New Zealand’s All Blacks Aim to Extend Unbeaten Eden Park Run against England
The New Zealand All Blacks have made one enforced change for Saturday’s second test against England in Auckland, with Finlay Christie starting at scrum-half. TJ Perenara’s knee injury in the series opener at Forsyth Barr Stadium has opened the door for Christie, who came on as a replacement in the 16-15 victory.
“Finlay has worked hard and earned his place in the starting side and it will be a proud day for Cortez and his whanau. He’s a talented young man who is ready for test rugby,” said head coach Scott Robertson.
Cortez Ratima has taken Christie’s place on the bench and will make his test debut if he appears in the second of the two-match series against England. Flanker Samipeni Finau has also been cleared to play after exiting last Saturday’s win for a head injury assessment (HIA).
The All Blacks are seeking to extend their unbeaten run at the iconic Eden Park to 49 matches, a remarkable sequence dating back to 1994.
“We can feel New Zealand’s support here in Auckland, and we will hear it at a sold-out Eden Park,” Robertson added. “It’s a very special venue to the All Blacks, and we’re going there on Saturday to win the series against England.”
The team sheet for the second test sees Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, and Tyrel Lomax in the front row, with Scott Barrett captaining the side. Samipeni Finau, Dalton Papali’i, and Ardie Savea form the back row, while Finlay Christie partners Damian McKenzie in the half-backs.
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