New Zealand All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Australia in Melbourne on Thursday night. With number eight Ardie Savea remaining in New Zealand for the birth of his child, and Shannon Frizell out injured, Foster has moved Scott Barrett to blindside flanker, and bought in Brodie Retallick to start at lock, and Hoskins Sotutu to start at number eight. The backs are unchanged from the Argentina test, while Akira Ioane comes into the reserves.
After their previous 24-8 loss to South Africa, Australian coach Dave Rennie has made eight changes to his starting side. Halfback Nic White, hooker Folau Fainga'a and openside flanker Fraser McReight drop to the reserves, while prop Taniela Topou has a calf injury, and both first five Noah Lolesio and center Hunter Paisami are out with concussion.
New Zealand All Blacks:
Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, Caleb Clarke, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Cane (c), Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Tyrel Lomax, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan de Groot.
Reserves:
Dane Coles, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Quinn Tupaea.
Australia Wallabies:
Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Lalakai Foketi, Marika Koroibete, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Rob Valetini, Pete Samu, Rob Leota, Matt Philip, Jed Holloway, Allan Alaalatoa, Dave Porecki, James Slipper (c).
Reserves:
Folau Fainga'a, Scott Sio, Pone Fa'amausili, Darcy Swain, Fraser McReight, Nic White, Reece Hodge, Jordan Petaia.