Harry Wilson and the Wallabies take on the All Blacks and Same Cane in his 100th Test in Bledisloe Cup II at Wellington’s Cake Tin.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt made two changes to the starting side that narrowly lost the series opener 31-28 in Sydney last Saturday.
Nic White has been replaced by Jake Gordon at halfback, while Dylan Pietsch will start his first Test for the Wallabies in place of veteran Marika Koroibete.
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James Slipper has been left off the bench a week after breaking George Gregan’s Australian record with his 140th Test cap, with Isaac Kailea taking his place.
Back-up flyhalf Ben Donaldson comes onto the bench in place of Tom Lynagh.
Cane becomes the 13th player to play 100 Tests for the All Blacks, while Beauden Barrett gets a start at flyhalf with Damien McKenzie shifting to the bench.
Anton Lienert-Brown comes into the centres for the injured Jordie Barrett.
Schmidt conceded the Wallabies need to be far more physical early in the contest after finding themselves down 21-7 after 20 minutes in Sydney.
“We didn’t help ourselves last weekend falling behind early to a fast moving, high tempo All Blacks side,” Schmidt said.
“We know we will need to start better than we did last week, with the physical edge and accuracy required.”
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All Blacks coach Scott Robertson explained the decision to drop flyhalf McKenzie to the bench.
“Damian McKenzie can provide experienced cover at both first-five and fullback, as Beauden has previously, and it is great to bring David Havili in to complete the 23, providing strong depth across the backline,” Robertson said.
“We are excited about the opportunity this week to put in a complete performance against the Wallabies in Wellington.”
The Bledisloe Cup might be staying in New Zealand for another year, but the Wallabies have plenty to play for as they aim to build on their strong performance in the final 60 minutes last week.
TEAMS
All Blacks (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax, Scott Barrett (c), Tupou Vaa’i, Wallace Sititi, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Luke Jacobson, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, David Havili
Wallabies (1-15): Angus Bell, Matt Faessler, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Dylan Pietsch, Hunter Paisami, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright
Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Isaac Kailea, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Josh Flook
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Source Agencies
