All Blacks go with tried and tested for Final
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has named the team to face the Springboks in the final of the World Cup in Paris.
With 1387 Test caps, this is the All Blacks’ most experienced team to play a World Cup final.
“It is an honour to fly our nation’s flag in the World Cup final once again,” said head coach Ian Foster.
“We are proud of what we have achieved so far in this tournament, but the job is not done yet and we know full well the challenge that lies ahead.
“Of the seven World Cups that have been held outside of New Zealand, the All Blacks have only managed to win one. It goes to show just how hard it is to do but this group is determined to work hard for each other, as we have done all year.”
The most-capped player in the team’s history, Samuel Whitelock (152), will become the first men’s player in history to make three World Cup deciders. He is also one of six World Cup winners in the match day 23.
The only change in the Starting XV sees Brodie Retallick resume his quarterfinal combination with Scott Barrett while Whitelock will be used from the bench.
There is one additional personnel change to the reserves bench with 52-Test tighthead prop Nepo Laulala replacing Fletcher Newell.
“Once again we have felt the support of an entire nation behind us,” added Foster.
“We will definitely carry that with us when we go to Stade de France on Saturday.
In the 10th edition of the tournament, the All Blacks will mark their fifth appearance in the decider.
New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11. Mark Tele’a, 11 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (captain), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Samuel Whitelock, 20 Dalton Papali’i, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown
Date: Saturday, October 28
Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis
Kick-off: 21.00 (19.00 GMT; 21.00 SAST; 08.00 Sunday, October 29 NZDT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant Referees: Karl Dickson (England), Matthew Carley (England)
TMO: Tom Foley (England)
#TeamAnnouncement: Boks make two changes and bring in seven-one bench split for World Cup Final 👇#RWC2023 #NewZealand #AllBlacks #SouthAfrica #Springboks #NZLvRSA https://t.co/OPZQiw6332
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) October 26, 2023
