard Cup to win, so it’s hugely important.”
Koroibete’s comeback is the big news for Australia as they look to win at Eden Park for the first time since 1986, having also failed to wrest the Bledisloe Cup from their rivals since 2002.
The return of the Melbourne Rebel sees Andrew Kellaway move across to the right wing having scored in his maiden Test start last Saturday, with Jordan Petaia dropping out of the 23-man squad.
Matt To’omua did enough as a substitute at Eden Park to earn a spot in Dave Rennie’s XV for the second Test, partnering Hunter Paisami at centre while Len Ikitau moves to the bench.
Captain Michael Hooper will make his 110th Test appearance to draw level with Wallabies greats Will Genia and Sekope Kepu, a remarkable achievement considering the openside is still only 29.
Lachlan Swinton—who was sent off when Australia defeated the All Blacks 24-22 in Brisbane last November—also returns at blindside flanker following injury.
Scrum-half Nic White is also back among the selection as bench cover after his own spell on the sidelines, while locks Matt Philip and Darcy Swain with start together for the first time under Test conditions.
There could be no doubt Australia finished the stronger of the two teams in the Bledisloe curtain-raiser, but Rennie said he’s expecting a more conclusive performance this time around.
“Eden Park is a place that most teams fear but we’re excited to get another crack after last weekend’s disappointment," he told reporters.
“To beat New Zealand, you have to win the collisions and be clinical for 80 minutes and we didn’t do that.
“We’ve got a lot more in us and we’ll show that on Saturday night.”
It was recently confirmed the 20-minute red card rule will be added to the list of laws trialled at this year’s Rugby Championship, which also includes the goal-line drop-out and 50-22 kick.
New Zealand XV: (Backs) Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; (Forwards) Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane, Samuel Whitelock (c), Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, George Bower
Reps: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Angus Ta’avao, Scott Barrett, Luke Jacobson, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett
Australia XV: (Backs) Tom Banks, Andrew Kellaway, Hunter Paisami, Matt To’omua, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott; (Forwards) Rob Valentini, Michael Hooper (c), Lachlan Swinton, Matt Philip, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper
Reps: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Harry Wilson, Nic White, Len Ikitau, Reece Hodge
