Foster's test: All Blacks shuffle forward pack for must-win Tri Nations Test against Los Pumas

Thu, Nov 26, 2020, 1:06 AM
Christy Doran
by Christy Doran
The All Blacks have shuffled their forward pack for their crunch math against the Pumas in Newcastle. Photo: Getty Images
The All Blacks have shuffled their forward pack for their crunch math against the Pumas in Newcastle. Photo: Getty Images

With the Tri Nations trophy open for the taking, under-siege All Blacks coach Ian Foster has shuffled his forward pack while keeping faith with the same backline for their final Test of the year in Newcastle.

While there's an inherent pressure that comes with being an All Blacks coach, rarely do they come under as much pressure so early in their tenure.

Yet despite wrapping up the Bledisloe Cup for an 18th straight year, Foster's career is on the line just five Tests into his two-year contract with New Zealand Rugby following back to back defeats for the first time in almost a decade.

If they fail to win on Saturday at Newcastle, they will go down in the history books as the first New Zealand team to lose three in a row since 1998.

BE THERE FOR THE PENULTIMATE TRI NATIONS TEST AS THE ALL BLACKS TAKE ON LOS PUMAS IN NEWCASTLE ON NOV.28. TICKETS HERE

Foster's kept faith with the same backline that fell to Los Pumas (25-15) for the first time, but has made a number of changes to the forward pack.

In particular, Foster has made three changes to his tight-five.

Joe Moody returns from injury to earn his 50th cap and he is joined in the starting side by Nepo Laulala, who replace Karl Tu'inukuafe and Tyrel Lomax respectively. 

Lock Scott Barrett comes back into the starting side after being dropped following his silly yellow card late in the loss against the Wallabies.

The final change is in the loose forwards, with Akira Ioane replacing Shannon Frizell who has been dropped altogether.

There are a couple of changes to the reserves, with experienced halfback TJ Perenara and exciting utility back Will Jordan returning.

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Foster said his side were excited by the opportunity to "redeem" themselves.

"We've had a great week building into what will be a vital Test for us," he said.

"It's exciting in the sense that we have the opportunity to redeem ourselves after our last game, and we also have the opportunity to win the Tri Nations.

"There's a real determination in the team to perform well, not only for ourselves, but also our families and friends at home and our country."

Los Pumas beat the All Blacks in a historic first-ever win 12 days ago and Foster said the All Blacks were expecting another torrid battle.

"Argentina have shown two weeks in a row that they can compete at the highest level. They've grown as a nation, they've got good size and a lot of skill, so we're certainly going in with our eyes wide open."

ALL BLACKS (1-15): Joe Moody, Dane Coles, Nepo Laulala, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Akira Ioane, Sam Cane (c), Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo'unga, Caleb Clarke, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Beauden Barrett

RESERVES: Codie Taylor, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Tyrel Lomax, Patrick Tuipulotu, Hoskins Sotutu, TJ Perenara, Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan

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