The third wing Luke Jacobson is the only survivor of the All Blacks to have finished on a false note the Rugby Championship, in the last match of this competition still won in Australia.
He will find at his side the veteran 2nd line Sam Whitelock, back in selection after having chosen to stay with his family for the birth of his third child in recent weeks, and who will be captain.
In the front row, pillar Ethan de Groot will be established for the first time, alongside Angus Ta’avao and hooker Asafo Aumua, whose second participation in an international meeting.
Finlay Christie will also experience a first start in the scrum and will form an unprecedented hinge with Richie Mo’unga at the opening.
Quinn Tupaea will play in the center next to the neophyte Braydon Ennor. Will Jordan and George Bridge will start on the wings with Damian McKenzie at the back.
Third row wing Sam Cane, back in the squad after months with pectoral muscle surgery, will be on the bench to wait for a 75th cape.
“We’ve had a great week of preparation here in Washington. After slowly building up in intensity, we got down to business. It’s time to get our rhythm back after our break in Australia, with a few players who haven’t played since. awhile, ”Ian Foster said.
The All Blacks will face Wales in Cardiff on October 30, Italy in Rome on November 6, Ireland in Dublin on November 13 and finally France in Paris on November 20.
New Zealand: Damian McKenzie – Will Jordan, Braydon Ennor, Quinn Tupaea, George Bridge – Richie Mo’unga (o), Finlay Christie (m) – Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii, Luke Jacobson – Sam Whitelock (captain), Tupou Vaa ‘i – Angus Ta’avao, Asasfo Aumua, Ethan De Groot.
Remplaçants: Dane Coles, George Bower, Tyrel Lomax, Josh Lord, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown.
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