Jordie Barrett to make first New Zealand start in Test series decider against British and Irish Lions


JORDIE BARRETT will make his first New Zealand start in Saturday’s Test series decider against the British and Irish Lions.

The 20-year-old brother of Beauden will win a second cap at full-back.

Kieran Read will lead the All Blacks in the final test against the Lions on Saturday
Kieran Read will lead the All Blacks in the final test against the Lions on Saturday
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The All Blacks take on the British Lions this Saturday morning
The All Blacks take on the British Lions this Saturday morning
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His first came when he came on as a replacement during the pre-series appointment with Samoa in June.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has been forced to rethink his backline.

He will be without the injured Ben Smith and suspended Sonny Bill Williams.

Ngani Laumape will line up at centre instead of the latter.

Meanwhile, juggernaut wing Julian Savea has been recalled in place of Rieko Ioane.

Israel Dagg will also be switched from full-back to right-wing as Waisake Naholo drops out.

Jordie Barrett, 20, is the younger brother of fellow All Black Beauden
Jordie Barrett, 20, is the younger brother of fellow All Black Beauden
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All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has been forced to rethink his backline
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has been forced to rethink his backline
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ALL BLACKS 23 TO FACE BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS

1. Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, 3. Owen Franks 4. Brodie Retallick 5. Samuel Whitelock 6. Jerome Kaino 7. Sam Cane 8. Kieran Read (Captain) 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Julian Savea, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Anton Lienert-Brown, 14. Israel Dagg, 15. Jordie Barrett

Replacements: 16. Nathan Harris, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Charlie Faumuina, 19. Scott Barrett, 20. Ardie Savea, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. Aaron Cruden, 23. Malakai Fekitoa

Kieran Reid will also play his 100th Test for New Zealand.

The All Blacks suffered a shock defeat against the Lions in Wellington last Saturday.

That means the series will now come down to a deciding clash this weekend.

Lions boss Warren Gatland takes his side to Eden Park - a place the All Blacks last tasted defeat in 1994
Lions boss Warren Gatland takes his side to Eden Park – a place the All Blacks last tasted defeat in 1994
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The 20-year-old Jordie Barrett will be hoping to impress against the Lions
The 20-year-old Jordie Barrett will be hoping to impress against the Lions
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Warren Gatland defends himself over the British and Irish Lions' 'Warrenball' style of play

However, Warren Gatland’s tourists face a tough task in one of the most anticipated Test games of the modern era.

They take on their hosts in the infamous Eden Park, a ground where the All Blacks have not been beaten since 1994.


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