Big changes for All Blacks to face Wales
- editor59343
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
There are 13 changes to the run-on side to face Wales from the one which lost to England, as well as a fully changed bench.
The reserve front row from last week – Tamaiti Williams, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Pasilio Tosi – become the starters against Wales, while Fletcher Newell shifts to the bench alongside George Bell and George Bower who are named for the first time on this Northern Tour.
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Fabian Holland has recovered to pair up with Captain Scott Barrett at lock, with Josh Lord providing cover.
Blindside flanker Simon Parker is the only other player to retain his spot since last week, and he will be joined in the loose forward trio by Du’Plessis Kirifi at openside and Wallace Sititi at No.8.
Loose forward cover will be provided by Christian Lio-Willie, who joined the squad from the All Blacks XV last week when Luke Jacobson (concussion) and Samipeni Finau (family illness) returned home.
Cortez Ratima and Finlay Christie will share halfback duties this week, while Ruben Love gets his second start and fifth Test cap at fullback.
Damian McKenzie has been handed the reins at first five-eighth, with Anton Lienert-Brown at second-five and Rieko Ioane at centre.
Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan will take the wings, and backs cover will be provided by Leicester Fainga’anuku and Sevu Reece.
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said the team was preparing to end the tour and the 2025 season with a performance to make fans proud.
“We have a lot to play for this weekend – we want to put on a performance that reflects the effort and pride we have put in, and that is a fitting farewell to Jason, Robbo and Coops [Assistant Coach Jason Holland; NZR CEO Mark Robinson and NZR President Matthew Cooper].
“We do not underestimate the passion and resolve that Wales will bring and we know how organised, accurate and ruthless we need to be in return,” Robertson said.
The All Blacks have played Wales in 37 Tests, winning all but three of them. They have scored 1219 points for and had 430 recorded against.
While Wales has not beaten the All Blacks at Millennium (Principality) Stadium, the venue has not always been kind to the All Blacks, with narrow losses to South Africa and France in the 1999 and 2007 Rugby World Cups respectively, before beating France and Georgia there in 2015.
All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets)
1. Tamaiti Williams (26)
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (42)
3. Pasilio Tosi (15)
4. Scott Barrett (88) (Captain)
5. Fabian Holland (11)
6. Simon Parker (7)
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (7)
8. Wallace Sititi (18)
9. Cortez Ratima (20)
10. Damian McKenzie (73)
11. Caleb Clarke (32)
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (87)
13. Rieko Ioane (87)
14. Will Jordan (53)
15. Ruben Love (4)
Bench:
16. George Bell (3)
17. Fletcher Newell (34)
18. George Bower (24)
19. Josh Lord (11)
20. Christian Lio-Willie (3)
21. Finlay Christie (27)
22. Leicester Fainga’anuku (11)
23. Sevu Reece (36)
Unavailable for selection: Peter Lakai (calf), Tevita Mafileo (rib), Luke Jacobson (concussion), Samipeni Finau (family illness), Jordie Barrett (high ankle).