All Blacks Named For Second Fiji Test In Hamilton

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Fiji in the second test in Hamilton on Saturday night. The side features nine changes from the starting side that face Fiji in Dunedin last weekend, and see's the return of Anton Lienert-Brown at centre after being out due to a elbow operation after the Super Rugby season. Ardie Savea will also return from a knee injury at openside flanker in place of Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson at number eight in place of Hoskins Sotutu, and Richie Mo'unga in place of Beauden Barrett. The match kicks off Saturday 17 July, 7.05pm at FMG Stadium, Hamilton.

Fiji coach Vern Cotter has made four changes to his starting side, with injured captain Levani Botia replaced by Eneriko Buliruarua, halfback Frank Lomani coming in after travel disruptions from Australia, Peceli Yato at number eight in place of Albert Tuisue, and Setareki Tuicuvu at wing in place of Eroni Sau. In the reserves Mesulame Dolokoto and Eroni Mawi are the replacement front rowers, Kitione Kamikamica covers the loose forwards, Moses Sorovi halfback, and Teti Tela outside backs.

All Blacks Team:

1. George Bower
2. Codie Taylor
3. Nepo Laulala
4. Scott Barrett
5. Samuel Whitelock - captain
6. Akira Ioane 
7. Ardie Savea 
8. Luke Jacobson 
9. Aaron Smith 
10. Richie Mo'unga 
11. Sevu Reece 
12. David Havili 
13. Anton Lienert-Brown 
14. Will Jordan 
15. Damian McKenzie 

Reserves:

16. Dane Coles 
17. Ethan de Groot 
18. Angus Ta'avao 
19. Brodie Retallick 
20. Shannon Frizell 
21. Brad Weber 
22. Beauden Barrett 
23. Rieko Ioane 

Fiji Team: 

Kini Murimurivalu, Setareki Tuicuvu, Waisea Nayacalevu, Eneriko Buliruarua, Nemani Nadolo, Ben Volavola, Frank Lomani; Peceli Yato, Mesulame Kunavula, Johnny Dyer, Leone Nakarawa (c), Temo Mayanavanua, Mesaki Doge, Sam Matavesi, Peni Ravai. 

Reserves: 

Mesulame Dolokoto, Eroni Mawi, Leeroy Atalifo, Albert Tuisue, Kitione Kamikamica, Moses Sorovi, Teti Tela, Manasa Mataele.

All Blacks Named For First Fiji Test

All Black coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Fiji in the second match of the Steinlager Series at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 7.05pm, Saturday 10 July.

The side features 13 changes to the starting side that faced Tonga last week, with only centre Rieko Ioane and winger George Bridge remaining to start. Halfback Aaron Smith will captain the side for the first time, in his 98th test, and will pair with Beauden Barrett at first five. Brodie Retallick also starts his first match for the All Blacks since 2019, and partners Patrick Tuipulotu at lock. 

All Black Team: 

1. George Bower 
2. Codie Taylor 
3. Nepo Laulala 
4. Patrick Tuipulotu 
5. Brodie Retallick 
6. Shannon Frizell 
7. Ethan Blackadder 
8. Hoskins Sotutu 
9. Aaron Smith - captain
10. Beauden Barrett 
11. George Bridge 
12. David Havili 
13. Rieko Ioane 
14. Sevu Reece 
15. Jordie Barrett 

Reserves:

16. Dane Coles 
17. Ethan de Groot 
18. Tyrel Lomax 
19. Samuel Whitelock 
20. Luke Jacobson 
21. Finlay Christie 
22. Damian McKenzie 
23. Will Jordan 

Fiji Team:

1. Peni Ravai
2. Samuel Matavesi
3. Mesake Doge
4. Temo Mayanavanua
5. Leone Nakarawa
6. Johnny Dyer
7. Mesulame Kunavula
8. Albert Tuisue
9. Simione Kuruvoli
10. Ben Volavola
11. Nemani Nadolo
12. Levani Botia (c)
13. Waisea Nayacalevu
14. Eroni Sau
15. Kini Murimurivalu

Reserves:

16. Peni Narisia
17. Haereiti Hetet
18. Leeroy Atalifo
19. Tevita Ratuva
20. Peceli Yato
21. Setareki Tuicuvu
22. Eneriko Buliruarua
23. Manasa Mataele