by Ardie Savea will refer to a largely unchanged New Zealand team for the second test against France, since head coach Scott Robertson gives his players the chance to increase their game after a stuttering victory with 31: 27 in Dunedin.
Robertson only made two forced personnel changes in his start -XV for the match on Saturday in Wellington, although the all Blacks of inexperienced France were tested all the way with eight debutants in Dunedin.
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Patrick Tuipulotu and Caleb Clarke replace Captain Scott Barrett and Wing Sevu Reece, both of whom were injured in the first test.
Clarkes Inclusion means that Rieko Ioane will switch from left to the right wing in the only other position difference to the start -XV, on which tourists were defeated last Saturday.
“We focused a little on continuity,” said Robertson.
“The series is still on. We wanted to give them a chance with all their combinations, boys in the positions they play, continuity is a really large part of it.”
The unkempt wing Timoci Tavatavanawai is in line for the all Blacks, which not only have to overcome a young side of France, but also a bad record in Wellington.
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New Zealand has won only two games on eight excursions at the Sky Stadium since 2017. They have lost four and draw twice in some stadiums in overseas such as Ellis Park in South Africa and Twickenham in London.
Robertson said the team was aware of the Wellington Hoodoo, but was looking forward to playing a quick, skill game in front of a sold -out audience.
The trainer also welcomed an unusually warm weather that greeted the teams during training this week, but will leave before the start on Saturday.
“Actually it is very tropical, Balmy, there is a little UV out there,” said Robertson.
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“When the south comes in from the Kochstrasse, we will adapt to the wind and the rain.
“Our intention is to use our skills as much as possible … be proud, that’s our focus.”
France will name his team later on Thursday.
New Zealand (15-1):
Will Jordan; Rieko Ioane, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke; Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard; Christian Lio-Willie, Ardie Savea (capt), Tupou Vaa’i; Fabian Holland, Patrick Tuipulotu; Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot
Replacement: Samisoni Taucei’aho, Ollie Norris, Pasilio Tosi, Samipeni Finau, du’plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Damian McKenzie.
BES/DH
