All Blacks: Hoskins Sotutu starts in a new look back-row for Bledisloe I

Click:electronic distributor

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named a new look back-row for the first Bledisloe Test on Thursday at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

Hoskins Sotutu starts at number eight in the absence of talisman Ardie Savea who is unavailable due to the birth of his child. At the same time, Scott Barrett shifts to the blindside flank to replace Shannon Frizell, who is unavailable due to injury.

Improved form

A resurgent Sam Cane leads the team from the side of the scrum as he looks to continue to prove doubters wrong after his blockbuster performance against Argentina last time out.

Brodie Retallick starts alongside Sam Whitelock in a very experienced second-row. Foster has opted for continuity up front, with Ethan de Groot, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Tyrel Lomax making up the front-row.

Veteran Aaron Smith continues his partnership with the rock-solid Richie Mo’unga, while David Havili and Rieko Ioane continue their blossoming combination in the midfield.

The prolific Will Jordan joins robust wing Caleb Clark and versatile Jordie Barrett in a settled back three.

Veteran Dane Coles, George Bower and the promising Fletcher Newell are front-row options on the bench, with loose forwards Akira Ioane and Dalton Papali’i available to be called on by Foster late on in the game.

Electric scrum-half Finlay Christie is joined by veteran playmaker Beauden Barrett and Quinn Tupaea as backline options on the bench.

Holding the trophy

The All Blacks have held the Bledisloe Cup since 2002, and Foster is determined to continue that trend as the Wallabies would need to win both Tests to reclaim the title.

Click Here: soccer jersey sale

“We are incredibly driven to keep hold of this trophy which means so much to both countries,” Foster said.

“And when you factor in how tight this year’s Rugby Championship is, all signs point towards another great Test match here in Melbourne.”

The team

New Zealand: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 David Havili, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Scott Barrett, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ethan de Groot
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Akira Ioane, 20 Dalton Papali’i, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Quinn Tupaea

Date: Thursday, September 15
Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-off: 19:45 local (10:45 BST, 9:45 GMT)
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland), Pierre Brousset (France)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)