Steve Hansen to test replacements for dropped veterans in Bledisloe Cup decider

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has said while he wants the veteran trio he dropped for Saturday's Bledisloe Test to be "playing better", the moves were more about testing their replacements in a pressured environment.

Hansen announced his 23‑man squad that will defend the Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park this weekend with Ben Smith, Owen Franks and Rieko Ioane dropped after last week's big loss in Perth.

The axing has seen George Bridge, Sevu Reece and Nepo Laulala all thrust into starting roles in front of a sold out Auckland crowd ‑ which is all part of Hansen's master plan.

The All Blacks play the Wallabies at 7.35pm Saturday in Auckland.

TVNZ 

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