Lienert-Brown to make NZ debut against Wallabies
Print Edition
ANTON Lienert-Brown will make his test debut at center as part of a rearranged New Zealand backline in tomorrow’s Rugby Championship match against Australia.
The 21-year old Chiefs midfielder will start at inside center beside Malakai Fekitoa as New Zealand copes with a spate of injuries to midfield backs. Sonny Bill Williams, George Moala, Charlie Ngatai and Ryan Crotty have all been lost to injury, forcing the All Blacks to hand Lienert-Brown his first test cap earlier than planned.
Meanwhile, Quade Cooper will make a surprise return at flyhalf for Australia, which is also struggling with backline injuries after last weekend’s 8-42 loss to the All Blacks in Sydney.
Cooper was thought likely to start at inside center as the Wallabies cope with injuries to Matt Giteau, Matt Toomua and Rob Horne. Instead, coach Michael Cheika has moved Bernard Foley from flyhalf to center and handed the No. 10 to the New Zealand-born Cooper. Samu Kerevi also returns in midfield, replacing Tevita Kurudrani and uncapped utility Reece Hodge has been named on the bench.
A hamstring injury to winger Waisake Naholo has forced a further backline reorganization by New Zealand. Israel Dagg moves from the right wing to fullback, fullback Israel Dagg moves to the right wing and Julian Savea will start on the left.
Head coach Steve Hansen said he was confident Lienert-Brown would be able to make the step up to test rugby. He said the young player had shown confidence and “mental fortitude” during the All Blacks’ test buildup. “He had a very good Super season with strong performances throughout and we expect him to take the step up,” Hansen said.
New Zealand is unbeaten in its past 18 tests against Australia in New Zealand, going back to 2001, and in its last 41 tests at home against all opponents.
“This test match will tell us a lot about ourselves and Australia,” Hansen said. “There’s no doubt that one of the hardest things to do in sport is to back up a big performance with another big performance.”
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