All Blacks keep best players for Fiji clash
The All Blacks are keeping their strong side to face the Flying Fijians in their first Test match in Dunedin, next Saturday.
This was revealed after All Blacks head coach Ian Foster yesterday named his line-up to face Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, tomorrow.
Foster rested veteran halfback Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Cody Taylor, Brodie Retallick and Sevu Reece.
He named Beauden Barrett on the bench and will give him a run before they face the Fijians.
Barrett had been playing in Japan but there were questions raised on his fitness due to the difference in the level of competition.
In the loose forwards, Akira Ioane is at six and Dalton Papalii is in the number seven jersey with Luke Jacobson making his long-awaited return at number eight.
“Dalton gets a reward for a great campaign this year,” Foster said on the loose forwards trio.
“In Akira’s case, he started at six last year and it’s a chance for him to put a marker down. Luke played very well for the Chiefs and he is back in great form.”
The clash kicks-off at 7.05pm.
Line-up
1 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 2 Dane Coles, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 4 Scott Barrett, 5 Samuel Whitelock (captain), 6 Akira Ioane, 7 Dalton Papalii, 8 Luke Jacobson, 9 Brad Weber, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 11 George Bridge, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 13 Rieko Ioane, 14 Will Jordan, 15 Damian McKenzie.
Reserves: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 George Bower, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Jordie Barrett.