Dalton "Papalii Don’t Preach" starts for All Blacks in 2nd Test

Publish Date
Thursday, 7 July 2022, 6:35PM

The All Blacks have made one change and a positional switch for the second test against Ireland on Saturday.

With Sam Whitelock suffering delayed concussion symptoms, Scott Barrett moves from blindside flanker to lock while Blues skipper Dalton Papalii comes into the starting side in the six jersey.

The backline from the first test victory at Eden Park is unchanged.

"The backline remains unchanged with a plan to build on existing combinations from the previous week," said All Blacks head coach Ian Foster.

There is potential for two debuts off the bench with Highlanders halfback Folau Fakatava and Chiefs prop Aidan Ross named in the squad for the first time. Will Jordan, who has recovered from Covid-19, also comes into the bench for Braydon Ennor.

Foster says the full house match in Dunedin is another massive test for the All Blacks, plus clearly an opportunity to seal the series.

"While I was delighted at how we performed and the leadership shown in the first test match, we will need to really lift and improve in some key areas. We know the Irish will throw everything at us this week to keep the series alive.

"We've again had challenges this week, but we feel this team has laid a foundation to build on and is desperate to improve against a very determined Irish side."

The All Blacks have won 40 out of 46 test matches in Dunedin, with five losses, and one draw.

All Blacks team:

1.George Bower (12) Chicka BOW WOW
2. Codie Taylor (67) – Codys 8%
3. Ofa Tu'ungafasi (45) – King Haku
4. Brodie Retallick (93) – Lurch
5. Scott Barrett (49) – Dog Roll
6. Dalton Papalii (13) – Papalii Don’t Preach
7. Sam Cane (78) (c) – Cleveland Steamer
8. Ardie Savea (60) - Beaker
9. Aaron Smith (103) – Aaron From Distribution
10. Beauden Barrett (102) – Slippery Barrett
11. Leicester Fainga'anuku (1) – The Flying Nuke
12. Quinn Tupaea (8) – Blow On The Pie-A
13. Rieko Ioane (48) – Sierra Leone
14. Sevu Reece (18) - Severed Piece
15. Jordie Barrett (37) - Udon

16. Samisoni Taukei'aho (10) - TBC
17. Aiden Ross* - TBC
18. Angus Ta'avao (21) – 100% Pure
19. Pita Gus Sowakula (1) – Pita Gus Stubble Cooler
20. Patrick Tuipulotu (13) – Tuipulotu Evan Charlton One News
21. Folau Fakatava* - Mother
22. Richie Mo'unga (33) – Cheryl Mo’unga Marie
23. Will Jordan (13) – TBC

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission

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