All Blacks XV head coach Clayton McMillan has named his playing 23 to challenge Georgia’s national team, in the second and final match of their 2024 Northern Tour.
Following a 38-24 win against Munster in Ireland last weekend, McMillan has made a number of changes to the starting line-up team anticipating an intense match in Montpellier on Sunday (kick-off 2am Monday NZ Time).
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“After an intense match against Munster, we want to build on our performance last week. We're going up against a full strength national Georgia side who have shown they’re fierce competition this year, they will be hungry for a win and we need to match that."
The All Blacks XV starting front row features loosehead prop George Bower, tighthead prop Kurt Eklund and Marcel Renata moves to the starting line-up at hooker. Bradley Slater, Xavier Numia and Saula Ma’u will provide impact off the bench.
Isaia Walker-Leawere and Naitoa Ah Kuoi make up the locking duo this weekend, with Caleb Delaney, Du’Plessis Kirifi (Captain) and Simon Parker the loose forward trio. Fabian Holland, Corey Kellow and Devan Flanders are on the bench.
In the backs, Finlay Christie and Josh Jacomb take the field at halfback and first-five, with Noah Hotham on the bench. Hurricanes rising talent Riley Higgins will play at No 12, with Dallas McLeod at centre.
The back three is made up of Kini Naholo on the left wing, Quinn Tupaea moves to the right wing and Shaun Stevenson returns at fullback, Chay Fihaki will provide impact off the bench.
ALL BLACKS XV: Shaun Stevenson, Quinn Tupaea, Dallas McLeod, Riley Higgins, Kini Naholo, Josh Jacomb, Finlay Christie, Simon Parker, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Caleb Delaney, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Marcel Renata, Kurt Eklund, George Bower. Reserves: Bradley Slater, Xavier Numia, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Corey Kellow, Devan Flanders, Noah Hotham, Chay Fihaki