Ian Fosters team to face Fiji on Saturday highlights the players who have earnt the All Blacks coach’s trust.
New captain Aaron Smith was rewarded for his leadership at the Highlanders and the meticulous physical preparation he has become known for.
Beauden Barrett was handed the keys to the backline for his calm but focused return to the fold, and Brodie Retallick was welcomed back even though the big lock admitted he was nervous.
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Aaron Smith, centre, and George Bridge have earned the trust of All Blacks coach Ian Foster.
But dont underestimate Fosters show of faith in Crusaders wing George Bridge, who was one of just two players retained from the 102-0 win against Tonga.
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George hasnt played much, Foster said. So, really I think he needs a little bit of work.
The All Blacks are prepared to play George Bridge back into his best form.
I think by his own admission he probably looked a 9 out of 10, pace wise, last week. Maybe an 8 out of 10.
I think hell be better because of that.
In signalling that the All Blacks were prepared to wait for Bridge to hit his best form, Foster has dropped a significant hint that he sees Bridge as a key figure in that back three for the rest of 2021.
The All Blacks No 15 and No 14 jerseys are highly contestable, but Bridge has been handed an opportunity at Forsyth Barr Stadium to grab the No 11 for the bigger tests ahead, particularly with Caleb Clarke selected as a travelling reserve for the Tokyo Olympics.
Opportunity is also knocking for Rieko Ioane, the other player to keep his spot from the Tonga test.
Foster even hinted that the reservations they held about him as a No 13 could soften if he carried over his form from last week, when he prospered alongside Quinn Tupaea.
Early on its been our desire to give him a few runs there, Foster said. Hes never really had a settled time in that space.
In some ways thats been made easier for us by Antons [Lienert-Brown] injury and with Braydons [Ennor] injury.
Hell be better for that. Weve seen him in Super Rugby and I thought he showed some really good signs of growth with the Blues.
I thought some of the key areas weve potentially been a little bit critical of him before, he sort of addressed last week.
I was pretty pleased with his game last week, so its chance against an opposition thats going to defend pretty differently.
Tonga were pretty passive in the outside channels against us and that meant we were able to play a high skill game.
I think well get challenged more in our decisions on Saturday.
As for Smith, Saturdays game comes after outstanding performances at the Highlanders, where his commitment to the team and elevate those around him has been evident for the past two years.
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Aaron Smiths leadership at the Highlanders has impressed the All Blacks selection panel.
The new skipper will face the media at Fridays Captains Run and will no doubt express what it means to lead his country in front of friends and family, but Foster said it was far more than simply a sentimental decision.
Hes deserved it, Foster said. Hes a big part of our whole leadership group.
Hes grown to become an outstanding preparer for a test match. I think there is a little bit of a reward there.
It’s also…weve watched his leadership at the Highlanders and he did a great job, so its given us a lot of confidence to give him that title.