VIDEO: McKenzie and Mo'unga in selection shake-up
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Damian McKenzie and Richie Mo’unga feature in a much-changed All Black backline this week.
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen named an unchanged tight five for the third and final Test against France – in Dunedin on Saturday.
Samuel Whitelock will again named as captain.
In the backs, Damian McKenzie gets his first Test start in the No.10 jersey, outside scrumhalf Aaron Smith.
Midfielder Jack Goodhue, who played against the France XV on last year’s Northern Tour, will make his Test debut at centre, outside Sonny Bill Williams, who has made a remarkable return from injury.
The back three have been reshuffled, with Waisake Naholo coming in on the right wing, Ben Smith at fullback and Rieko Ioane on the left wing.
Thomas Perenara is reserve No.9.
Richie Mo’unga, who also played the non-Test against the France XV last year, looks set to make his Test debut off the bench, while Jordie Barrett is the other back reserve.
The key feature in the selection of the forwards is new All Blacks Shannon Frizell in the No.6 jersey and Jackson Hemopo on the bench.
In other forward changes, Ardie Savea gets his fourth start in the No.7 jersey, while Matt Todd will provide additional impact off the bench.
Liam Coltman, who made his Test debut in 2016, comes in as the reserve hooker, while Karl Tu’inukuafe and Ofa Tu’ungafasi will again provide front row power from the bench.
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“One of the aims of the June series was to continue to build depth across our squad and give players opportunities,” the coach, Hansen, said.
“Now that we have secured the Dave Gallaher trophy and won the Series, we think this is the right time to do that.
“It’s an exciting mix of players with big-match experience, newer All Blacks who are continuing to grow their game, and four players who have been named in the Test 23 for the first time.
“On behalf of the All Blacks, I want to congratulate Shannon, Jackson, Jack and Richie, on their selection in the Test side.
“Our focus this week has been concentrating, firstly, on getting our individual processes done well, and then working on these collectively as a team. Another key focus has been our mental preparation, which needs to be bone deep and genuine.
“The French have proven to be a worthy opponent and very difficult to play, and we see this Test as another opportunity to improve our game.
“Once again we are looking forward to playing under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium in guaranteed good conditions.”
New Zealand: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Samuel Whitelock (captain), 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
Replacements: All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: 16 Liam Coltman, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Jackson Hemopo, 20 Matt Todd, 21 Thomas Perenara, 22 Richie Mo’unga, 23 Jordie Barrett.
Date: Saturday, June 23
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19.35 (09.35 French time; 07.35 GMT)
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Graham Cooper (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)
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