Robertson makes 4 changes for Bledisloe opener, Reece on the bench

Robertson makes 4 changes for Bledisloe opener, Reece on the bench

By Mikaele Liga
Thursday 19/09/2024
Photo: Rugby Pass

All Blacks Coach Scott Robertson has made four changes to the run-on side to play the Wallabies in Sydney after naming his team to play them this week in an expected cracker of a game.

In the forwards, Ethan de Groot has returned from his neck injury to start at loose-head prop, while Pasilio Tosi will prepare to play his second All Blacks test match.

Caleb Clarke has recovered from his back injury to take the left wing and Will Jordan will take the other wing leaving Fiji born Sevu Reece on the bench.

Robertson says the Bledisloe Cup is so revered by both of these teams, that they are expecting a classic showdown against their Australian rivals.

He says they have acknowledged the rich history of the Cup this week as a team and recognize that history does not bestow any rights.

Razor adds the Bledisloe Cup is always hard-earned and each year is its chapter in the Bledisloe story.

He says according to him the All Blacks have held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003 and are favorites to retain the trophy again this year.

The opening test is in Sydney on Saturday, with the sold-out second test in Wellington the following week.

Robertson is confident the selectors have made the right calls.

The team to face the Wallabies includes hooker Codie Taylor, prop Tyrel Lomax, locks Scott Barrett who is also the captain, and Tupou Vaa'i, Flankers Wallace Sititi, and Sam Cane while Ardie Savea is at number 8.

Halfback Cortez Ratima will pair up with Damian McKenzie at flyhalf.

Inside center Jordie Barrett will pair up with Rieko Ioane at outside center while Beauden Barrett is at fullback.

The reserves include Asafo Aumua, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Sam Darry, Luke Jacobson, TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, while Fletcher Newell and Ruben Love are out with injuries.

The All Blacks take on the Wallabies at 5.45pm this Saturday.

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
375 reports recorded by Police over the last 24 hrs – Naivalurua
Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua has raised alarm on the reports received by Police on a daily basis with 375 reports recorded over the last 24 ...
26 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
Government allocates $12M per month to Ba and Lautoka Aspen Hospitals – Dr. Lalabalavu
The Government is paying $12 million per month to Lautoka and Ba Public-Private Partnership hospitals to ensure continued services, following ...
14 minutes ago

People need answers about the gold Rolex - Chaudhry
The Fiji Labour Party finds it appalling that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, adorned with a $150,000-plus gold Rolex watch allegedly gifted by a ...
17 minutes ago

DPM Prasad says Seruiratu and his bunch are confused while Seruiratu says government should stop playing dirty games
Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad has called out Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu saying he and his bunch are totally confused while ...
21 minutes ago

17-year-old and an 18-year-old arrested for alleged stoning of Police vehicle in Nabua
The second suspect in the alleged stoning of a police vehicle along Ratu Mara Road in Nabua last night is in police custody. Police say a ...
2 hours ago

FMF brings affordable Finest Premium Ceylon Tea to Fiji, promising quality for everyone
FMF Foods Limited is making a bold move into Fiji’s tea market with the launch of FMF Finest Premium Ceylon Tea, aiming to provide high-quality tea ...
2 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Reverend Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Watch the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
15 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and William Parkinson
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson ...
16 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and Adi Tulia Nacola
The candid interview focuses on Nacola, coming from a chiefly family and being a daughter of a Minister who was ousted in the 1987 military coup, her ...
16 days ago

TOP