All Blacks ring changes for Fiji test in US

New Zealand yesterday made 11 changes to the team to face Fiji in San Diego, with Beauden Barrett starting at fullback, a debut for centre Billy Proctor and five uncapped players on the bench.

Proctor, who plays for Hurricanes, lines up with the experienced Anton Lienert-Brown in midfield for the game tonight in California.

Playmaker Barrett is restored after hugely influential performances coming off the bench in both test wins against England.

The two-time world player of the year sparked the All Blacks comeback in Auckland on Saturday after they had trailed 17-13 in the second half.

Scrum-half Cortez Ratima gets his first start after debuting off the bench in the 24-17 win at Eden Park that gave New Zealand a 2-0 series sweep against England.

Hurricanes prop Pasilio Tosi, Blues lock Sam Darry, Chiefs loose forward Wallace Sititi, and Crusaders pair of scrum-half Noah Hotham and hooker George Bell could all make debuts from the bench.

“They’ve earned their opportunity, they’ve prepared well and they are ready for test match rugby,” said coach Scott Robertson.

“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.”

Captain Scott Barrett is one of only four Eden Park starting players to keep their place.

The others are No 8 Ardie Savea, wing Sevu Reece and fly-half Damian McKenzie, who will play his 50th test.

Darry and Hotham were not part of Robertson’s initial squad of 32 but joined as replacements for Patrick Tuipulotu and TJ Perenara.

Tuipulotu did not travel to the United States because Robertson deemed the veteran lock needed to “freshen up” following the tense England series.

Perenara injured his knee in the 16-15 first test win against England in Dunedin.

New Zealand (15-1)

Beauden Barrett; Sevu Reece, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke; Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima; Ardie Savea, Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson; Tupou Vaa’i, Scott Barrett (captain); Fletcher Newell, Asafo Aumua, Tamaiti Williams.

Replacements: Emoni Narawa, Jordie Barrett, Noah Hotham, Wallace Sititi, Sam Darry, Pasilio Tosi, Ethan De Groot, George Bell. — SuperSport.