Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Backing-up from their impressive opening round win of the Rugby Championship the World Champions New Zealand are looking to make it two-from-two. This time playing at home against the Wallabies the kiwis are looking to put one foot in the door of another title.
With Ryan Crotty having been ruled out through injury Steve Hansen has named debutant Anton Lienert-Brown at inside center. Additional changes to the backs see Julian Savea returning to the starting lineup and Ben Smith and Israel Dagg switching positions.
Loosehead prop Joe Moody will also start. Making his return from injury he will play ahead of the 49-tim capped Wyatt Crockett. Dane Coles is back to start at hooker with James Parsons named as his replacement.
Also getting an opportunity is Fijian Seta Tamanivalu. The utility back will wear the number 23 shirt as a replacement.
NEW ZEALAND
15 Ben Smith, 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (capt.), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 James Parsons, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Liam Squire, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Aaron Cruden, 23 Seta Tamanivalu
