New Zealand v Fiji - Teams and Prediction
PREVIEW: All Black head coach Scott Robertson said Beauden Barrett's form could not be ignored when he selected his team to face Fiji in San Diego.
Barrett will make his first Test start of the season after hugely influential performances coming off the bench in both Test wins against England.
He is one of 11 changes to the team which includes a debut for centre Billy Proctor and five uncapped players on the bench.
"It was a reminder for us, a player like him [Barrett] coming back from Japan, playing at that top level, that class is permanent," Robertson told reporters.
"It was an incredible cameo and now it's an opportunity for us to build depth in different positions."
Meanwhile, Robertson said the newcomers would have no easy ride against a dangerous Fiji, who beat Australia in last year's World Cup and exited in a narrow quarterfinal loss to England.
The story continues below...
Fiji respect
"It's a hell of a great opportunity for the debutants to show their talent," Robertson said.
"We're really respectful of Fiji.
"When they get rolling, they get their arms free and they break the game up.
"They can beat anyone."
Captain Scott Barrett is one of only four Eden Park starting players to keep their place.
The others are No.8 Ardie Savea, wing Sevu Reece and flyhalf Damian McKenzie, who will play his 50th Test.
Fiji coach Mick Byrne made three starting changes to the backline from the team who beat Georgia 21-12 in Batumi two weeks ago.
Fijian Drua flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula is promoted from the bench, pushing Castres playmaker Vilimoni Botitu to fullback in place of Ilaisa Droasese.
Lyon wing Semi Radradra replaces Peniasi Dakuwaqa, who scored twice on Test debut against Georgia.
Fiji's starting side features six players from the Drua Super Rugby team, six from French Top 14 clubs and three from the English Premiership.
Players to watch
For New Zealand: Midfielder Billy Proctor finally gets an opportunity in the No.13 jersey after displaying some great form for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific. Scrumhalf Cortez Ratima gets his first start after debuting off the bench in the 24-17 win at Eden Park that gave New Zealand a 2-0 series sweep against England. Hurricanes prop Pasilio Tosi, Blues lock Sam Darry, Chiefs loose forward Wallace Sititi and Crusaders pair of scrumhalf Noah Hotham and hooker George Bell could all make debuts from the bench.
For Fiji: Wing Semi Radradra is back in the starting team and he can hurt the All Blacks if he is given too much space and time out wide. Flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula loves to attack the line and he has a good eye for the gap as well. Scrumhalf Frank Lomani has plenty of experience and he will be called on to make the big decisions in the backline. In the pack, No.8 Viliame Mata is a powerful presence and when he gets momentum, he will be hard to stop.
[rp-mc-h2h id="3|941366|2024"][/rp-mc-h2h]
[rp-mc-form id="3|941366|2024"][/rp-mc-form]
Prediction
@rugby365com: New Zealand by 35 points.
Teams:
New Zealand: 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 (captain), 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.
Fiji: 15 Vilimoni Botitu, 14 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (captain), 12 Inia Tabuavou, 11 Semi Radradra, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Eroni Mawi.
Replacements: 16 Sireli Maqala, 17 Caleb Muntz, 18 Simione Kuruvole, 19 Elia Canakaivata, 20 Albert Tuisue, 21 Samu Tawake, 22 Haereiti Hetet, 23 Zuriel Togiatama.
Date: Friday, July 19
Venue: Aztec Stadium, San Diego
Kick-off: 19.30 (02.30 GMT Saturday, July 20; 14.30 NZST Saturday, July 20)
Expected weather: It will be partly cloudy and warm with a high of 26°C
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant referees: Anthony Woodthorpe (England), Luke Rogan (USA)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
AFP & @rugby365com