Savea to captain New Zealand; James Slipper to reach 150 tests for Australia in Bledisloe 1
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Ardie Savea will lead New Zealand against Australia in Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship test in Auckland in the absence of injured regular captain Scott Barrett.
Head coach Scott Robertson otherwise made only four personnel changes to the starting lineup which suffered New Zealand’s worst-ever test defeat at the hands of South Africa two weeks ago. New Zealand lost 43-10 after leading 10-7 at halftime.
Veteran hooker Codie Taylor returns and Fabian Holland is at lock in place of Barrett, who has a shoulder issue. Cam Roigard returns from injury at scrumhalf and Caleb Clarke has been named on the left wing for his first test in 2025.
Leroy Carter moves to the right wing and Will Jordan moves from winger to fullback.
On the bench, lock Patrick Tuipulotu and scrumhalf Cortez Ratima return and back-rower Peter Lakai is included for the first time this season.
Meanwhile, prop James Slipper will become the first Wallaby to play 150 tests after being named in Australia’s starting lineup.
James O’Connor will start at flyhalf with Tane Edmed on the bench. Max Jorgenson will play a test at fullback for the first time after being moved from the wing to replace the injured Andrew Kellaway.
Scrumhalf Tate McDermott will start for the first time this year, combining with O’Connor in his 50th test while Ryan Lonergan could make his potential test debut from the bench.
Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto also starts for the first time in 2025, joining Nick Frost in the second row. Tom Hooper is at blindside flanker in the absence of Rob Valetini.
For the All Blacks, Beauden Barrett has been retained at flyhalf though his form this season has been poor and his kicking game continues to provide opponents with attacking opportunities. Jordie Barrett also has been retained in midfield.
The All Blacks’ forward pack was overwhelmed at set-pieces against South Africa, yet Robertson made only two changes to the tight five, one of which was forced by injury. He hopes Taylor’s return will improve the lineout.
After four rounds all four teams are 2-2 and with a chance of winning the Rugby Championship. Australia leads the tournament with 11 points, ahead of South Africa and New Zealand with 10 and Argentina with nine.
“We all have everything to play for in these final two rounds,” Robertson said. “We are preparing for a strong Australian side and understand the importance of this match and the Bledisloe Cup. There is a lot to play for on Saturday evening.”
The All Blacks will be defending a 39-year unbeaten record against Australia at Auckland’s Eden Park and will attempt to retain the Bledisloe Cup for the 23rd year.
___
Lineups:
New Zealand: Will Jordan, Leroy Carter, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard; Wallace Sititi, Ardie Savea (captain), Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa’i, Fabian Holland, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Peter Lakai, Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, Damian McKenzie.
Australia: Max Jorgensen, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, Len Ikitau, Corey Toole, James O’Connor, Tate McDermott; Harry Wilson (captain), Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Nick Frost, Taniela Tupou, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, Allan Alaalatoa, Jeremy Williams, Carlo Tizzano, Ryan Lonergan, Tane Edmed, Filipo Daugunu.
___
AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby
News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
