During last week's narrow win over England at Allianz Stadium, both Codie Taylor and Beauden Barrett left the field requiring HIAs and subsequently have been ruled out following concussion protocols.
This change brings Asado Aumua into the starting hooker spot, with George Bell on the bench in line for his third All Blacks cap. Beauden Barrett’s concussion also sees All Blacks’ hero in London, Damian Mckenzie, return to the number 10 jersey and Stephen Perofeta on the bench.
The front row shows only one change at hooker with props Tamaiti Williams and Tyrel Lomax continuing from last weekend. Scott Barrett starts in the second row and captains the All Blacks after leading them to victory against England. Tupou Vaa’i will accompany the skipper in the second row.
The back row also remains unchanged after a dominant display last time out. Player of Wallace Sititi packs down at blindside flanker after the 22-year-old put in a performance for the ages with 16 carries for 141 meters, as well as playing a crucial role for Mark Tele’a’s first try. Sam Cane starts and openside flanker and Ardie Savea continues at number 8.
Cortez Ratima is named at scrum-half with a change at fly-half with McKenzie replacing the injured Barrett. The midfield remain the same with Jordan Barrett - who will return to Ireland in the blue of Leinster following the conclusion of the Autumn Nations Series - lining up alongside outside centre Rieko Ioane.
Caleb Clarke, Mark Tele’a and Will Jordan – the latter pair scoring three tries between them against England - are named in the back-three.
Geroge Bell, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, and Pasilio Tosi are the front row replacements. Patrick Tuipulotu is set for his 49th All Blacks cap, and Samipeni Finau is named as the other forward's replacement. Cam Roigard, Anton Lienert-Brown and Stephen Perofeta cover the backs.
The All Blacks and Ireland last met in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final, with new coach Scott Robertson acknowledging that the memory is still fresh in the minds of both sets of fans.
“This is a much-anticipated game that will bring all the intensity and passion typical of these two rugby-loving nations,” Robertson commented. “The squad has prepared well, shifting focus quickly after England, and everyone’s fresh and ready for a fierce challenge from Ireland.”
All Blacks match-day 23 (caps in brackets) 1. Tamaiti Williams (16) 2. Asafo Aumua (17) 3. Tyrel Lomax (41) 4. Scott Barrett (77) (Captain) 5. Tupou Vaa’i (35) 6. Wallace Sititi (7) 7. Sam Cane (102) 8. Ardie Savea (91) (Vice-Captain) 9. Cortez Ratima (9) 10. Damian McKenzie (58) 11. Caleb Clarke (26) 12. Jordie Barrett (66) (Vice-Captain) 13. Rieko Ioane (78) 14. Mark Tele’a (17) 15. Will Jordan (38) 16. George Bell (2) 17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (65) 18. Pasilio Tosi (5) 19. Patrick Tuipulotu (48) 20. Samipeni Finau (6) 21. Cam Roigard (7) 22. Anton Lienert-Brown (81) 23. Stephen Perofeta (6)
