Murray Kinsella reports from Rotorua
TODAY, ALL ROADS lead to Auckland and a chance to see the All Blacks in action for the first time in 2017.
Samoa provide the opposition at Eden Park [KO 9am Irish time, Sky Sports] and Steve Hansen has gone full-strength as he looks to shake any rust from his players, rebuild combinations and serve the Lions a warning of what is to come.
While optimism has rightly risen in the Lions’ ranks after last weekend’s 12-3 victory over the Crusaders, a dominant All Blacks victory in Auckland would reel the tourists’ expectations and hopes back in a little.
Keen to make a good start before the three-Test series against the Lions gets underway on 24 June at the same venue, Hansen is not messing around with his team selection for this Samoa clash.
“It was pretty straightforward,” said the All Blacks boss. “Kieran Read is the only person who is missing from what would be one of our strongest line-ups.
“We are taking a serious view of Samoa, they are a quality opposition. We want to start the ball rolling and get away to a good start. The boys have come back in and they are in great shape mentally and physically.
“I know whatever we will be able to improve for the following week, hence why we asked for the extra Test match.”
While the Lions are flogging themselves with a demanding warm-up schedule, one game should do the trick for the All Blacks, particularly as this is virtually the XV that will face the Lions next weekend.
Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Owen Franks form the front row, having faced the Lions last weekend, while Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock are the imposing second row pairing.
Jerome Kaino is back from a knee injury at blindside flanker, the teak-tough Sam Cane is at openside and the dynamic Ardie Savea holds fort at eight until Read is ready for his return against the Lions.
Aaron Smith retains the nine shirt despite TJ Perenara’s fine form, while the brilliant Beauden Barrett is at out-half. With Ryan Crotty injured – he should be fit next week – Sonny Bill Williams gets a chance to nail down the 12 shirt and Anton Lienert-Brown is at outside centre.
Ben Smith captains the side from fullback, with the aerial skills of Isreal Dagg on one wing and the bombastic finishing of Julien Savea on the other.
So while Warren Gatland is trying to keep some of his cards close to his chest in terms of the Lions’ Test side, the All Blacks are happily laying all of theirs out.
“For me, that looks close to their Test team,” said Gatland. “It looks like their strongest side that they’re putting out, trying to get a game under their belt. I don’t think they’ll make many changes for next week.”
There is a degree of experimentation about the All Blacks’ bench, with Hurricanes pair Jordie Barrett and Vaea Fifita set to make their debuts, but then both players have been in excellent form and deserve a shot.
20-year-old Barrett, one of three brothers in the squad, is a particularly exciting player. He has starred at fullback for the Hurricanes this season but many expect him to end up as an inside centre in the long-term. Wherever he plays, his attacking skills are a threat.
While Fifita and Barrett are hoping for first caps, the rest of the All Blacks’ squad is very settled and Hansen is looking for them to find their feet back in the black jersey before the real challenge of the Lions.
“It’s about getting some combinations going,” says Hansen. “The hardest thing to do – and we are seeing it with the Lions – is you bring in people that come from different teams, different defence patterns and different attack structures and it takes a little while. You can’t just flick your fingers and say, ‘Right, we are away.’
“It’s about getting the connections going and getting back into the All Blacks way and play with a bit of intensity and pace with some accuracy. Keeping an eye on the scoreboard will be handy too.”
Gatland and his Lions will be keeping a close eye on everything and if that scoreboard starts ticking over, they will appreciate even more how great a challenge awaits them.
New Zealand:
15. Ben Smith (captain)
14. Israel Dagg
13. Anton Lienert-Brown
12. Sonny Bill Williams
11. Julian Savea
10. Beauden Barrett
9. Aaron Smith
1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Owen Franks
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Samuel Whitelock
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Sam Cane
8. Ardie Savea
Replacements:
16. Nathan Harris
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Charlie Faumuina
19. Scott Barrett
20. Vaea Fifita
21. TJ Perenara
22. Lima Sopoaga
23. Jordie Barrett
Samoa:
15. Ah See Tuala
14. Albert Nikoro
13. Kieron Fonotia
12. Alapati Leiua
11. Tim Nanai Williams
10. Tusi Pisi
9. Kahn Fotuali’i
1. Viliamu Afatia
2. Maatulimanu Leiataua
3. Census Johnston
4. Chris Vui
5. Faatiga Lemalu
6. Piula Faasalele
7. Jack Lam
8. Faifili Levave
Replacements:
16. Seilala Lam
17. Nephi Leatigaga
18. Paul Alo-Emile
19. Taiasina Tuifua
20. Alafoti Faosiliva
21. Auvasa Falealii
22. D’Angelo Leuila
23. Ken Pisi
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