New Zealand coach Scott Robertson rang the changes for their Autumn Nations Series clash with Wales, bringing in 12 fresh faces to the run-on XV that lost to England last week.
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New Zealand’s hopes of completing a grand slam tour against the Home Nations were scuppered after they went down 33-19 to the English.
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They had kicked off their tour with wins over Ireland (26-13) and Scotland (25-17).
Star players rested
Only captain Scott Barrett, flanker Simon Parker and Will Jordan, who switches from fullback to wing, keep their places from the team beaten by England.
The likes of star flyhalf Beauden Barrett, stand-out backrow forward Ardie Savea and hooker Codie Taylor are all rested for the clash at the Principality Stadium.
Mass changes is not the route the All Blacks have opted for in recent times under Robertson. It’s something one far more frequently sees from his Springbok counterpart Rassie Erasmus.
The All Blacks, however, touch down in Cardiff with history on their side.
They have played Wales in 37 Tests, winning all but three of them. Their last loss came almost 72 years ago in the Welsh capital, in 1953.
“We have a lot to play for this weekend,” insisted Robertson.
“We want to put on a performance that reflects the effort and pride we have put in.”
Robertson stressed that there would be no underplaying of the potential strengths of Wales, who beat Japan last weekend, just one of two wins in their last 21 Test matches.
“We do not underestimate the passion and resolve that Wales will bring and we know how organised, accurate and ruthless we need to be in return,” said the Kiwi coach.
McKenzie at flyhalf
For their final match of the season, Robertson will start with the reserve front row from last week – Tamaiti Williams, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Pasilio Tosi – while Fletcher Newell shifts to the bench alongside George Bell and George Bower who are named for the first time this Autumn Series.
Fabian Holland is back from injury to pair up with skipper Barrett at lock, with Josh Lord providing cover.
Blindside flanker Parker is joined in the backrow by openside Du’Plessis Kirifi and No 8 Wallace Sititi.
Loose forward cover will be provided by Christian Lio-Willie, who joined the squad from the second string All Blacks XV last week when Luke Jacobson (concussion) and Samipeni Finau (family illness) returned home.
Cortez Ratima and Finlay Christie will share halfback duties this week, while Ruben Love gets his second start and fifth Test cap at fullback.
Damian McKenzie starts at flyhalf, with Anton Lienert-Brown and Rieko Ioane in midfield, inside wingers Caleb Clarke and Jordan, shifted from the 15 shirt.
Leicester Fainga’anuku and Sevu Reece provide backline cover.
TEAMS
Wales
TBA
New Zealand
15 Ruben Love, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Tamaiti Williams
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 Fletcher Newell, 18 George Bower, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Christian Lio-Willie, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 23 Sevu Reece.
Date: Saturday, 22 November
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 17:10 (SA time)
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Andrea Piardi (Italy, Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
