New Zealand make 11 changes for Fiji Test

New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson has made 11 changes to the side for the upcoming Test against Fiji to be played in San Diego.

The matchday squad has six uncapped players with Billy Proctor starting at midfield with the remaining debutants named on the bench.

Beauden Barrett, who played on the bench in the two games against England starts at fullback with Caleb Clarke replacing Mark Telea to join Sevu Reece at wing. Proctor is joined Anton Lienert-Brown in the midfield.

Damian McKenzie retains his fly-half position with Cortez Ratima making his first start for the All Blacks takes position at scrum-half. The back row comprises of the experienced Ardie Savea along with Ethan Blackadder and Luke Jacobson while skipper Scott Barrett partners with Tupou Vaa’i in the second row.

The front row comrpises of Fletcher Newell, Asafo Aumua and Tamati Williams while George Bell, Pasilio Tosi, Sam Darry, Wallace Sititi and Noah Hotham are set to make their debut from the bench.

“When they get going and rolling, they break the game up and can beat anyone. They’ve had some big scalps over the last few years,” Robertson said.

“From Super Rugby Pacific, we get to know their players very well, and when you get Semi Radradra back, you know you’re in for a hell of a Test match.

“We prepared, and we’ve got a good balance of experienced players and debutants.”

New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Tamaiti Williams

Reserves: 16 George Bell, 17 Ethan de Groot, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Noah Hotham, 22 Jordie Barrett, 23 Emoni Narawa