ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Thursday Nov 3, 2022

Debuts and returning stars for the Wales Vs All Blacks clash

The Autumn Nations Series is finally upon us, with a littering of world-class superstars ready to take to the big stage it’s going to be a fantastic few weeks.

ADVERTISEMENT

Announced this morning were the lineups for the Wales Vs New Zealand match taking place on Saturday. The Principality Stadium will play host to the contest and is able to seat up to 74,500 spectators.

Despite being very far from home and being doubted by many, the All Blacks are still the overwhelming favourites to win their first game of the series. The world cup is still a year away, so with a solid record this autumn, the All Blacks still have every opportunity to get the fans back on their side before crunch time next year.

The big news in the All Blacks lineup is that all three Barrett brothers will be back in action for their national side, albeit with a slight change in position. Scott Barrett remains in his normal position of second-row, however the other siblings change up slightly in the backline.

Jordie Barrett has been utilised predominately as a fullback for the All Blacks in the past, however head coach Ian Foster has elected to install him at inside-centre. Many people including Hurricanes coach Jason Holland prefer to see Barrett at 12, and it now appears that Foster could be looking at this possibility going forward.

“I like him at 12,” said Holland. “I think he’s just as much a 12 as he is a 15. We played him at 12 last season and think he’s got an awesome skillset. He’s probably one of the guys that gives you the go-forward, to let people around [him] play really well. His skillset and the fact he’s quite a tough bugger makes him a pretty good 12 for me.”

“It’s still a bit of both,” Holland added. “It’s always going to be what’s best for the team, but generally, I think Jordie Barrett’s best spot is at 12.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jordie Barrett (@jordie_barrett)

ADVERTISEMENT

With the 15 shirt now going begging and the 10 shirt being held onto so confidently by Richie Mo’unga, there’s now the opportunity for older brother, Beauden Barrett, to secure the fullback spot. Having played at 15 for decent amount of his career, Beauden will be no stranger to the position.

On the opposite side of the field there is a return for the great Leigh Halfpenny, as he returns to the starting lineup for the first time in well over a year. Also returning are Ken Owens and Justin Tipuric after a long injury-ridden absence for both players.

“It’s great having Ken Owens, Justin Tipuric and Leigh Halfpenny back,” said Wales head coach Wayne Pivac.

“They bring a lot of experience and they are big-game players. Playing New Zealand doesn’t get much bigger so we’re really looking forward to having them back in the side.

“New Zealand is going to play with speed, we know that. The roof is closed so we’re looking forward to a fast, open game and I think Justin brings that extra bit of speed to the number six jersey. So the combination [of Tipuric, Reffell and Faletau] we think will work well.”

Leigh Halfpenny injury

There’s also a debut for Dragons winger Rio Dyer, as he makes his debut against the former world champions.

“Rio has fitted in really well and really quickly. He’s thriving in this environment. He’s a young man that’s bringing some form with him into camp. He scored some great tries and he’s full of confidence.

“That means a lot to a young guy playing his first Test match in front of a big crowd. There’s no better way to start your career so we wish him well.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by RugbyPass (@rugbypass)

Wales: Halfpenny; Rees-Zammit, North, Tompkins, Dyer; Anscombe, T Williams; Thomas, Owens, Francis, Rowlands, Beard, Tipuric, Reffell, Faletau.

Replacements: Elias, Smith, Lewis, Alun Wyn Jones, Tshiunza, Hardy, Priestland, Watkin.

ADVERTISEMENT

New Zealand: B Barrett; Reece, R Ioane, J Barrett, Clarke; Mo’unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax, Whitelock (capt), S Barrett, Frizell, Papali’i, Savea.

Replacements: Taukei’aho, Tu’ungafasi, Newell, Vaa’i, A Ioane, Weber, Havili, Lienert-Brown.

Referee: Wayne Barnes (RFU)

Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (RFU) & Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR)

TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRFU)

Related Articles

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    Lions To Face The Best Of Australia And New...

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    Former England captain joins Matt Hancock...

  • 48 WEEKS AGO

    Alex Lozowski embraces opposition player...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 4 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

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

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

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 14 HOURS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 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

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Bizarre tackle school video divides viewers

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 14 HOURS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 6 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

View All

Funnies

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Irish players prove the work/life balance is possible even at a World Cup

  • 5 DAYS AGO

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

  • 1 WEEK AGO

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

  • 1 WEEK 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

View All

Amateur

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 38 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 11 HOURS AGO

    Jersey Reds player evicted from own home following club collapse

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Irish players prove the work/life balance is possible even at a World Cup

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Watch Namibian wingers display incredible speed against Uruguay

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Vakatawa signs for English Premiership side in sensational return to rugby

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Exclusive: 'The Aussie DNA is missing' - David Campese reflects on Wallaby exit and ponders the future of Aussie rugby

View All