New captain headlines Dave Rennie's All Blacks changes for Wales

148-Test veteran Beauden Barrett will captain the All Blacks in a Test match for the first time in his career this weekend against Wales, in a heavily changed lineup named by Dave Rennie.

Barrett will start at fullback at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, marking his 149th Test match. Crusaders first-five Richie Mo’unga gets the nod at No.10, while Hurricanes flyer Fehi Fineanganofo will line up for his first Test start in an All Blacks jersey.

Up front, Rennie has stuck with Fletcher Newell at tighthead, joining Asafo Aumua and George Bower in the front row. Aumua replaces Codie Taylor at hooker, giving the experienced captain a week off.

It’s an all-Taranaki Bulls second row, with Josh Lord named in the starting line-up to join forces with Scott Barrett, who continues to flourish in his return to the All Blacks.

Blues loose-forward Anton Segner starts at blindside flanker, as in-form No.7 Peter Lakai remains in the starting back row. Wallace Sititi, who scored a superb set play last week at Murrayfield, will look to extend his run of solid form against Wales, when he lines up in the No.8 jumper.

Cortez Ratima starts ahead of Kyle Preston, joining Mo’unga in the all-important 9-10 combination.

The back three sees the exciting starting debut of Fineanganofo, who is named on the right wing, with Josh Moorby on the left.

Chiefs duo Anton Lienert-Brown and Quinn Tupaea start in midfield, in the absence of second-five Jordie Barrett.

Rennie has named a largely inexperienced bench, with George Bell, Xavier Numia, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Blackadder, and Leicester Fainga’anuku getting their first taste of Nations Championship action in November.

The All Blacks coach has opted for a 6-2 bench split for the first time in his tenure, with Preston and 92-Test outside-back Rieko Ioane named as the only backline cover.

Rennie said this weekend’s Test match against Wales will be a special occasion for Beauden Barrett.

“Beauden brings such valuable experience and is massively respected by us all,” Rennie said.

“Captaining the All Blacks in a Test is an honour that I know he doesn’t take lightly, so it’ll be a proud day for him and his whanau,” Rennie said.

Despite making ten changes, the All Blacks head coach believes he has selected a strong side that can put on a proud performance against Wales.

“We have created good depth in this group, and there is a lot of competition for places. We have selected a strong side with 783 caps.

“Wales are a proud rugby nation and are building nicely under Steve Tandy. We are well aware of the threat they pose and the challenge of playing in front of a passionate crowd at Principality Stadium.”

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

1.  George Bower (32)
2.  Asafo Aumua (28)
3.  Fletcher Newell (44)
4.  Scott Barrett (92)
5.  Josh Lord (18)
6.  Anton Segner (4)
7.  Peter Lakai (17)
8.  Wallace Sititi (26)
9.  Cortez Ratima (26)
10. Richie Mo’unga (57)
11. Josh Moorby (8)
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (94)
13. Quinn Tupaea (32)
14. Fehi Fineanganofo (1)
15. Beauden Barrett (148) – Captain

16. George Bell (4)
17. Xavier Numia (6)
18. Pasilio Tosi (20)
19. Jamie Hannah (1)
20. Ethan Blackadder (15)
21. Leicester Fainga’anuku (12)
22. Kyle Preston (6)
23. Rieko Ioane (92)

Unavailable due to injury: Will Jordan (hamstring)