This match a rare afternoon test in New Zealand – is the final pre-World Cup fixture for both sides before their campaigns in Japan kick-off in a fortnight’s time. Plenty of changes have been made by All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen following their 36-0 thrashing of the Wallabies at Eden Park in Auckland three All Blacks vs Tonga live weeks ago. Codie Taylor and Matt Todd are the only alterations in the forward pack, coming into the starting side for All Blacks v Tonga Dane Coles and Sam Cane, neither of whom feature on the bench. There’s a new-look midfield as well, All Blacks v Tonga live with Ryan Crotty set to make his first international appearance of the year from second-five. He replaces Sonny Bill Williams, and will partner up with No. 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, who retains his place from the Bledisloe Cup demolition. Perhaps the most interesting change to the stating lineup, however, is the selection of Beauden Barrett at first-five.
The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year has been picked at fullback for New Zealand’s last three tests, but a shoulder injury to Richie Mo’unga sees the 28-year-old move back to his preferred position, with veteran Ben Smith reclaiming his place at No. 15. That opens up the possibility of a test debut for rookie playmaker Josh Ioane from off the bench, despite the fact he was excluded from the All Blacks’ 31-man World Cup squad. He is one of five changes on the bench, with one of the more significant inclusions on the pine being that of Scott Barrett, who Tonga all blacks rugby 2021 returns from suspension following his red card during the All Blacks’ 47-26 defeat to Australia in Perth last month. Liam Coltman, Luke Jacobson and Aaron Smith – who swaps out of the starting XV for TJ Perenara – are the other All Blacks vs Tonga live online new faces in the reserves. As for the underdogs Tonga, the return of experienced first-five Kurt Morath headlines the five changes to their New Zealand vs Tonga Rugby starting side following their 29-19 Pasifika Challenge II loss to Fiji at Eden Park last week. Head coach Toutai Kefu has also recalled Malietoa Hingano as part of a backline reshuffle, Leicester Tigers flanker Sione Kalamafoni, Glasgow Warriors prop Siua Halanukonuka, and hooker Leva Fifita.