Goodhue's rise continues
AUCKLAND: Jack Goodhue’s meteoric rise continues — the Crusaders midfielder has been named to start at centre for the All Blacks in the first Bledisloe Cup test against Australia in Sydney.
It will be the 23yearold’s second cap after he started in the third test against France in Dunedin. He will be expected to form a near impregnable defensive partnership with his Crusaders teammate, Ryan Crotty.
There is little doubt the Wallabies will target Goodhue, preferred ahead of the more experienced Anton LienertBrown, but his defensive abilities, plus the fact he is such a good distributor of the ball, and so good at running with it close to the opposition tryline, means he would have been a near irresistible selection for Steve Hansen and company.
Elsewhere, Brodie Retallick returns for his first test since the demolition of South
Africa at North Harbour’s QBE Stadium last September — a very welcome comeback from a chest injury for one of the best locks in the world.
He will start alongside Sam Whitelock (29), who will be playing in his 100th test, the first All Black lock to celebrate the milestone and the eighth in total.
Also returning is skipper and No 8 Kieran Read, the 32yearold making his comeback from back surgery late last year. It will be his first test since November.
‘‘On behalf of the team, we want to congratulate Sammy on what will be a very special night for him and his family,’’ Hansen said.
‘‘We’re all very proud of him. He’s been an outstanding contributor to this team for a long time, both on and off the field.’’
The Crusaders, fresh from defending their Super Rugby title, make up five of the All Blacks’ pack, the front row of Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Owen Franks joining Whitelock and Read.
Beauden Barrett returns to firstfive after missing the last test against France with concussion, Ben Smith is named at fullback and Waisake Naholo on the right wing. Aaron Smith and Rieko Ioane virtually select themselves at halfback and left wing, respectively.
Damian McKenzie is the No 10 backup, and Ardie Savea the loose forward cover. Perhaps surprisingly, LienertBrown, rather than Jordie Barrett, is preferred on the bench as the third back, alongside TJ Perenara.
‘‘We’re all excited at what is shaping up to be another classic Bledisloe Cup encounter here in Sydney on Saturday night,’’ Hansen said.
‘‘We know that we have to earn the right to perform by preparing well and taking each moment that arises, and that mindset has been reflected in our preparation this week, which has been very good.
‘‘The Bledisloe means a lot to this team and we have the opportunity to show just how much on Saturday night. As far as we’re concerned, neither team currently has possession of the cup and if we want it, we’ve got to front up and take it.’’