Crucially for Robertson is the availability of regular captain Scott Barrett. He’s back from injury and takes his place in the second row alongside Tupou Vaa’i.

Barrett took over the captaincy from Sam Cane and, coincidently, the former skipper has also been selected in the starting fifteen to make his first start since the Rugby World Cup final.

Cane was red carded early in the final against South Africa in Paris and now gets his chance at redemption. He joins Ardie Savea and Ethan Blackadder in the loose trio.

The 32-year-old will earn his 97th cap for New Zealand, edging one step closer to the century mark having already announced that the 2024 season will be his last in Test rugby.

--Reuters--