‘All Blacks set to ring the changes’ – John Plumtree

All Blacks assistant coach John Plumtree has confirmed that they will make several changes to their squad for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia in Brisbane.

Plumtree, who is a selector along with head coach Ian Foster and former All Blacks fly-half Grant Fox, said they want to give players who shone during Super Rugby a chance to impress in the Test arena, as the team’s attention is shifted towards winning the Tri-Nations title.

“Obviously this week there are going to be some changes,” he told Newshub.

“That will provide a different excitement and energy within the group in this buildup.

“We’ve got some players knocking on the door… there’s been some awesome competition for spots and we can expect some changes to freshen players up.”

A wealth of talented players

The All Blacks have a wealth of talented players available to select and Plumtree feels it makes sense to to give some of the fringe players a chance this weekend.

“The Bledisloe Cup was obviously the priority and now our mindset has shifted to winning this second trophy,” he said.

“But we’re on tour and we’ve got a big group of players and everyone is keen to impress and some guys in the weekend are going to get that opportunity.

“We selectors want to see some of the players who performed really well in Super Rugby Aotearoa, who have this opportunity to play in the jersey and in an arena like Brisbane.”

The Crusaders trio of Will Jordan, Mitchell Dunshea, and Cullen Grace were amongst the standout players in Super Rugby and could be called up to face the Wallabies.

Another Crusaders stalwart, George Bower, is also in line to make his Test debut while Brad Weber (Chiefs), and Hurricanes duo Asafo Aumua and Du’Plessis Kirifi could also be in action in Brisbane.