All Blacks overhaul starting XV with 13 changes for Wales

Scott Robertson has overhauled his matchday 23 for the All Blacks‘ final Test of the year, with nine new starters and an all-new bench named to play Wales in Cardiff.

Of the starters from a week ago in London, just Scott Barrett, Simon Parker and Caleb Clarke remain in the same jerseys they ran out at Twickenham in, while Will Jordan and Wallace Sititi have kept a starting role, although in different positions.

Sititi has been named at No.8 as Peter Lakai is sidelined with a calf complaint, while Jordan has been shifted to the right wing to accommodate Ruben Love at fullback. Sititi joins Simon Parker and Du’Plessis Kirifi in the starting loose forward trio, backed up by Christian Lio-Willie on the bench. Sevu Reece offers impact at outside back, covering Clarke, Jordan, and Love from the bench.

A heavyweight trio is set to bring plenty of punch in the front row, with Tamaiti Williams, Samisoni Taukei’aho, and Pasilio Tosi all in line for a start. Crusaders trio George Bell, George Bower, and Fletcher Newell have been named in the reserve unit.

Barrett joins Fabian Holland in the starting second row, with the rookie now recovered from the illness that sidelined him for the Twickenham tussle. Josh Lord will look to continue his strong form off the bench.

Chiefs duo Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie will run out as the starting halves duo, with Finlay Christie named in the No.21 jersey.

Leicester Fainga’anuku will also offer impact off the bench, with Anton Lienert-Brown and Rieko Ioane selected as the starting midfielders.

Scott Robertson said: “We have a lot to play for this weekend – we want to put on a performance that reflects the effort and pride we have put in, and that is a fitting farewell to Jason, Robbo and Coops (Assistant Coach Jason Holland; NZR CEO Mark Robinson and NZR President Matthew Cooper).

“We do not underestimate the passion and resolve that Wales will bring, and we know how organised, accurate and ruthless we need to be in return.”

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Unavailable for selection: Peter Lakai (calf), Tevita Mafileo (rib), Luke Jacobson (concussion), Samipeni Finau (family illness), Jordie Barrett (high ankle).