All Blacks named for tour opener vs Stormers
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the All Blacks for their opening clash of the South Africa tour while Prop Siale Lauaki and inside back Josh Jacomb are set to make their debuts
Coach Dave Rennie has made sweeping changes to the side that defeated Ireland last month with Ollie Norris, Fabian Holland, Simon Parker, Ethan Blackadder, Kyle Preston, Beauden Barrett and Rieko Ioane all playing their first match in black of the year.
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With Ardie Savea missing the first leg and tour captain Codie Taylor injured, Tuipulotu has been named skipper for Saturday mornings clash with the Stormers.
The All Blacks have opted for plenty of power in the pack, with George Bower, Samisoni Taukei'aho and Pasilio Tosi up front and Holland returning from a long injury lay-off to partner Tuipulotu at lock.
The loose forward trio are Simon Parker returns alongside Peter lakai and Wallace Sititi at No 8.
Cortez Ratima will partner Barrett in the halves, with Billy Proctor and Anton Lienert-Brown named in the midfield.
Leroy Carter, Rieko Ioane and Josh Moorby make up the back three, with Jacomb, Preston and Caleb Clarke to come off the bench.
Rennie said.they have had a great welcome in Cape Town and were excited to get the tour underway.
"Firstly, I want to congratulate the new All Blacks Siale and Josh. It will be a very exciting and proud day for them and their families. We are really pleased with how our leaders, including match day captain Patrick and tour captain Codie, have prepared the group. We can't wait for Friday."
Rennie explaned the All Blacks are well aware of how good the Stormers were.
"They made the semifinals of the United Rugby Championship last year and they are a big, physical side with a mix of talented youngsters and Springboks, so we are preparing for a real war of attrition."
The All Blacks will be playing an historic first ever match against the Stormers. The team played their predecessor Western Province five times, for three wins (1949, 1960 and 1970) and two losses to the All Blacks in 1928 and 1976.
The All Blacks have played 25 times in Cape Town, for 17 wins, seven losses and one draw.
All Blacks: Josh Moorby, Leroy Carter, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Simon Parker, Patrick Tuiputotu (captain), Fabian Holland, Pasilio Tosi, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Bower. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Ollie Norris, Siale Lauaki, Sam Darry, Ethan Blackadder, Kyle Preston, Josh Jacomb, Caleb Clarke.
