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Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in line for debut as All Blacks team named for decider
By Ben Smith
The All Blacks will welcome back the experience of Sam Whitelock to the starting side while Blues star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is in line to make his much anticipated All Black debut.
With Whitelock returning to partner Brodie Retallick in the locks, Scott Barrett has moved back to No 6 where he started in the first test against Ireland at Eden Park.
Elsewhere in the pack, Nepo Laulala has been named to start at tighthead prop for the first time this season alongside Codie Taylor and George Bower. Ofa Tuungafasi drops to the bench where Dane Coles and Aidan Ross will also provide front row cover.
Sam Cane will captain the side at openside flanker with Ardie Savea at No 8. Last week's No 6 Dalton Papalii returns to the bench while his Blues teammate Akira Ioane has also been named for a return.
The back line has been reshuffled for the deciding test with Will Jordan named to start on the right wing, pushing Sevu Reece to the left replacing Leicester Fainga'anuku.
In the midfield, David Havili returns to the starting 12 jersey to partner Rieko Ioane while the experienced combination of Aaron Smith and Beauden Barrett have been named at 9 and 10. Folau Fakatava and Richie Mo'unga will cover the halves on the bench.
“It’s tough having a loss but the tough weeks are often the most exciting,” says Ian Foster.
“A series decider against a high-quality side is a great occasion for our growth as a team.”
All Blacks team to face Ireland:
1. George Bower (13)
2. Codie Taylor (68)
3. Nepo Laulala (40)
4. Brodie Retallick (94)
5. Samuel Whitelock (133)
6. Scott Barrett (50)
7. Sam Cane © (79)
8. Ardie Savea (61)
9. Aaron Smith (104)
10. Beauden Barrett (103)
11. Sevu Reece (19)
12. David Havili (15)
13. Rieko Ioane (49)
14. Will Jordan (14)
15. Jordie Barrett (38)
Reserves
16. Dane Coles (80)
17. Aidan Ross (1)
18. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (46)
19. Akira Ioane (13)
20. Dalton Papalii (14)
21. Folau Fakatava (1)
22. Richie Mo’unga (33)
23. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck *
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Willis
Underhill
Earl
As good as any backrow on the planet.
Go to commentsWhile we were living in Belgium, French rugby was very easy to watch on tv and YouTube. Given the ghastly weather, riding indoors on a trainer and watching French rugby was a very passable experience. I became quite a fan.
Interestingly, last week in Buenos Aires I shared a table with a couple from Toulouse, who were at the Toulon game themselves, and were curious how much I knew about French club rugby. I explained the Brussels weather. They smiled and understood.
Now back in CA, biking again.
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