ABs name Tuipulotu, Tavatavanawai in side
- Dave Worsley
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 10
An experienced replacement and newbie have been called into the All Blacks for the second test against France on Saturday in Wellington, a venue the visitors have never won at.
Timoci Tavatavanawai will have the opportunity to earn his first All Blacks cap this Saturday night, becoming the fifth debutant this season so far. He has been named on the bench in one of three changes to the line-up that beat France in Dunedin last weekend.
LATEST HEADLINES:
With Scott Barrett unavailable for the remainder of the series due to a calf injury, Patrick Tuipulotu comes in at lock and Ardie Savea will captain the side from the openside.
Caleb Clarke will make his first start of 2025 in the No 11 jersey, while Rieko Ioane shifts to the right wing.
“Test series are a unique and exciting opportunity. Both teams now have a better idea of what they’re going to get on Saturday night, and both will lift for this next occasion. We know where we need to improve,” said head coach Scott Robertson.
“It is also awesome to be part of a double-header with the Black Ferns, who will take on Australia at 4:30pm.
"We’ve enjoyed connecting with the team this week and know they will put on a spectacle for the fans at Sky Stadium, in their last domestic game before the Rugby World Cup.”
ALL BLACKS: Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard, Christian Lio-Willie, Ardie Savea (captain), Tupou Vaa'i, Fabian Holland, Patrick Tuipulotu, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris, Pasilio Tosi, Samipeni Finau, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Damian McKenzie
