| The Test will be played at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, this Saturday 18 October. (Kick-off: 7.05PM QLD time, 10.05PM NZT. 12 midday SA Time )
The starting XV features two changes from the front row which started the Test against South Africa 12 days ago, with Dane Coles starting at hooker and propWyatt Crockett coming back from injury at loosehead prop. Lock Brodie Retallickalso returns from injury to the second row and Liam Messam is at blindside flanker. The backline features just one change, with Cory Jane coming in for the rested Ben Smith on the right wing. On the reserves bench, Patrick Tuipulotu has been named at reserve lock, Sam Cane comes in as loose forward cover, TJ Perenara is reserve halfback andCharles Piutau comes in to cover the outside backs. The team is (with Test caps in brackets): Starting XV: 1. Wyatt Crockett (32) Reserves: 16. Keven Mealamu (119) All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: “There is a real sense of determination in the team this week to prepare well and put in a quality performance on the weekend. There were some aspects of our game in the loss to South Africa that we weren’t happy with and we have worked hard on addressing those this week. There is always an expectation that when you pull on the All Blacks jersey, that individually and collectively as a team, you will play well and this week is no different.” Highlights * Keven Mealamu looks set to play his 120th Test for the All Blacks from the bench, while Sam Whitelock will play his 60th. |
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