Big Guns Return For All Blacks
All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has made several changes to his starting line-up for their Test against England at Twickenham early tomorrow morning (Fiji time).
After fielding an under-strength team in last weekend’s victory over Japan in Tokyo, Hansen has reverted to his first-choice squad and there are four alterations from his run-on side which beat Australia in Yokohama two weeks ago. As frontrow Karl Tu’inukuafe, lock Brodie Retallick, halfback Aaron Smith and centre Jack Goodhue coming in to replace Joe Moody, Scott Barrett, TJ Perenara and Ryan Crotty respectively.
In the forwards, Tu’inukuafe starts in the number one jersey, replacing the injured Moody, alongside Codie Taylor and Owen Franks. Ofa Tuungafasi and Nepo
All Blacks star winger Rieko Ioane during training as they take on England in Twickenham on Sunday (Fiji time). Ioane is named in the starting line-up. Photo: Zimbio
Laulala, together with hooker Dane Coles, will provide front-row support from the bench. Retallick and Sam Whitelock are in the second-row, with Liam Squire, Ardie Savea and captain Kieran Read the loose forward trio. Scott Barrett and Matt Todd are lock and loose forward cover.
In the backs, Aaron Smith and fly-half Beauden Barrett will start, with the paring of Perenara and Richie Mo’unga to bring impact from the bench, Goodhue returns from illness and is named at outside centre, inside Sonny Bill Williams, while the outside back trio is unchanged from the Test against Australia, with Rieko Ioane in the 11 jersey, Ben Smith in 14 and Damian McKenzie at full-back. Crotty provides extra back cover in the run-on reserves. Hansen said there had been real excitement and energy in the All Blacks camp this week.
“There’s huge anticipation at what lies ahead and the team is certainly looking forward to the challenge this weekend,” he said. “Our week’s preparation has been very good. We’ve spent the early part of our week getting our preparation right and clarity of our roles and been building throughout the week so we’re ready to play. “We know we’ll be up against a very determined and well-coached English side. They’ll have gained a lot of confidence from their win over South Africa and be keen to make a statement in front of their passionate Twickenham home crowd.
“However, for us it’s about making our own statement. To do that, we’ll need to bring our own intensity and accuracy to an even higher level throughout the game. It’s a great opportunity to assess where our game is at and we’re really looking forward to it.” Te’o, 11 Jonny May, 10 Owen Farrell (cc), 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Mark Wilson, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Brad Shields, 5 George Kruis, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Dylan Hartley (cc), 1 Ben Moon