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
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