All Blacks stick with first test winners for second clash with Ireland

The All Blacks have made just one change to the starting XV for Saturday’s second test against Ireland in Dunedin, with two debutants on the bench.

Folau Fakatava is set to debut for the All Blacks.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Dalton Papalii takes over at blindside from Scott Barrett, who moves to lock in place of the injured Sam Whitelock.

Dalton Papalii.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The rest of the run on side remains the same with Beauden Barrett at first five and Richie Mo’unga in the reserves.

Captain Sam Cane is at openside with Ardie Savea at the back of the scrum.

Prop Aidan Ross and halfback Folau Fakatava have the chance for a first test cap from the bench.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Will Jordan returns to the match day 23 after recovering from Covid and provides outside back cover in the reserves.

Head coach Ian Foster is looking forward to playing at another sold out stadium with an opportunity to seal the three-test series, following last week’s win at Eden Park.

“While I was delighted at how we performed and the leadership shown in the first test match, we will need to really lift and improve in some key areas. We know the Irish will throw everything at us this week to keep the series alive.

“We’ve again had challenges this week, but we feel this team has laid a foundation to build on and is desperate to improve against a very determined Irish side.

“The backline remains unchanged with a plan to build on existing combinations from the previous week.

While this is the All Blacks eighth test at Forsyth Barr Stadium, it will be Ireland’s first at the venue.

The All Blacks have won 40 out of 46 Test matches in Dunedin, with five losses, and one draw.

The match day 23 is:

George Bower (12)

Codie Taylor (67)

Ofa Tu’ungafasi (45)

Brodie Retallick (93)

Scott Barrett (49)

Dalton Papalii (13)

Sam Cane (78) Captain

Ardie Savea (60)

Aaron Smith (103)

Beauden Barrett (102)

Leicester Fainga’anuku (1)

Quinn Tupaea (8)

Rieko Ioane (48)

Sevu Reece (18)

Jordie Barrett (37)

Samisoni Taukei’aho (10)

Aidan Ross* (0)

Angus Ta’avao (21)

Patrick Tuipulotu (41)

Pita Gus Sowakula (1)

Folau Fakatava* (0)

Richie Mo’unga (33)

Will Jordan (13)

* Denotes All Blacks debut