All Blacks manager Scott Robertson made two forced changes to his starting side for his second Test against France, giving Timochi Tabatavanawai Centre the opportunity to score his first cap off the bench on Saturday.
Patrick Twiprotou is named in the second row in place of Captain Scott Barrett, who has been removed from the rest of the series by the calf tears, with Caleb Clark coming to the side of Cebu Reese.
Reese suffered a concussion last Saturday when he edged the weakened French team 31-27 in Dunedin. Performance Robertson will be hoping to see improvements this weekend at Wellington Regional Stadium.
“Both teams have a better understanding of what they’ll get on Saturday night and will lift both for this next opportunity,” Robertson said.
“We know where we need to improve.”
Tabatabanawai, who left Fiji at the age of 16 to pursue his rugby dream in New Zealand, will be on the bench in place of Quinn Tupia as a cover for Billy Proctor and Geordy Barrett’s centre partnership.
The 27-year-old won his call in the fantastic Super Rugby Pacific Campaign, where he was a constant threat to the opposition, with his strength and pace, and his presence against the ball when he was injured.
Rieko Ioane continues his new position on the wing, but replaces the sides so that Clark can get a normal spot on his left flank.
Ardie Savea may step in from the vice captain to skipper his hometown team and maintain his final test role next week at Hamilton.
All black teams for the second test
Will Jordan, Lieko Ioan, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Kalb Clark, Borden Barrett, Come Rogerd, Christian, Rio Will, Patrick Tupu Vio, Periotu, Patrick Newar, Fletcher Newar, Fletcher Newar, Ettan
Alternatives: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Olie Norris, Pasilio Tosi, Samipeni Finau, Du’i’plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Cortez Ratima, Tavatavanawai, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Damian McKenzie