Heat is on all Blacks

RUGBY

AUCKLAND: Five starting changes, two fresh faces, and the need for the All Blacks to make a physical statement of intent.

Fair to say the heat is on to deliver a response in the second instalment of the reignited Bledisloe Cup series at Eden Park tomorrow.

All Black coach Ian Foster has reacted to last week's deflating draw against the Wallabies in Wellington by swapping experienced hookers Codie Taylor and Dane Coles, which may hint at a more expansive approach, and benching Rieko Ioane in favour of AntonLienertBrown in the rejigged midfield.

Beauden Barrett's return at fullback, following his withdrawal two days out from last week's opening Bledisloe with an ongoing Achilles injury, adds significant attacking firepower, too.

And, yet, easily the most intriguing changes are the promotion of two rookies — wing Caleb Clarke for George Bridge and lock Tupou Vaa'i replacing senior lock Sam Whitelock.

Test debut one week, starting the next, is a major leap for anyone to wrap their head around.

Foster's hand was forced, to a degree, in promoting Clarke and Vaa'i. Bridge tore his pectoral during a noncontact training drill on Wednesday, ruling him out for up to six months which sealed Clarke's promotion to the left edge after his impressive debut cameo.

‘‘He's a young man who looked like he really wanted to be out there and played really well,’’ Foster said.

‘‘We're bitterly disappointed for George, particularly with such a soft way it happened at training with him slipping over. It's frustrating for him, but it's an opportunity for someone else. Caleb is not overawed by the opportunity — he's taken it in his stride.’’

Clarke (21) remains in the early stages of his rugby development but from a size, skill, pedigree and temperament perspective there is no doubt he has it all.

Whether it is taking a high ball or stampeding through defenders, there is little Clarke has not mastered this year. Just ask Blues teammate Barrett.

‘‘I've been so impressed with how he's developed this year coming from sevens and transitioning into starting every game for the Blues,’’ Barrett said.

‘‘He can run over, around, he can also kick so he's a triple threat for me. I love how energetic and how comfortable he is to be himself in this environment because he is a fun personality and a great kid to have in camp.’’

Of the two rookies, Vaa'i probably has the more daunting task. While their breakdown and defensive work lacked the physical application last week, the All Black scrum and lineout regularly pressured the Wallabies and they will be keen to replicate that setpiece dominance.

With Whitelock unavailable due to headaches, starting Vaa'i in his second test is an immense vote of confidence in the 20yearold. The All Blacks had the option of pushing Scott Barrett straight into the starting team but, with the Crusaders captain preparing for his first match in three months, he will instead be eased in from the bench. — The New Zealand Herald