by Chris Stonadge
New Zealand have announced their squad to face Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, in the first of the Autumn Internationals in Cardiff.
Samuel Whitelock skippers the side in the Second Row, with coach Ian Foster electing to keep Jordie Barrett at No.12 in a very strong lineup.
He had a start there earlier this year when Quinn Tupaea ruptured his MCL, and many New Zealand fans will be excited about his inclusion in the midfield.
“He’s a strong carrier, aggressive defender, can kick and a good communicator,” Foster said of Barrett on the move to 12.
Team for Cardiff 🫡 pic.twitter.com/loFoCra8gW
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 3, 2022
Foster’s side come to the capital in good form, having won their last four test matches – but struggled against Japan in Tokyo, scraping a 38-31 win despite leading initially by 21 points.
The All-Blacks were down to 14 men when Brodie Retallick was sent off, but managed to withstand a mighty effort from the Cherry Blossoms to win by a converted score.
Wales have failed to beat New Zealand in 69 years, and are huge underdogs – as expected. Wayne Pivac will announce his side in the coming hour.
FULL SQUAD
Starting XV: Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax, Samuel Whitelock (c), Scott Barrett, Shannon Frizell, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, Caleb Clarke, Jordie Barrett, Reiko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Beauden Barrett
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa’i, Akira Ioane, Brad Weber, David Havili, Anton Lienert-Brown.