Match Preview: All Blacks v Fiji

Tests Played: 7

Won: All Blacks 7

Last time: 60-13, 17 July 2021, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

Referee: Matthew Carley

DASHING DEBUTANTS

Billy Proctor will make his All Blacks Test debut against Fiji after being named to start at centre for the final match of the of the 2024 Steinlager Ultra Low Carb series at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. Proctor, who will follow his older brother Matt into the All Blacks history books, and is one of six uncapped players named in the match day 23 including hooker George Bell, prop Pasilio Tosi, lock Sam Darry, loose forward Wallace Sititi and halfback Noah Hotham who are all named in the reserves. Darry and Hotham, who were not named in the initial 32-man squad for the Steinlager Ultra Low Carb Series, come into the side for Patrick Tuipulotu and TJ Perenara respectively. Tuipulotu has remained in New Zealand to freshen up following two tough Tests against England, while Perenara is recovering from a leg injury suffered during the first Test in Dunedin.

FIJIAN THREAT

Fiji is a team on the rise. Currently ranked tenth in the world, they sit ahead of tier one nations Wales and Japan on the world rankings. At the Rugby World Cup last year, Fiji narrowly missed out on an historic appearance in the semifinals when they were edged 30-24 by England in the quarterfinals. Prior to the World Cup, Fiji defeated England at Twickenham to show they can upset the best teams in the world. Although Fiji have not beaten the All Blacks across seven Tests, during their 2021 tour to New Zealand, they led for passages during both Test matches. New coach Mick Byrne will ensure there is no shortage of self-belief in the side to create history with a first-ever win over the All Blacks in San Diego.

SAN DIEGO HISTORY

It has been almost 44 years since the last time the All Blacks played in San Diego. In 1980, the All Blacks took on USA at San Diego Chargers Stadium in a non-official Test match. The All Blacks powered to a 53-6 win on that day with left wing Fred Woodman scoring a hat-trick. Prolific try-scoring must run in the Woodman family as Fred is the Uncle of the Black Ferns all-time leading try-scorer Portia Woodman. The match against Fiji will mark the first time the All Blacks have played an official Test match in San Diego.

FIJI UP FOR THE CHALLENGE

Flying Fijians Head Coach Mick Byrne said his side were ready to match the All Blacks physical style of play. “Physicality will be a key aspect of our game plan. We have worked hard to sharpen our set pieces and improve our defensive structure. We know the challenge ahead against the All Blacks, but we are focused on our strengths and what we can bring to the game.”

WATCH AROUND THE WORLD

NZR+ is streaming the Steinlager Ultra Low Carb Series and other July internationals directly into territories that traditionally don't receive a live broadcast. Read the full story HERE to find out how you can watch the game.

TEAMS 

All Blacks (caps in brackets)

1. Tamaiti Williams (7) 2. Asafo Aumua (8) 3. Fletcher Newell (15) 4. Scott Barrett (71) (Captain) 5. Tupou Vaa’i (27) 6. Luke Jacobson (20) 7. Ethan Blackadder (10) 8. Ardie Savea (83) (Vice Captain) 9. Cortez Ratima (1) 10. Damian McKenzie (49) 11. Caleb Clarke (20) 12. Anton Lienert-Brown (72) 13. Billy Proctor (0)* 14. Sevu Reece (25) 15. Beauden Barrett (125)

Reserves: 16. George Bell (0)* 17. Ethan De Groot (24) 18.  Pasilio Tosi (0) *19.  Sam Darry (0)* 20.  Wallace Sititi (0)*  21.  Noah Hotham (0)* 22.  Jordie Barrett (59) (Vice Captain) 23. Emoni Narawa (1)

Fiji

1 Eroni Mawi 2 Tevita Ikanivere 3 Mesake Doge 4 Isoa Nasilasila 5 Temo Mayanavanua 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu 7 Kitione Salawa 8 Viliame Mata 9 Frank Lomani 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula 11 Semi Radradra 12 Inia Tabuavou 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (C) 14 Jiuta Wainiqolo 15 Vilimoni Botitu

Reserves: 16 Zuriel Togiatama 17 Haereiti Hetet 18 Samu Tawake 19 Albert Tuisue 20 Elia Canakaivata 21 Simione Kuruvoli 22 Caleb Muntz 23 Sireli Maqala