All Blacks hit by major injury blow for Bledisloe 2
All Blacks v Wallabies, Bledisloe Cup second test, 6pm, today
The All Blacks have been dealt a major blow ahead of the second test with second five-eighths Jordie Barrett ruled out of today’s clash in Sydney.
Barrett has a tight calf and sees his starting spot replaced by Timoci Tavatavanawai.
Tavatavanawai’s only start for the All Blacks this season was in a midweek clash against the Lions.
Barrett, who has been one of the top performers for Dave Rennie’s side this season, experienced tightness during the last Bledisloe Cup match in Auckland and it has not settled sufficiently during the week.
Chay Fihaki comes onto the bench to potentially make his test debut.
All Blacks v Wallabies line-ups
All Blacks: 1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor (c), 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Tupou Vaa’i, 7. Peter Lakai, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Josh Moorby, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13. Quinn Tupaea, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Beauden Barrett
Reserves: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. Xavier Numia, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Shannon Frizell, 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Rieko Ioane, 23. Chay Fihaki.
Wallabies: 1. Aidan Ross, 2. Josh Nasser, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Jeremy Williams, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson (c), 9. Ryan Lonergan, 10. Declan Meredith, 11. Harry Potter, 12. Isaac Henry, 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14. Max Jorgensen, 15. Tom Wright
Reserves: 16. Billy Pollard, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Massimo De Lutiis, 19. Josh Canham, 20. Carlo Tizzano, 21. Kalani Thomas, 22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23. Filipo Daugunu
Listen to Elliott Smith’s live commentary on Newstalk ZB Sport and iHeartRadio, or join the Alternative Commentary Collective on iHeartRadio and Radio Hauraki.
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you