Perenara halfback in Robertson's first All Blacks team

[The InnFORCEr]

TJ Perenara will start at halfback in Scott Robertson's first All Blacks team, partnering with pivot Damian McKenzie for the series-opening Test against England in Dunedin.

Perenara succeeds Aaron Smith in New Zealand's engine room, with the veteran having retired from Test rugby after last year's World Cup final defeat to South Africa.

Robertson has opted for Dalton Papali'i at openside flanker for Saturday's clash, with former skipper Sam Cane unavailable with a back problem.

Papali'i starts alongside No.8 Ardie Savea, with Samipeni Finau on the blindside in the Scott Barrett-captained team.

Lock Patrick Tuipulotu lines up next to Barrett in the second row, while Stephen Perofeta takes the fullback position in a back three with Mark Tele'a and Sevu Reece.

Playmaker Beauden Barrett will start from the bench.

All Blacks squad:

15. Stephen Perofeta, 14. Sevu Reece, 13. Rieko Ioane, 12. Jordie Barrett, 11. Mark Tele'a, 10. Damian McKenzie, 9. TJ Perenara, 8. Ardie Savea, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 5 .Patrick Tuipulotu, 4. Scott Barrett (capt), 3. Tyrel Lomax, 2. Codie Taylor, 1. Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Tupou Vaa'i, 20. Luke Jacobson, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Beauden Barrett.

https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/ru...eam-c-15236824

[shasta]

I thought Scott Barrett's disciplinary record might count against him. But given the past association between skipper & coach probably predictable. I thought Dalton Papalii might be considered but he's had his own issues there. Savea's sometimes embarrassing media performances as a losing captain probably ruled him out.