Weber wins start for third Bledisloe

Brad Weber is set to make just his second start for the All Blacks in the third Bledisloe Cup test in Perth.

With first choice Aaron Smith staying in New Zealand due to the impending birth of his second child, Chiefs halfback Weber has been handed the No 9 jersey for Sunday’s clash with the Wallabies.

Weber’s second start at halfback in his 11th test means TJ Perenara will again provide the impact off the bench.

Brothers Beauden and Scott Barrett have also filled spots vacated by senior players who haven’t travelled to Australia as they await the arrival of new babies.

Beauden is back at first five-eighth, replacing Richie Mo’unga, while Scott gets the start at lock in place of Sam Whitelock.

There was just one other change in the forwards from the side which wrapped up the Bledisloe for another year in Auckland three weeks ago.

A tight groin for Patrick Tuipulotu meant Tupou Vaa’i came onto the bench for his first test of 2021.

In the backs, Anton Lienert-Brown returns from injury at centre, outside David Havili.

Rieko Ioane moved to the left wing, with Will Jordan on the right and Jordie Barrett at fullback.

All Blacks head coach Ian Foster said the team was determined to finish off this block of Tests against Australia with a top performance.

“We’ve had a really unique situation going into this Test, with quarantine back in New Zealand and a ‘soft’ quarantine here in Perth, but the work that has gone in preparing the players has been outstanding, so when the whistle goes on Sunday, we’ll be ready.

“In the forwards, we have picked a group that is most recently battle-hardened. A lot of them played in the first two Bledisloe Cup Tests.

All Blacks coach Ian Foster
Photo: Photsport

“Brad has been with us through the Steinlager Series and coming into the Rugby Championship, we really wanted to build the nine combination, especially with Aaron not here and to complement TJ’s leadership and experience, so this is a great opportunity to put our faith in Brad to start the Test.”

Foster said the team was excited to be playing in front of a sell-out crowd in Perth.

“Perth has a great rugby culture and we know that there are a lot of Kiwis living here who will be at the game, so can’t wait to hear their support on Sunday.

“Covid has again forced so many changes this year and we especially think of cities like Dunedin and Wellington that have lost Test matches they had hoped and planned for, so it’s great to be able to celebrate having this Test match here in Perth.”

All Blacks team (tests in brackets):

1. George Bower (5)

2. Codie Taylor (60)

3. Nepo Laulala (33)

4. Brodie Retallick (85)

5. Scott Barrett (43)

6. Akira Ioane (6)

7. Dalton Papalii (7)

8. Ardie Savea – captain (52)

9. Brad Weber (10)

10. Beauden Barrett (93)

11. Rieko Ioane (39)

12. David Havili (7)

13. Anton Lienert-Brown (51)

14. Will Jordan (6)

15. Jordie Barrett (27)

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (3)

17. Karl Tu’inukuafe (20)

18. Angus Ta’avao (18)

19. Tupou Vaa’i (4)

20. Ethan Blackadder (2)

21. TJ Perenara (70)

22. Damian McKenzie (32)

23. George Bridge (12)