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New Zealand ring changes for Wales Test / Photo: Ben STANSALL - AFP/File
New Zealand ring changes for Wales Test
New Zealand coach Scott Robertson rang the changes for their Autumn Nations Series clash with Wales, bringing in 13 fresh faces to the run-on XV that lost to England last week.
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.
They had kicked off their tour with wins over Ireland (26-13) and Scotland (25-17).
The All Blacks have played Wales in 37 Tests, winning all but three of them. Their last loss came almost 72 years ago in Cardiff, in 1953.
"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 Robertson.
For their final match of the season against Wales, 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 captain Scott Barrett at lock, with Josh Lord providing cover.
Blindside flanker Simon Parker is the only other player to retain his spot from the England loss, 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 outside-half, with Anton Lienert-Brown and Rieko Ioane in midfield, inside wingers Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan.
Leicester Fainga’anuku and Sevu Reece provide backline cover.
New Zealand (15-1)
Ruben Love; Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke; Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima; Wallace Sititi, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Simon Parker;Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett (capt); Pasilio Tosi, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams
Replacements: George Bell, Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Josh Lord, Christian Lio-Willie, Finlay Christie, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Sevu Reece
Coach: Scott Robertson (NZL)
F.Colin--PS
