3 minute read

Ardie Savea will start at blindside flanker for the first time in a powerful All Blacks team named for the Bledisloe Cup opener in Perth.

Steve Hansen is going for the jugular in the two-Test Bledisloe Cup series, naming a power-packed All Blacks team for the opening clash in Perth.

After experimenting with selection through the first two Tests of the Rugby Championship, coach Hansen has unveiled very close to his strongest XV for Saturday's Test against the Wallabies.

Victory will see them retain the silverware they've owned since 2003 and while Hansen made it clear that takes priority over World Cup preparation this weekend, he's still got an eye on the future.

"We're at that part of the year where we need to start putting the combinations we want out there on a regular basis out there," Hansen said on Thursday.

Among the changes, he has named two openside flanker specialists, Sam Cane and Ardie Savea, as starters together with skipper Kieran Read completing the backrow trio.

Arguably the best player in New Zealand this year, it's Savea's first appearance as a blindside flanker in 37 Tests.

Hansen didn't think there was risk in playing Cane and Savea together, a la the Wallabies use of Michael Hooper and David Pocock.

"I don't think there's much risk but I think there's a massive amount of reward," he said.

Hansen has kept the twin playmaker set up of Richie Mo'unga at five-eighth and Beauden Barrett at fullback after its first outing in the 16-16 draw with South Africa.

Seasoned halfback Aaron Smith returns among six starting changes with Anton Lienert-Brown replacing Sonny Bill Williams at inside centre and Scott Barrett in for injured lock Brodie Retallick.

Hooker Dane Coles has been promoted to start ahead of Crusaders rake Codie Taylor.

With three games remaining until their first World Cup match Hansen felt it was near their best line-up.

"Pretty close," he said.

Hansen is expecting considerable improvement on their two Test displays last month, including a narrow win over Argentina in Buenos Aires.

"With the extra time together, we're starting to see an improved clarity of roles out on the training park."

ALL BLACKS: Beauden Barrett, Ben Smith, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (capt), Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Joe Moody. Res: Codie Taylor, Atu Moli, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Ngani Laumape, George Bridge.