All Blacks v Wales: Scott Robertson makes mass changes for final test of the year

Rieko Ioane will return to the midfield for the All Blacks’ final test of the season, among mass changes made for the clash against Wales.

Of the 15 named to start last weekend’s test against England at Twickenham, only captain Scott Barrett and blindside flanker Simon Parker have retained their spots.

“We have a lot to play for this weekend – we want to put on a performance that reflects the effort and pride we have put in, and that is a fitting farewell to Jason, Robbo and Coops [assistant coach Jason Holland, New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson and president Matthew Cooper],” All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said.

“We do not underestimate the passion and resolve that Wales will bring and we know how organised, accurate and ruthless we need to be in return.”

The number of changes is not a total surprise after Robertson indicated they would be looking to rotate the side for the test in Cardiff, with seven players named in the touring squad yet to feature.

Of those seven, six will play a part against Wales. Ioane starts at centre with Ruben Love at fullback, while hooker George Bell, prop George Bower, halfback Finlay Christie and wing Sevu Reece are all in line for their first appearances of the tour off the bench.

Prop Tevita Mafileo was the only other player in the squad not to have made an appearance, but a rib injury has denied him a possible test debut against Wales. He was one of two new additions to the unavailable list for the week, along with loose forward Peter Lakai, who has a calf injury.

In the starting side, familiar finishers Tamaiti Williams, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Pasilio Tosi will pack down in the front row, with Fabian Holland returning from illness to join Scott Barrett at lock.

The loose trio sees Du’Plessis Kirifi and Wallace Sititi named at openside flanker and No 8, alongside Parker in the No 6 jersey.

In the backline, Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie have been named at halfback and first five-eighths, with Anton Lienert-Brown starting at second five-eighths alongside Ioane – the sixth starting midfield combination of the season. While Lienert-Brown started at centre in the third test against France, it will be Ioane’s first test start in the midfield this year.

Caleb Clarke returns on the left wing after missing the England test through concussion, while Will Jordan pushes out to the right wing to allow for Love’s inclusion in the No 15 jersey.

Fletcher Newell, Josh Lord and Leicester Fainga’anuku move back to the bench, while Christian Lio-Willie gets a chance at another test cap as loose forward cover.

All Blacks team to play Wales

All Blacks: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Anton Lienert-Brown, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Ruben Love

Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. Fletcher Newell, 18. George Bower, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Christian Lio-Willie, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 23. Sevu Reece

Unavailable for selection: Peter Lakai (calf), Tevita Mafileo (rib), Luke Jacobson (concussion), Samipeni Finau (family illness), Jordie Barrett (high ankle)

Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.