The All Blacks have, as predicted, named a radically altered team for the test against Fiji in San Diego tomorrow.
Only winger Sevu Reece, first five Damian McKenzie, No8 Ardie Savea and lock Scott Barrett remain from the team that started the test against England at Eden Park.
Hurricanes centre Billy Proctor is the sole new cap in the starting XV, and it is rich reward for the 25-year-old after a couple of excellent Super Rugby seasons.
Proctor replaces Rieko Ioane at centre and follows in the footsteps of his brother, Matt, who played a test for the All Blacks against Japan in 2018.
Proctor partners with the promoted Anton Lienert-Brown in a rejigged midfield, while Jordie Barrett drops to the bench following the 2-0 home series win over England.
Five other players will hope to make their test debuts from the bench against the Fijians, and southern rugby fans will be keen to see some of them in action.
Reserve hooker George Bell was raised on an East Otago farm and educated at John McGlashan College; burly prop Pasilio Tosi is a former Southland Stag; Sam Darry, the Blues lock called in as a replacement for the rested Patrick Tuipolotu, was born in Dunedin and is the son of former Old Golds lock Hunter Darry; and back-up halfback Noah Hotham spent time with the Alhambra-Union club and captained the Highlanders under-20 team.
Chiefs rookie Wallace Sititi is the other new cap on the bench.
"They’ve earned their opportunity," Robertson said.
"They’ve prepared well and they are ready for test match rugby.
"We have a lot of respect for Fiji, who will be fast and physical, and we’re looking forward to the contest."
Tamaiti Williams, Asafo Aumua and Fletcher Newell comprise an all-new front row, and Luke Jacobson and Ethan Blackadder start next to No 8 Savea.
It will be Blackadder’s first test start since 2021, when he wore the No6 jersey against Ireland in Dublin. Hooker Aumua also starts a test for the first time since 2021, a 104-14 win over the United States in Washington, DC.
Cortez Ratima, who debuted off the bench against England last Saturday, will be starting halfback in place of Finlay Christie, while Beauden Barrett has been rewarded with the starting fullback slot after starring off the bench in both tests against the English.
Winger Caleb Clarke will play his first test of the season after recovering from injury, replacing Mark Tele’a.
All Blacks v Fiji
The teams
All Blacks: Beauden Barrett, Sevu Reece, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Ardie Savea, Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson, Tupou Vaa’i, Scott Barrett (captain), Fletcher Newell, Asafa Aumua, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: George Bell, Ethan de Groot, Pasilio Tosi, Sam Darry, Wallace Sititi, Noah Hotham, Jordie Barrett, Emoni Narawa.
Fiji: Vilimoni Botitu, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu (captain), Inia Tabuavou, Semi Radradra, Isiah Armstrong-Ravula, Frank Lomani, Viliame Mata, Kitione Salawa, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere, Eroni Mawi. Reserves: Zuriel Togiatama, Haereiti Hetet, Samu Tawake, Albert Tuisue, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Sireli Maqala.
