McKenzie takes the reins as All Blacks make 13 changes
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scott Robertson has unveiled his matchday squad for Saturday’s Nations Series clash against Wales in Cardiff.
There are thirteen changes to the run-on side that went down to England, as well as a fully changed bench.
The reserve front row from last week – Tamaiti Williams, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Pasilio Tosi – become the starters against Wales, while Fletcher Newell shifts to the bench alongside George Bell and George Bower, who are named for the first time on this Northern Tour.
Fabian Holland has recovered to pair up with captain Scott Barrett at lock, with Josh Lord providing cover.
Blindside flank Simon Parker is the only other player to retain his spot since last week, and he will be joined in the loose forward trio by Du’Plessis Kirifi at openside and Wallace Sititi at No.8.
Loose forward cover will be provided by Christian Lio-Willie, who joined the squad from the All Blacks XV last week when Luke Jacobson (concussion) and Samipeni Finau (family illness) returned home.
Cortez Ratima and Finlay Christie will share scrumhalf duties this week, while Ruben Love gets his second start and fifth Test cap at fullback.
Damian McKenzie has been handed the reins at flyhalf, with Anton Lienert-Brown at No.12 and Rieko Ioane at outside centre.
Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan will take the wings, and the backs cover will be provided by Leicester Fainga’anuku and Sevu Reece.
Robertson said the team was preparing to end the tour and the 2025 season with a performance to make fans proud.
“We have a lot to play for this weekend – we want to put on a performance that reflects the effort and pride we have put in, and that is a fitting farewell to Jason, Robbo and Coops [assistant coach Jason Holland; NZR CEO Mark Robinson and NZR President Matthew Cooper].
“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,” Robertson said.
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, November 22
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 15.10 (15.10 GMT; 04.10 NZDT Sunday, November 23)
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Andrea Piardi (Italy, Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
