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analyze – Of the six new All Blacks players, who will gain the most this weekend? That’s one of the storylines worth discussing before the tournament begins. Saturday’s Test against Fijiothers are more off-field and long-term changes.
As they run into Golden Dragon Stadium, it will be a special day for Hurricanes centre Billy Proctor, Chiefs number eight Wallace Sititi, Hurricanes prop Pacilio Tosi, Crusaders hooker George Bell, Blues starter Sam Darry and Crusaders halfback Noah Hotham – especially Darry and Hotham, neither of whom were original All Blacks. It also means Billy and brother Matt Proctor will become the 48th pair of brothers to play for the All Blacks.
At the moment, Proctor may feel like he’s in the best position to compete for a top-team spot, but that probably says more about the situation at other positions. The All Blacks’ midfield has been fiercely contested by England over the past few Tests and has struggled to make much progress, however, for a turnaround there to happen will require a combination of what Proctor can do and what Rico Ione can’t do.
Other players: Siti faces Aldi Savea. Hotham has to get past Cortes Latima, Finley Christie and a fit TJ Perenara. Tosi is likely to be Tamati Williams’ replacement, but the mainstay rotation is pretty solid right now. Dari is Patrick Tuipulotu’s replacement, while Bell needs one of Cody Taylor or Asafo Omuah injured, as well as Samisoni Takiaho injured, if he’s to stay in the team. So, this is likely to be an All Blacks Test team that could have a spot in the Rugby Championship around 2026.
Hurricanes center Billy Proctor led the offense.
photo: Photo sports
Other players with something to prove include Omuah, whose jumper will be closely watched as the All Blacks have had a poor season in the last two weeks. Tupou Vahi has started just three times in 26 Tests, with the other two (against Italy and Japan) not being very impressive. Williams will be looking to burn out before being substituted, he and Ethan Blackard have played just nine games of rugby between them this season, so their main priority will be to make sure they get through that time without getting injured.
Another interesting question is who will lead the haka, with Perenara’s absence and Cody Taylor resting meaning a newcomer will also be leading the haka. Adi Savea is probably the most likely candidate, but it would be a nice surprise if Scott Barrett followed in the footsteps of fellow captains Kieran Reid and Richie McCaw.
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw led the group in a haka.
photo: AFP
But the All Blacks’ biggest concern is that, apart from Jordy Barrett on the bench, there are no real attacking players to help them if things go badly. It is worth remembering that in the first game of the last series between these two teams, Fiji, coached by Vern Cotter, completely overwhelmed the All Blacks in the first half and trailed only 21-11 at halftime. The final score was 57-23 for the All Blacks, but only after Dan Coles came off the bench and scored a stunning four goals in the final 20 minutes.
But in reality, the scoreline doesn’t matter to Scott Robertson. This Test is about field testing some ideas, seeing what his new players can bring to the table, as well as making sure no one gets injured – as it’s telling that we’ve only had two Tests this season and have already seen players from outside the squad not only brought in but named in the squad.
Regardless, this San Diego trip is more like New Zealand Rugby’s latest attempt to break into the US market. It’s not the first time, and it’s unlikely to be the last, but it’s a good measure of New Zealand Rugby’s status as a global sports brand. The shiny new Snapdragon Stadium seats 35,000, so it will be interesting to see how many seats are filled on Saturday afternoon New Zealand time.
All Blacks v Fiji
Kick-off time: Saturday, July 20 at 2:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. local time Friday)
Snapdragon Stadium San Diego
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
full black: 1. Tamati Williams 2. Asafo Omuah 3. Fletcher Newell 4. Scott Barrett (captain) 5. Tupou Wai 6. Luke Jacobson 7. Ethan Blackard 8. Adi Savea 9. Cortez Latima 10. Damian McKenzie 11. Caleb Clarke 12. Anton Linate-Brown 13. Billy Proctor 14. Seu Reese 15. Beauden Barrett
Subs: 16. George Bell 17. Ethan de Groot 18. Pacilio Tosi 19. Sam Darry 20. Wallace Sititi 21. Noah Hotham 22. Jody Barrett 23. Emoni Narawa
Fiji: 1. Aaron Mawi 2. David Ikanivere 3. Messiah Doge 4. Esau Nasilasila 5. Temo Mayanavanua 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu 7. Gideon Salawa 8. William Mata 9. Frank Lomani 10. Isiah Armstrong-Ravula 13. Captain 14. Jude Wainiqolo 15 William Botitu
Substitutes: 16. Zuriel Togiatama 17. Haereiti Hetet 18. Samu Tawake 19. Albert Tuisue 20. Elia Canakaivata 21. Simione Kuruvoli 22. Caleb Muntz 23. Sireli Maqala
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