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As coach Ian Foster leads the All Blacks to victory over Ireland on Saturday night in Dunedin, the hosts take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-test series.
Scott Barrett has switched to lock after a concussion sent Sam Whitelock out of the second Test against Ireland in Dunedin on Saturday night.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster, who revealed his team on Thursday, has been forced to tinker with his forward pack after 133 test veteran Whitelock made himself unavailable due to delayed concussion symptoms.
Another slot, Tupou Vaa’i, was also ineligible for selection after contracting Covid-19.
The absence of Whitelock and Vaa’i had led to Patrick Tuipulotu and Josh Dickson joining the squad earlier in the week.
Tuipulotu has been added to the bank.
The decision to move Barrett, who started as a blindside flanker last weekend when the All Blacks beat the Irish 42-19 in Auckland, to the second row alongside Brodie Retallick, meaning Dalton Papalii will wear the number 6 jersey in the Forsyth Barr Stage.
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Dalton Papalii, pictured in action against the United States last year, has been assigned to start at blindside flanker for the All Blacks.
Papalii, who confirmed on Thursday that he has re-signed with NZ Rugby and the Blues until 2024, is the only newcomer to the side to start the first Test.
Having played lock almost his entire career, Barrett was asked to start as a blindside flanker at Eden Park for the second time in 49 tests. His transition to the heart of the forward pack was not unexpected.
There are several changes on the bench. Will Jordan and uncapped halfback Folau Fakatava and uncapped prop Aidan Ross have been named in the reserves.
Irish coach Andy Farrell announces his team today.
Captain Johnny Sexton is expected to start at number 10.
Despite leaving the field for an HIA and not returning, Sexton seems to have proved he suffered no ill effects after accidentally getting a knee on the head from All Blacks captain Sam Cane at Eden Park.
All Blacks Team: Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (Captain), Dalton Papalii, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Codie Taylor, George arbor. Reservations: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Pita Gus Sowakula, Folau Fakatava, Richie Mo’unga, Will Jordan.