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nations-championship
Veteran player Beauden Barrett, with 148 Tests to his name, will lead the All Blacks in a Test match for the first time this weekend against Wales, as announced by coach Dave Rennie with a significantly modified squad.
Barrett is set to play at fullback at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, marking his 149th appearance. Crusaders’ Richie Mo’unga is chosen for the No.10 position, while Hurricanes’ Fehi Fineanganofo will make his first Test start while wearing the All Blacks colors.
In the front row, Rennie has opted to keep Fletcher Newell at tighthead alongside Asafo Aumua and George Bower. Aumua steps in for Codie Taylor at hooker, allowing the seasoned captain a break.
Scott Barrett pairs with Josh Lord in a second row that is entirely composed of Taranaki Bulls players, with Barrett continuing to show growth on his return to the All Blacks squad.
Blues’ loose-forward Anton Segner will start as blindside flanker, while the in-form No.7 Peter Lakai remains in the back row. Wallace Sititi, who delivered an impressive set play last week at Murrayfield, aims to maintain his strong form as he occupies the No.8 position.
Cortez Ratima takes the field ahead of Kyle Preston, forming an essential 9-10 partnership with Mo’unga.
The back three features the thrilling debut of Fineanganofo on the right wing, with Josh Moorby on the left side.
In the midfield, Chiefs’ duo Anton Lienert-Brown and Quinn Tupaea will start, filling in for the injured second-five Jordie Barrett.
Rennie has chosen a largely inexperienced bench that includes George Bell, Xavier Numia, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Blackadder, and Leicester Fainga’anuku, all set to experience Nations Championship action for the first time this November.
The All Blacks coach has decided on a 6-2 split for the bench, which is a first in his career, with Preston and veteran outside-back Rieko Ioane serving as the sole backline options.
Rennie emphasized that this weekend’s Test match against Wales will hold significant meaning for Beauden Barrett.
“Beauden contributes immense experience and is profoundly respected by everyone around him,” Rennie mentioned.
“Being the captain of the All Blacks in a Test match is an honor that he truly values, making this a significant day for him and his family,” Rennie added.
Despite introducing ten new players, the All Blacks head coach is confident in the strength of his selected team to deliver a commendable performance against Wales.
“We have developed considerable depth in our team, leading to healthy competition for spots. Our chosen squad boasts a total of 783 Test caps.”
“Wales is a distinguished rugby nation and is progressing nicely under Steve Tandy’s guidance. We recognize the dangers they present and the challenge of playing in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Principality Stadium.”
All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets):
1. George Bower (32)
2. Asafo Aumua (28)
3. Fletcher Newell (44)
4. Scott Barrett (92)
5. Josh Lord (18)
6. Anton Segner (4)
7. Peter Lakai (17)
8. Wallace Sititi (26)
9. Cortez Ratima (26)
10. Richie Mo’unga (57)
11. Josh Moorby (8)
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (94)
13. Quinn Tupaea (32)
14. Fehi Fineanganofo (1)
15. Beauden Barrett (148) – Captain
16. George Bell (4)
17. Xavier Numia (6)
18. Pasilio Tosi (20)
19. Jamie Hannah (1)
20. Ethan Blackadder (15)
21. Leicester Fainga’anuku (12)
22. Kyle Preston (6)
23. Rieko Ioane (92)
Unavailable due to injury: Will Jordan (hamstring)
