Northland centre Jack Goodhue retains spot in All Blacks

Northland and All Blacks centre Jack Goodhue, pictured on his way to a try against Australia last Saturday, has retained his starting spot for the return test against the Wallabies tomorrow. Photo / Photosport

Northland's All Black centre Jack Goodhue has been rewarded for his great form in last Saturday's Bledisloe Cup match against Australia in Sydney by retaining his starting role in the return match against the Wallabies at Eden Park tomorrow.

The All Blacks team has been named to play Australia in the second Bledisloe Cup Test of the Investec Rugby Championship at Eden Park, Auckland, on Saturday, with All Blacks tighthead prop Owen Franks to become the All Blacks' newest centurion.

After scoring a try on his starting debut last week Goodhue has retained the No 13 jersey. The 23-year-old Northland and Crusaders midfield back from Kawakawa was one of the standout performers in the All Blacks' 38-13 win over the Wallabies at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

His parents and possibly brothers Cam, Josh and Axel will be at Eden Park for the return leg on Saturday and a win for the home side would secure New Zealand's hold on the trophy.

Goodhue cantered 40m to score in the second half after fielding a pass from wing Rieko Ioane who flew into space before turning the ball back inside to the Northlander. Goodhue said it had been a tough match but one he enjoyed.

"That game probably would be the highlight of my rugby career so far. There's so much history behind the Bledisloe Cup and it was a pretty happy occasion for me," he told the Northern Advocate this week.

Goodhue's performance has been getting rave reviews, but despite his great form, he will have to keep performing if he wants to keep the jersey for the rest of the Rugby Championship, given the ABs' depth in the midfield.

The side features the same starting forward pack as the one which won in Sydney last weekend, while Ofa Tuungafasi comes back onto the reserves bench for Tim Perry.

There are two injury-enforced changes in the backline. With winger Rieko Ioane ruled out, Waisake Naholo comes across to the left wing, Ben Smith moves to the right wing and Jordie Barrett has been named at fullback, for his third Test start. In the midfield, Ngani Laumape comes in for Ryan Crotty.

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: "The team is fully aware that it has the opportunity to close out the Bledisloe Cup series on Saturday. In saying that, we know that there'll be a massive response from Australia following their performance last week.

"Not only are we excited by this challenge, but we're looking forward to responding ourselves with a better performance.

"Our preparation this week - both physically and mentally - has been all about getting ready to do that. We'll be looking to execute to an even higher level and play at an intensity that will challenge ourselves and our opponent."

Hansen has also paid tribute to Owen Franks.

"Whilst last week was a special occasion for Sammy Whitelock, this week it's Owie's turn to join that special club. He has started 90 of his 99 Tests to date, which is an incredible achievement for a tighthead prop, one of the most physically demanding positions on the footy field.

"His professionalism and dedication to improvement has been an inspiration to other All Blacks for quite some time now. We congratulate him and his family on such a wonderful achievement."

Steve Hansen also the All Blacks were looking forward to playing at home at a sold-out Eden Park.

The matchday 23 (with Test caps in brackets):
1. Joe Moody (35)
2. Codie Taylor (33)
3. Owen Franks (99)
4. Brodie Retallick (69)
5. Samuel Whitelock (100)
6. Liam Squire (18)
7. Sam Cane (56)
8. Kieran Read - captain (110)
9. Aaron Smith (75)
10. Beauden Barrett (65)
11. Waisake Naholo (20)
12. Ngani Laumape (6)
13. Jack Goodhue (2)
14. Ben Smith (69)
15. Jordie Barrett (5)
16. Nathan Harris (14)
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe (4)
18. Ofa Tuungafasi (17)
19. Scott Barrett (20)
20. Ardie Savea (26)
21. TJ Perenara (46) 22. Damian McKenzie (16)
23. Anton Lienert-Brown (25)