The All Blacks have one of the injured Barrett brothers back for Saturday’s crunch showdown against England at Twickenham.
Captain Scott Barrett has recovered from a leg injury sustained in New Zealand’s win over Ireland in Chicago earlier this month and been thrust straight back into the starting lineup.
Coach Scott Robertson has reshuffled his backline due to the injury to winger Caleb Clarke. The powerful Leicester Fainga’anuku – who impressed in the midfield against Scotland – fills the vacant left wing position, with Billy Procter recalled to start at outside centre.
In the pack, Robertson has elected to start Simon Parker at blindside flank, relegating Wallace Sititi to the bench. Barrett’s return means Ardie Savea is relieved of the captaincy duties, with Josh Lord moving to the bench.
MORE: Borthwick calls out Razor over kicking claims
Victory for the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday would not only end England’s nine-Test winning streak, but mean they only have to beat Wales the following weekend to complete a Grand Slam.
ALL BLACKS – 15 Will Jordan, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cameron Roigard, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Bench: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Damian McKenzie.
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
The post Barrett back for All Blacks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.