Five Crusaders Named For Bledisloe Test

There are few face offs we cherish more than All Blacks v Wallabies, this one set to go down at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday 29 July, 9.45pm NZT.

Codie Taylor resumes his duties at hooker, lining up alongside Ethan de Groot (Highlanders) and Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes) in the front row.

Scott Barrett will pack down in the locking position for his 61st appearance for the All Blacks. He joins Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), making it a combined 161 caps between the locking duo.

Richie Mo’unga has once again been selected at first five, closing in on 50 caps with this his 47th. The in-form Mo’unga scored 20 of the All Blacks 35 points a few weeks ago versus the Springboks at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart.

Will Jordan occupies the right wing, with Mark Telea (Blues) on the left. Give these guys any room at all and they’ll light up the MCG brighter than its six towers.

To much jubilation from fans and no doubt the man himself, Samuel Whitelock is on the bench, set for his first appearance in the black jersey this season. With 143 All Blacks caps, he’s just six away from knocking fellow Crusader legend Richie McCaw (148) off the top of the All Blacks’ Most Capped Players table.

Sam Cane (Chiefs) is out with a neck strain meaning Ardie Savea (Hurricanes) comes in as captain. Cam Roigard (Hurricanes) is set to make his debut off the bench at halfback.

It’s a big contest and the last of the truncated Rugby Championship. All Blacks have played two, won two and sit at the top of the table. Wallabies have played two, lost two and sit at the bottom of the table. But never write off the green and gold, especially when the Bledisloe is up for grabs.