All Blacks Make Changes for the Second Test Against France
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has made two forced changes to his starting team for the second test against France. In addition, center Timoci Tavatavanawai has the opportunity to debut from the bench on Saturday. Patrick Tuipulotu has been named in the second row in place of captain Scott Barrett, who is ruled out for the rest of the series due to a calf injury. Caleb Clarke comes into the team in place of Sevu Reece. Reece suffered a concussion when the All Blacks defeated a weakened French team 31-27 in Dunedin last Saturday. Robertson will be looking for an improved performance this weekend at the Wellington Regional Stadium.Tavatavanawai, who left Fiji at 16 to pursue his rugby dreams in New Zealand, enters the bench in place of Quinn Tupaea as cover for the center pairing of Billy Proctor and Jordie Barrett. The 27-year-old player earned his call-up after a brilliant campaign in the Super Rugby Pacific, in which he was a constant threat to the opposition with his strength and speed, as well as his presence on the ball at the breakdown. Rieko Ioane continues in his new position on the wing, but switches sides to allow Clarke to take his usual place on the left flank. Ardie Savea steps up from vice-captain to captain of the team in his hometown and is likely to retain the role for next week’s final test in Hamilton.Both teams now have a better idea of what they will encounter on Saturday night, and both will strive harder on this next occasion. We know where we need to improve.
Scott Robertson
All Blacks Team for the Second Test
- Will Jordan
- Rieko Ioane
- Billy Proctor
- Jordie Barrett
- Caleb Clarke
- Beauden Barrett
- Cam Roigard
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Ardie Savea
- Tupou Vaa’i
- Fabian Holland
- Patrick Tuipulotu
- Fletcher Newell
- Codie Taylor
- Ethan de Groot
