Jordie Barrett has been given the go-ahead to start as fullback as New Zealand gets ready for a backlash from Australia ahead of the Rugby Championship, which will be taking place in Auckland.
With wing Rieko’s loan out of the works, Waisake Naholo has been moved to left wing in order to make room for Ben Smith on the right, and Barrett taking up the role of full-back for his third Test start.
His inclusion as full-back comes not long after coach Steven Hansen told reporters that the 21-year-old needed some time away from the Test arena to reflect.
One other backline change will see Ngani Laumape take up the No 12 jersey, where he will be replacing Ryan Crotty, who was recently concussed when the All Blacks claimed victory over the Wallabies 38-13 in Sydney.
Hansen added further that his team is aware that it now has the opportunity to close out at the Bledisloe cup series, but that they are expecting a massive response from the Australian side over the next few weeks. He lastly added that they were excited for the challenge, but are hoping to improve their performance as part of their own response.
The current New Zealand line-up: 1. Joe Moody, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Brodie Retallick, 5. Sam Whitelock, 6. Liam Squire, 7. Sam Cane, 8. Kieran Read, 9 Aaron Smith, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Waisake Naholo, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Jack Goodhue, 14. Ben Smith, 15. Jordie Barret.
| # | Site | Bonus | Bet | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Betway |  | 5/5 | Up to $60 NZD | Bet now Review |
More About Gary Hicks
When it comes to knowing what’s going on, on the track, field or any other sporting arena, Gary Hicks is your man. With an almost unrivalled passion for journalism, sports and betting Gary decided to combine his love of all 3 and share his expertise with the world.
In the last few years Gary has risen through the ranks and prides himself on always keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s hot and happening in the sports betting world. Gary is the resident news expert at OnlineBettingNZ.co.nz and his articles make for invaluable fodder for any avid punter.
You May Also Like:
SA Six Nations Plan Could Spark Bidding War
If South Africa were to join the Six Nations, such a move could potentially spark a bidding war to host the British & Irish Lions tour in 2033. The list ….
Kawa Leauma Dies After Freak Accident
Tragic news confirmed on Wednesday is that New Zealand lock Kawa Leauma has died of the head injuries sustained during an accident in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The Spanish Rugby ….
Kawa Leauma Suffers Serious Head Injuries
New Zealand rugby player Kawa Leauma is reportedly in a critical condition in hospital after falling eight metres. Leauma, who is undergoing treatment in a hospital in Amsterdam, is said ….
Quade Cooper May Soon Call Australia Home
Wallabies star Quade Cooper told the media this week that he will be taking another citizenship test– a test that will hopefully allow him to finally call Australia his home. ….
World Rugby Says About Dementia
World Rugby has reportedly now told players that head impacts and concussions aren’t the only factors known to contribute to the early onset of dementia. The organisation allegedly said this ….