All Blacks Named For First Test Against Australia

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his first test team to face Australia in Wellington on Sunday 11 October, at 4pm. Foster has named Richie Mo’unga at first five, Beauden Barrett at fullback, Jordie Barrett on the right wing, and Jack Goodhue partnering Rieko Ioane in the centres, with Anton Lienert-Brown on the bench. The forwards have a front row combination of Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Ofa Tuungafasi, with Dane Coles and Karl Tu’inukuafe on the bench, Patrick Tuipulotu locking with Sam Whitelock, and a back row combination of captain Sam Cane, Ardie Savea at number eight and Shannon Frizell on the blindside. In total, there are 17 players out of 23 from the losing semi-final against England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup last year.

All Blacks: 

Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (c), Shannon Frizell, Sam Whitelock, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tuungafasi, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody

Reserves: Dane Coles, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Nepo Laulala, Tupou Vaa’i, Hoskins Sotutu, TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke.

Australia: 

Tom Banks, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Matt To'omua, Marika Koroibete, James O'Connor, Nic White; Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper (c), Pete Samu, Matt Philip, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Taniela Tupou, Folau Fainga'a, James Slipper. 

Reserves: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Rob Valetini, Jake Gordon Noah Lolesio, Reece Hodge.