ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Thursday Jul 6, 2023

Barrett to start at fullback and Mo'unga on bench as All Blacks lineup announced

The All Blacks have announced their starting line-up for the first round of the Rugby Championship. This will be a hugely important tournament for all sides involved as they’ll be looking to generate decent momentum ahead of this year’s World Cup.

ADVERTISEMENT

The match-up against Argentina this Saturday will be a big test for the All Blacks – a side who have not played together since their 25-25 draw against England at the end of last year. In big changes to the side that gave up a substantial lead at Twickenham in November, neither Beauden Barrett nor Richie Mo’unga will be donning the ten jersey this time around. Instead, it’s the turn of the immensely talented playmaker, Damian Mckenzie.

The Chiefs player has been on red-hot form ever since returning from his time in Japan and is expected to be a fascinating inclusion in the squad. Able to create space from apparently nothing, Mckenzie showed his class ‘above the rest’ whilst playing for the Barbarians against Bath in November. Despite both sides boasting some world-class players, Mckenzie’s performance at fly-half stole the show. Following some out-of-this-world playmaking skills, the 28-year-old from Invercargill slotted the match-winning drop goal – picking up the Player of the Match award in the process.

Outside of Mckenzie, the backline looks in similar shape, with Caleb Clarke, Jordie Barrett, and Rieko Ioane keeping their places, with Beauden Barrett filling in at the familiar fullback position. There is a first start for exciting Chiefs winger Emoni Narawa after tearing it up for the Chiefs in recent times.

Marshalling the forwards sees the ever reliable Aaron Smith take the nine jersey as he looks to use his years worth of experience to create an unbreakable cohesion between forwards and backs. There is also the return of Sam Cane to captain the side, backed up by the formidable Ardie Savea – who was recently filmed turning out for local club side Oriental Rongotai Rugby Club. 

Joining Sam Cane on the flank is the 6 ft 5 in Tongan born Highlander, Shannon Frizell. In front of the giant flanker is two even larger second rows in Scott Barrett and Josh Lord. Rounding off the front row, experienced hooker Dane Coles is joined by Ethan De Groot and Tyrel Lomax.

ADVERTISEMENT

The bench includes a series of match winners to complete a team that could easily strike fear into any team they face.

Not everybody is convinced however:

Related Articles

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    Junior All Blacks Haka comes under fire at...

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    Chiefs score worldie try in Super Rugby final...

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    All Blacks name 36-man Rugby Championship...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Match Report: Australia challenge the All Black HAKA in extraordinary test

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Tom Curry receives ban following red card tackle against Argentina

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Off the ball 'punches' being called out by fans following All Blacks vs Springbok match

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Scott Barrett's World Cup on the rocks following reckless shoulder charge

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Bizarre tackle school video divides viewers

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Springbok fans given a scare as Kolbe takes back-breaking hit

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Dane Coles stunned as he hears news of Steve Hansen joining the Wallabies

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Moment of madness leads to incredible Springbok score

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

View All

Funnies

  • 4 HOURS AGO

    Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber offers ice cold response at the press conference

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Stone Cole’d: Dan Cole channels his inner Steve Austin in brilliant behind the scenes action

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Chaos ensues as off-field substitute is caught up in try scoring opportunity

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Springboks set to sing additional song post national anthem in future test matches

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Brian O'Driscoll unburdens himself with huge confession in classic Guinness advert

View All

Amateur

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Drew Mitchell Vs. Johnny Sexton: The untold story

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Namibia captain receives awful backlash from trolls on social media following unfortunate DuPont hit

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Exclusive: David Campese calls for inquiry into Australian rugby as he provides explosive thoughts on the World Cup

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Stone Cole’d: Dan Cole channels his inner Steve Austin in brilliant behind the scenes action

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Chaos ensues as off-field substitute is caught up in try scoring opportunity

View All