All Blacks switch up for Les Bleus duel
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Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor return to the New Zealand starting XV for Saturday’s clash with France in Paris, where lock Patrick Tuipulotu is set to play his 50th Test.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has made five personnel changes from the team that beat Ireland last week, with flyhalf Barrett and hooker Taylor both cleared after completing HIA protocols.
Their return sees Damian McKenzie and Asafo Aumua drop to the bench.
A head knock to Sam Cane against Ireland has forced a loose forward reshuffle, with Samipeni Finau slotting in at blindside, Ardie Savea moving to openside and Wallace Sititi packing down at No 8. Young Peter Lakai provides back-row cover as he eyes his second cap.
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Cam Roigard earns a start at scrumhalf ahead of Cortez Ratima, while Sevu Reece takes over from the injured Mark Tele’a on the right wing.
Robertson highlighted the emotional significance of playing for the Gallaher Trophy during Armistice Week in France.
“We have honoured those commemorations as a team and acknowledged the significance of the Dave Gallaher Trophy, named after one of our greatest All Black captains who lost his life in World War I," he said.
"This is a trophy we would love to hold.”
Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
The post All Blacks switch up for Les Bleus duel appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
