Former NRL superstar Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is a surprise inclusion on the All Blacks bench for Saturday’s pressure cooker series decider against Ireland in Wellington.
The Blues inside centre has been in the New Zealand squad throughout the series but was not used in Ian Foster’s matchday 23 for the win in Auckland and loss in Dunedin that leaves the series poised at 1-1.
But with his job increasingly under threat, coach Foster has reacted to last weekend’s historic loss by dumping young Chiefs No.12 Quinn Tupaea.
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Crusaders utility David Havili has recovered from a bout of COVID-19 and will start with the uncapped Tuivasa-Sheck providing cover in the reserves after an impressive first season in professional rugby.
Foster has also recalled senior lock Sam Whitelock, who missed the second Test with concussion symptoms.
That means Scott Barrett reverts to blindside flanker with Dalton Papalii dropped back to the bench.
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Will Jordan, who scored a try off the bench at Forsyth Barr Stadium, is promoted to start on the right wing as Leicester Fainga’anuku misses out and Sevu Reece switches flanks.
Tighthead prop Nepo Laulala will make his first appearance of the season along with reserves Dane Coles and Akira Ioane.
Ofa Tu’ungafasi drops to the bench after being yellow carded in Dunedin while the experienced Coles comes in for Samisoni Taukei’aho.
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“It’s tough having a loss but the tough weeks are often the most exciting,” Foster said.
“A series decider against a high quality side is a great occasion for our growth as a team.”
England’s Wayne Barnes has been appointed referee for the match at Sky Stadium.
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