All Black selections point to another fast finish

All Black selections point to another fast finish

All Blacks head coach Steve Hanson sprung a surprise selection for the second Bledisloe Cup match against the Wallabies.

Centre Anton Lienert-Brown will feel hard done by after impressing off the bench after Ryan Crotty left the field early on through injury, only to miss out on a starting spot the following week.

Lienert-Brown has been leapfrogged by Ngani Laumape for a starting spot but Hanson's decision shows that the All Blacks are looking to finish fast once again.

Laumape's rampaging carries will cause the Wallabies defence headaches and has been impressive for the All Blacks when given the opportunity. His devasting ball carries saw him score 15 tries for the Hurricanes last season and 9 this season. 

 


The same thing can be said of Jordie Barrett's elevation straight into the starting XV over Damian McKenzie. McKenzie is now a recognised flyhalf but has shown that he is a test quality fullback and came off the bench in the position during the first test.

Laumape is hard carrying centre and will certainly tire the Wallabies' defence out before Steve Hanson injects the likes of McKenzie, Lienert-Brown and TJ Perenara. 


The selections of Ardie Savea, Scott Barrett, Ofa Tu'ungafasi and Nathan Harris on the bench in the forward department Hanson will also have a number options for further impact. 

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