Uncapped flyer enters All Blacks' matchday 23 as Jordie Barrett a late scratch

Jordie Barrett has been ruled out of the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney with a tight calf, triggering an intriguing reshuffle in the All Blacks‘ matchday 23.

After initially being named on the bench, Timoci Tavatavanawai will now get his first Test start in the black No.12 jersey. Chay Fihaki, a recent injury replacement for Fehi Fineanganofo, has stepped  his place on the bench.

If he takes the field, it will be Fihaki’s first minutes in the international arena. The 193 cm outside back is renowned for his aerial ability, which has become a prominent talking point for the All Blacks in recent seasons. Six years into his Crusaders career, Fihaki covers both the right wing and fullback and possesses a powerful boot.

Tavatavanawai makes his way into the starting XV with an opportunity to prove his fitness after All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie challenged him to lift his standards in that area of his game. Rennie recently described Tavatavanwai’s fitness during the Super Rugby Pacific season as “well off the pace”, despite the Highlanders co-captain collecting the joint-most Player of the Year votes in the competition.

With the adjustments, Rennie has resisted the urge to shift starting centre Quinn Tupaea into the No.12 jersey, and left experienced centre Rieko Ioane on the bench. Ioane is likely to now cover the midfield, after initially being named as outside back cover.