Beauden Barrett drops to bench as New Zealand make four changes
Beauden Barrett has been named among the replacements
©PA
New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson has made four changes to the starting line up for the Cape Town Test against the New Zealand on Saturday.
Ethan Blackadder will miss out of the encounter due to hamstring injury with Wallace Sititi replacing him at blindside. Caleb Clarke, who was one of the try scorer in Johannesburg also misses out due to back injury with Mark Tele’a coming at left wing.
With Beauden Barrett dropping to the bench, Will Jordan moves to fullback and Sevu Reece comes at right wing. Reiko Ionae and Jordie Barrett will continue to form midfield partnership.
Damian McKenzie will retain the number 10 jersey but with TJ Perenara dropping to the bench, Cortez Ratima starts at scrum half.
“It’s been great to feel the support in Cape Town this week and we’re looking forward to playing in a city with a rich rugby history and deep support for the All Blacks,” Robertson said.
“TJ and Beauden will add significant experience and leadership when they run out and the 23 selected will put in a performance our fans both here in Cape Town and at home in New Zealand will be proud of.”
New Zealand: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Tele’a, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams
Reserves: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Luke Jacobson, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Beauden Barrett
