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All Blacks coach Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson has made 13 changes to the starting XV for his side’s final match of 2025 against Wales.
All Blacks coach Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson has made 13 changes to the starting XV for his side’s final match of 2025 against Wales.
Robertson will be desperate to end the year on a high, after his side struggled to a 33-19 loss against England at Twickenham. Robertson remains wary of the Wales side, which has struggled for consistency.
“We do not underestimate the passion and resolve that Wales will bring, and we know how organised, accurate and ruthless we need to be in return,” said Robertson.
“We have a lot to play for this weekend, we want to put on a performance that reflects the effort and pride we have put in,” Roberston added.
Ruben Love has been listed to start at fullback, with regular 15 Will Jordan shifting to the right wing. Wallace Siti retains his place in the side, moving to No.8. Siti will be joined by Du’Plessis Kirifi and Simon Parker in the pack. Regular skipper Scott Barrett retains his place in the starting side, along with Simon Parker and Caleb Clarke.
Robertson opted to rest Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett and has reached deep into his squad with call-ups for George Bell, Fletcher Newell and George Bower. Sevu Reece is tipped to provide a late-game impact with a spot on the bench. Damian McKenzie retains the No.10 jersey and Reiko Ioane will have a chance to impress before an upcoming sabbatical.
Wales have not beaten the All Blacks in 37 attempts and will be at long odds to cause the mother of all rugby upsets this weekend. Millennium Stadium has proven to be an unhappy hunting ground for the visitors, with losses to South Africa and France at the 1999 and 2007 Rugby World Cups.
The home side will be hoping for an improved performance after outlasting Japan 24-23 last weekend. Head coach Steve Tandy has included Harri Deaves, Alex Mann, Aaron Wainwright and Dewi Lake in the forward pack.
Tandy was adamant that they can build on the result against Japan.
“We obviously want to improve the performance from Japan. I thought we had some outstanding moments against Argentina [in week one]. We felt we would have liked to have improved more last weekend. It was obviously good to get the win, but we want to improve our own performance against a world-class opposition on Saturday,” Tandy said.
All eyes are tipped to be on Hollie Davidson this weekend when the two sides meet. Davidson will become the first female referee to take control of an All Blacks match.
