RECAP: New Zealand v Tonga
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Test between New Zealand and Tonga at Mt Smart in Auckland.
New Zealand coach Ian Foster will rely on a number of new recruits as he look to bounce back from last year’s under-performing start to his tenure.
Foster will blood four new All Blacks in Saturday’s Test in Auckland against Tonga.
* To read our pre-match predictions, CLICK HERE!
* Our live blog will appear below, it might take a little while to load, please be patient. We apologise for the inconvenience!
Teams
New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Luke Jacobson, 7 Dalton Papalii, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Sam Whitelock (captain), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 George Bower, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Jordie Barrett.
Tonga: 15 James Faiva, 14 Hosea Saumaki, 13 Fine Inisi, 12 Nikolai Foliaki, 11 Penikolo Latu, 10 Kalione Hala, 9 Sonatane Takulua (captain), 8 Sione Tu’ipolotu, 7 Solomone Funaki, 6 Mateaki Kafatolu, 5 Zane Kapeli, 4 Don Lolo, 3 Sila Puafisi, 2 Sam Moli, 1 Duke Nginingini.
Replacements: 16 Siua Maile, 17Jethro Felemi, 18 Tau Koloamatangi, 19 Harrison Mataele, 20 Viliami Taulani, 21 Nasi Manu, 22 Leon Fukofuka, 23 Walter Fifita.
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant referees: Paul Williams, Brendon Pickerill
TMO: Glenn Newman
