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ESPN staff
All Blacks coach Ian Foster has made two backline changes for the series-deciding Test against Ireland, while also handing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck his first chance at international rugby.
The former NRL star will come off the bench to make his Test debut at Sky Stadium in Wellington, while David Havili and Will Jordan come into the starting line-up at inside centre and right wing respectively.
New Zealand will be boosted by the return of veteran lock Sam Whitelock with Scott Barrett shifting back to the side of the scrum as he did in the first Test win in Auckland.
Nepo Laulala replaces Ofa Tu’ungafasi at tighthead prop in the only other change to the pack.
Foster is under mounting pressure as All Blacks coach with his team having lost three of their last four Tests.
Last week’s win was Ireland’s first in New Zealand, the 23-12 triumph coming after a bizarre 80 minutes when the All Blacks were at one stage reduced to 13 men and should have actually been playing with 12.
Tuivasa-Sheck’s inclusion among the replacements caps a strong first season for the code-hopper after he impressed with the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific.
Used at No. 12 by the Blues, Tuivasa-Sheck will provide cover in the midfield and the back three in Wellington.
NEW ZEALAND: Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Replacements: Dane Coles, Aidan Ross, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Folau Fakatava, Richie Mo’unga, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.