Scott Robertson Names Six Debutants For All Blacks Stateside Fiji Clash
Scott Robertson Names Six Debutants For All Blacks Stateside Fiji Clash
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson names six debutants for his team's match against Fiji in San Diego on July 19.
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New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson has named six debutants for his side’s upcoming clash with Fiji in San Diego on Friday evening.
Of the six potential debutants, just one will start, as highly touted Hurricanes center Billy Proctor gets the nod in the No. 13 shirt outside of the experienced Anton Lienart-Brown.
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While Proctor is guaranteed to earn his first cap, provided he doesn’t pick a training injury before kickoff, the other five potential debutants of George Bell, Pasilio Tosi, Sam Darry, Wallace Sititi and Noah Hotham all will hope Robertson calls their names later in the contest.
Away from the new faces, the All Blacks most experienced player, Beauden Barrett, gets the nod ahead of Stephen Perofeta at fullback, following his exceptional showings against England from the bench during the July International Series.
Elsewhere, scrumhalf Cortez Ratima will earn his first cap in a black jersey when he partners Damian McKenzie in the halfbacks.
On the wings, the explosive Caleb Clarke replaces Mark Tele’a, who is resting, having played in both tests against England. He scored two key tries in the second test.
Discussing his new caps, Robertson said all of the players had earned their call-up for their body of work this season.
“They’ve earned their opportunity; they’ve prepared well and they are ready for test-match rugby," he said. "We have a lot of respect for Fiji, who will be fast and physical, and we’re looking forward to the contest.
"It’s been a superb week in San Diego. Our leaders have fed off the younger players' energy, and our focus is now on performing."
All Blacks Lineup
15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Tamaiti Williams
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 Ethan de Groot, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Noah Hotham, 22 Jordie Barrett, 23 Emoni Narawa
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