All Blacks v Fiji: Scott Robertson names six new players in team for clash in San Diego

Six rookies are in line to debut for the All Blacks against Fiji in San Diego as Scott Robertson rings the changes for the final July test this weekend.

Robertson has ushered in 11 changes to his starting side from the team that secured a series sweep against England at Eden Park last Saturday.

Those include a new midfield pairing, with Hurricanes centre Billy Proctor set to debut alongside Anton Lienert-Brown.

Chiefs No 8 Wallace Sititi, Hurricanes prop Pasilio Tosi, Crusaders hooker George Bell, Blues lock Sam Darry and Crusaders halfback Noah Hotham – the latter duo called into the original 32-man squad as injury cover – are also in line to debut from the bench.

Wallace Sititi chats with All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. Photo / Photosport

The All Blacks will field a new front row with Tamaiti Williams, Asafo Aumua and Fletcher Newell joining forces. Tupou Vaa’i is promoted to partner captain Scott Barrett while Patrick Tuipulotu is left at home to recover from injury.

The loose forwards are reshaped, too, with Ethan Blackadder making his first appearance of the test season at openside flanker alongside Luke Jacobson and Ardie Savea.

Chiefs halfback Cortez Ratima, following his impressive debut off the bench against England at Eden Park, earns his maiden start inside Super Rugby teammate Damian McKenzie, who retains the first five-eighths reins.

Caleb Clarke starts his first test this season on the left wing, replacing Blues team-mate Mark Tele’a, and Beauden Barrett’s match-winning cameo against England is rewarded with promotion to the No 15 jersey.

An inexperienced, new-look bench that contains five rookies also includes Chiefs wing Emoni Narawa, who did not feature against England.

All Blacks coach Robertson congratulated the six uncapped players on their selection.

“They’ve earned their opportunity; they’ve prepared well and they are ready for test match rugby. We have a lot of respect for Fiji who will be fast and physical and we’re looking forward to the contest.

“It’s been a superb week in San Diego. Our leaders have fed off the younger players’ energy and our focus is now on performing.”