All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has made 11 changes to his starting lineup for Friday’s rugby Test against Fiji in San Diego.
Six uncapped players have been selected in the squad, including Hurricanes centre Billy Proctor, who is in the starting side. The others are on the reserves bench.
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Among the new caps in the replacements is 21-year-old halfback Noah Hotham, who wasn’t included in the initial 32-man squad selected by Robertson ahead of New Zealand’s two home Tests against England.
Hotham has just completed his first full Super Rugby season, playing for the Crusaders. He joined the squad as cover after T.J. Perenara was injured in the series-opening win over England and now has moved into the matchday 23 as understudy to Cortez Ratima.
Ratima made his debut in the second Test last weekend and will have his first start against Fiji.
The other uncapped players are hooker George Bell, prop Pasilio Tosi, lock Sam Darry and backrower Wallace Sititi.
The starting lineup to face Fiji at the Snapdragon Stadium includes an all-new front row of props Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell and hooker Asafo Aumua. Newell and Aumua were in the reserves in the England Tests.
Captain Scott Barrett remains in the second row and is paired with Tupou Vaa’i, who was used off the bench against England.
Ardie Savea continues at No.8 in a new backrow combination with Luke Jacobson and Ethan Blackadder. Jacobson was a reserve against England but Blackadder will play for the first time this season.
Damian McKenzie has been retained at five eighth and will play his 50th Test, while Proctor will combine with Anton Lienert-Brown in a new midfield partnership.
Caleb Clarke returns on the left wing and Beauden Barrett will start at fullback after coming off the bench against England. Sevu Reece remains on the right wing.
In their first outings under Robertson, the All Blacks recording 16-15 and 23-15 home wins over England and will hope for a better attacking game against Fiji, which is coming off a 21-12 win over Georgia.
Fiji head coach Mick Byrne made seven changes to his 23-man squad. Five eighth Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula will start a Test for the first time after making his debut off the bench against Georgia.
Vilimoni Botitu moves from five eighth to fullback and Semi Radradra will make his first appearance of the year on the left wing.
Squads:
New Zealand (15-1):Β Beauden Barrett, Sevu Reece, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima; Ardie Savea, Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson, Tupou Vaa’i, Scott Barrett (captain), Fletcher Newell, Asafo Aumua, Tamaiti Williams.
Reserves:Β George Bell, Ethan de Groot, Pasilio Tosi, Sam Darry, Wallace Sititi, Noah Hotham, Jordie Barrett, Emoni Narawa.
Fiji (15-1):Β Vilimoni Botitu, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu (captain), Inia Tabuavou, Semi Radradra, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Frank Lomani; Viliame Mata, Kitione Salawa, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere, Eroni Mawi.
Reserves:Β Zuriel Togiatama, Haireiti Hetet, Samu Tawake, Albert Tuisue, Elia Canikaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Sireli Maqawa.
