Perofeta edges Barrett at fullback in All Blacks squad for England ...
ESPN staffJul 3, 2024, 07:55 PM ET
First-year All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has handed the No. 15 jersey to Stephen Perofeta ahead of Beauden Barrett for the opening Test against England in Dunedin.
![Stephen Perofeta - Figure 1](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/columnists/espn_generic_m.jpg&h=80&w=80&scale=crop)
Robertson has otherwise named a predictable line-up, with TJ Perenara set to play his first Test since 2022 after beating out Finlay Christie at scrum-half.
The team will be led for the first time by new skipper Scott Barrett, who partners Patrick Tuipulotu in the second-row despite the Blues enforcer's recent injury troubles.
In the back-row, Samipeni Finau will look to bring his special breed of physicality after earning the No. 6 jersey.
"This was a very tough squad to pick, but we've selected the best 23 players to beat England on Saturday," Robertson said.
"There is a lot of excitement in the group for our first Test and we're walking together toward this opportunity to represent New Zealand and our families in Dunedin in front of a sold out stadium. We've prepared well and we're ready."
While Robertson's ascension to the top job in New Zealand rugby -- and arguably the most important role in New Zealand full stop -- represents the start of a new era, the former Crusaders boss has still been able to call on 934 caps' worth of international experience.
NEW ZEALAND: Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Tele'a, Damian McKenzie, TJ Perenara; Ardie Savea, Dalton Papali'i, Samipeni Finau, Patrick Tupiulotu, Scott Barrett (c), Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu'ungasfasi Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa'i, Luke Jacobson, Finlay Christie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Beauden Barrett.