New All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has sprung a surprise for his first assignment against England by naming Stephen Perofeta at fullback ahead of Beauden Barrett.
Barrett, 33, who scored the only try in last year’s Rugby World Cup final, has to be content with a place on the bench in a team led by younger brothers Scott and Jordie Barrett.
“He took it like a true pro, whatever is required for this week,” Robertson said.
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Beauden Barrett of New Zealand scores a try in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. Getty
“Like I said he’s covering a couple of positions and can slot in at any time, so he was great. Beauden can play his part covering 10 and 15.”
Perofeta, 27, has played three Tests and was a Super Rugby Pacific champion with the Blues this season.
“Obviously the experience of 123 Test matches (for Barrett) counts for a lot, but also a guy (Perofeta) is in form, good around the high ball and played great footy just two weeks ago – was in a Test match level game, a final,” Robertson said.
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Stephen Perofeta of New Zealand runs with the ball. Getty
TJ Perenara and Damian McKenzie form a new halves pairing while winger Sevu Reece and flanker Samipeni Finau are recalled.
Perenara, 32, is set to play his first Test in nearly two years after rupturing his Achilles during the 25-25 draw with England in London in 2022.
“This was a very tough squad to pick, but we’ve selected the best 23 players to beat England on Saturday,” Robertson said.
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett with coach Scott Robertson at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. Getty
“There is a lot of excitement in the group for our first Test and we’re walking together toward this opportunity to represent New Zealand and our families in Dunedin in front of a sold out stadium. We’ve prepared well and we’re ready.”
Reece, who was Super Rugby’s top try scorer this year, is also in line to play his first Test since 2022, after missing most of 2023 with a ruptured ACL.
Robertson has had a long time to let selection ideas percolate: he was named to succeed Ian Foster as coach months before last year’s World Cup and has had to wait more than a year to name his first lineup.
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During that time several key players have left.
Six players who started last year’s World Cup final are unavailable.
Will Jordan and former captain Sam Cane are injured, Aaron Smith has retired while Brodie Retallick, Shannon Frizell and Richie Mo’unga are in Japan and not eligible for selection.
Will Jordan of New Zealand scores his team’s seventh try. Getty
Robertson faced several challenges, among them a shortage of options at lock where he had only three players in the squad and halfback where his choices were limited by the absence of Cam Roigard who is injured.
In contrast he had an abundance of choice in the backrow and the outside backs.
World Rugby player of the year Ardie Savea will start at the back of the scrum with Dalton Papali’i on the openside and Finau on the blindside.
Finau had an outstanding Super Rugby season and echoes Jerome Kaino as a hard tackling No.6.
Robertson has been unable to find a place on the bench for powerful Blues winger Caleb Clarke.
The front row was widely predicted with Tyrel Lomax at tighthead, Ethan de Groot at loosehead and Crusaders veteran Codie Taylor at hooker.
Codie Taylor of the All Blacks celebrates a try. Getty
Hurricanes hooker Asafo Aumua will make an impact from the bench along with Blues veteran Ofa Tu’ungafasi and the young Fletcher Newell.
– with AP
NEW ZEALAND (15-1): Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Tele’a, Damian McKenzie, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Dalton Papali’i, Samipeni Finau, Patrick Tuipulotu, Scott Barrett (c), Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson, Finlay Christie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Beauden Barrett
ENGLAND (15-1): George Furbank, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade, Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman, Marcus Smith, Alex Mitchell, Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, Chandler Cunningham-South, George Martin, Maro Itoje, Will Stuart, Jamie George (c), Joe Marler
Reserves: Theo Dan, Fin Baxter, Dan Cole, Alex Coles, Tom Curry, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith, Ollie Sleightholme