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Waisake Naholo and Anton Lienert-Brown start for All Blacks against British and Irish Lions

Highlanders and All Blacks wing Waisake Naholo
Image: Highlanders wing Waisake Naholo will start against the Lions

The All Blacks have made two changes to their team to face the British and Irish Lions on Saturday, with Waisake Naholo and Anton Lienert-Brown both starting.

Naholo, who starred in the Highlanders' 23-22 win over the Lions, comes into the team on the right wing with Israel Dagg shifting to full-back to replace the injured Ben Smith (concussion).

The other change in the starting XV sees Anton Lienert-Brown, who came on as a substitute in the first Test last weekend, replacing the injured Ryan Crotty (hamstring) at outside centre.

Lions Tour live only on Sky Sports
Lions Tour live only on Sky Sports

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Uncapped centre Ngani Laumape, who is the leading try scorer in Super Rugby this year, is rewarded for an outstanding display for the Hurricanes in their 31-31 draw against the Lions on Tuesday with a place in the match-day 23. The bench is otherwise unchanged.

Anton Lienert-Brown of the All Blacks offloads the ball as Owen Farrell looks on
Image: Anton Lienert-Brown of the All Blacks offloads the ball as Owen Farrell looks on

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: "Whilst it's disappointing to lose both Ben Smith and Ryan Crotty, it creates an opportunity for others. 'Izzy' (Israel Dagg) is a world-class back three player, as is Anton in the midfield, and both Waisake and Ngani are coming into the Test side following outstanding performances against the Lions for their respective Super franchises.

"Whilst we were happy with the win last weekend, we know that it was just a start, in what is a three-test series. That means the job is far from done. It's going to require us to take our game to a higher level. It's going to be very demanding, physically and mentally, on both sides.

Ngani Laumape of the Hurricanes breaks a tackle by Dan Biggar
Image: Ngani Laumape of the Hurricanes breaks a tackle by Dan Biggar

"We're aware the British and Irish Lions have their backs to the wall and will chuck everything at us to keep themselves alive in the series. They are a quality side who we respect immensely.

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"In reality, last week's Test could've gone either way had they taken more of their chances. Our job will be to make sure that we shut down their counter-attack better than we did last weekend and at the same time, win the critical moments across the 80 minutes. As always, it'll start with the battle of the tight five.

"We've worked hard throughout the week in our preparation here in Wellington and are now looking forward to Saturday."

Live British and Irish Lions Tour

New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 1 Joe Moody, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Owen Franks, 4. Brodie Retallick, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 6 Jerome Kaino, 7 Sam Cane, 8 Kieran Read (c).

Replacements: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Scott Barrett, 20. Ardie Savea, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Aaron Cruden, 23 Ngani Laumape.

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