The All Blacks team has been named to play Wallabies in the opening Bledisloe Cup Test of the Rugby Championship at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Saturday with lock Sam Whitelock to bring up his century of Tests.
“We’re all excited at what is shaping up to be another classic Bledisloe Cup encounter here in Sydney on Saturday night,” said All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen.
“We know that we have to earn the right to perform by preparing well and taking each moment that arises, and that mindset has been reflected in our preparation this week, which has been very good.
“The Bledisloe means a lot to this team and we have the opportunity to show just how much on Saturday night.
“As far as we’re concerned, neither team currently has possession of the Cup and if we want it, we’ve got to front up and take it.”
Turning to Whitelock, who made his Test debut against Ireland in New Plymouth in 2010, Hansen added: “On behalf of the team, we want to congratulate Sammy on what will be a very special night for him and his family. We’re all very proud of him.
TJ Perenara hasn’t always been a fan of @AllBlacks teammate and soon-to-be centurion Sam Whitelock . #BledisloeCup #AUSvNZLhttps://t.co/HNfbA3Glyw
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) August 14, 2018
“He’s been an outstanding contributor to this team for a long time, both on and off the field.
“To play one Test for the All Blacks is an achievement in itself, but to be good enough to be selected and play 100 Tests is a remarkable feat.
“In doing so, he will join what is a small group of very special All Blacks.”
Whitelock, who is still just 29, is fresh from leading the Crusaders to a second straight Super Rugby title and has lost just eight of the 100 tests he has played.
Hansen was also excited about the return of captain Kieran Read and lock Brodie Retallick.
“It’s also great to have Brodie and Kieran back after their lengthy absences,” he said.
” They both bring special qualities to the team and we look forward to seeing them produce that again in the black jersey.”
The matchday 23 is as follows (with Test caps in brackets):
