All Blacks coach Dave Rennie made four big changes to his lineup as he tried to defend the Eden Park fortress against Ireland. Surely, it would be a difficult match to play on Saturday, 18 July in Auckland, as they look ahead to their 53rd unbeaten game at Eden Park.
Undoubtedly one of the toughest opponents in World rugby, Ireland faces a very different New Zealand since Dave came in. However, the pressure is on the All Blacks, especially Dave Rennie and captain Ardie Savea, to defend the 32-year-old Eden Park fortress.
ALL BLACKS COACH DAVE RENNIE MAKES FOUR CHANGES FOR THE IRISH GAME
The All Blacks have kept their loose forward combination unchanged, with Ardie Savea and Luke Jacobson retaining their spots in the second row.
Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Tyrel Lomax will start in the front row, while Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua and Fletcher Newell provide impact from the bench. Debutant Anton Segner is set to make his second Test appearance as a replacement, alongside returning loose forward Peter Lakai.
Coach Dave Rennie has also maintained the partnership of playmakers Cam Roigard and Ruben Love, while Quinn Tupaea returns to the midfield alongside Jordie Barrett. Will Jordan, now the All Blacks’ record Test try scorer, keeps his place on the right wing, with Damian McKenzie continuing at fullback.
All Blacks to play Ireland:
(Test caps in brackets)
1. Ethan de Groot (42)
2. Codie Taylor (108)
3. Tyrel Lomax (50)
4. Josh Lord (14)
5. Patrick Tuipulotu (56)
6. Tupou Vaa’i (46)
7. Luke Jacobson (26)
8. Ardie Savea (108) (Captain)
9. Cam Roigard (19)
10. Ruben Love (7)
11. Josh Moorby (1)
12. Jordie Barrett (80)
13. Quinn Tupaea (25)
14. Will Jordan (56)
15. Damian McKenzie (76)
16. Asafo Aumua (21)
17. Xavier Numia (1)
18. Fletcher Newell (36)
19. Anton Segner (1)
20. Peter Lakai (9)
21. Cortez Ratima (23)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (89)
23. Caleb Clarke (34)
Unavailable due to injury: Fehi Fineanganofo (shoulder); Leroy Carter (shoulder)
DAVE RENNIE SPEAKS AHEAD OF EDEN PARK CLASH
Speaking ahead of the Ireland clash, All Blacks coach Dave Rennie detailed the reasons for his team selection.
“We have selected a strong team that allows some of the combinations we have tested to continue building, and rewards players who have impressed over the last two rounds, including some of our recent debutants,” Rennie said, speaking of building a team.
“We know how important our bench will be against a team as tenacious as Ireland, so we have selected players who we know are capable of making an impact and influencing the course of the game,” he continued, speaking of the impact he expects from the bench.