Dave Rennie backs continuity in All Blacks squad for Scotland Test

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has opted for consistency in selection for their Nations Championship clash against Scotland this weekend at Murrayfield.

Rennie has named a largely settled side after their two recent Bledisloe Cup victories over Australia, making only five changes, most of them from the bench.

Codie Taylor will once again lead the side in Ardie Savea’s absence, where he will be joined by Ethan de Groot and Fletcher Newell in the front row.

The impressive locking duo of Fabian Holland and Scott Barrett continue in the second row, following standout performances in Sydney three weeks ago.

Like the tight-five, the back row remains from the Bledisloe Cup, with the powerful and versatile combination of Tupou Vaa’i, Peter Lakai, and Wallace Sititi set to take on Scotland’s in-form trio.

Cameron Roigard and Damian McKenzie line up in the halfback and fly-half positions, with the consistent Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea set to combine in the midfield.

The back three features years of All Blacks experience with Beauden Barrett and Will Jordan, who are joined by Hurricanes winger Josh Moorby on the left wing.

Rennie has made some minor shifts on the bench, including elevating Cortez Ratima to the bench over Kyle Preston, who was named in the 23-man squad for every game on the All Blacks’ tour of South Africa.

George Bower, Asafo Aumua and Pasilio Tosi make up a settled bench front row, while Otago’s Christian Lio-Willie gets his first opportunity for Rennie’s side this year.

German-born Anton Segner, 91-Test outside-back Rieko Ioane, and Highlanders midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai make up the reserves bench.

Rennie said that although this week had been tough on the group, following the sudden death of their Head of Security, Logan Cadwallader, the boys are prepared and ready.

“It’s been a really tough week for our group following the passing of Logan. He was one of us, and he will be very much in our thoughts as we take the field on Saturday. The boys have leaned on each other and prepared well, so we’re ready to go – we know that is what Logan would want and expect.

“Scotland are a quality side. They are very well coached and have built a lot of depth over recent years. They play a very similar brand of footy to us and we know we’ll need to be at our best on Saturday. Murrayfield is an iconic place to play so it will be a special occasion to kick off our northern tour,” Rennie said.

The All Blacks will wear their white jersey with a poppy to mark Armistice Day, along with black armbands in memory of All Blacks Head of Security Logan Cadwallader, who passed away suddenly in Edinburgh on Sunday morning (local time).

All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets):

1.  Ethan de Groot (46)

2.  Codie Taylor (114) – Captain

3.  Fletcher Newell (43)

4.  Scott Barrett (91)

5.  Fabian Holland (16)

6.  Tupou Vaa’i (53)

7.  Peter Lakai (16)

8.  Wallace Sititi (25)

9.  Cam Roigard (26)

10. Damian McKenzie (83)

11. Josh Moorby (7)

12. Jordie Barrett (86)

13. Quinn Tupaea (31)

14. Will Jordan (63)

15. Beauden Barrett (147)
Reserves

16. Asafo Aumua (27)

17. George Bower (31)

18. Pasilio Tosi (19)

19. Christian Lio-Willie (3)

20. Anton Segner (3)

21. Cortez Ratima (25)

22. Timoci Tavatavanawai (3)

23. Rieko Ioane (91)