DURBAN – The All Blacks have named a strong side to face the Sharks on Tuesday night, 11 August, with several players who featured for New Zealand during the Nations Championship included in the starting XV.
Head coach Dave Rennie has selected Damian McKenzie, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Ruben Love and Ethan de Groot, while seven players who featured against the Stormers are included in Tuesday’s matchday 23.
Luke Jacobson will captain the side from No 8, and Rennie said Jacobson was the obvious choice to lead the team, praising his experience, understanding of the game and leadership through his actions.
The All Blacks coach said their opening match against the Stormers had given the squad a valuable introduction to the way South African teams play.
With only a short turnaround between matches, Rennie said the squad had focused heavily on preparation, while most of the players are set to make their first appearance of the tour against the Sharks.
All Blacks team to face the Sharks:
15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Fehi Fineanganofo, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Kyle Preston, 8 Luke Jacobson (captain), 7 Wallace Sititi, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Reserves: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Ethan Blackadder, 20 Semisi Ta’eiloa, 21 Cam Roigard, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Emoni Narawa.
Source: Kick Off.
