Six new players in All Blacks' squad for Fiji fiesta in San Diego

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson explained the decision to include six debutants among 11 changes made to the 23 that beat England at the weekend.

"You pick players for a reason. You give them an opportunity and they've trained really hard over the last three or four weeks, and it's a great opportunity for some debutants to go and show their talent."

Robertson said the All Blacks respect Fiji and it was a Test match.

"When they get going and rolling, they break the game up and can beat anyone. They've had some big scalps over the last few years.

"From Super Rugby Pacific, we get to know their players very well, and when you get [wing] Semi Redradra back, you know you're in for a hell of a Test match.

"We prepared, and we've got a good balance of experienced players and debutants."

Experienced players have surrounded the new players. Centre Billy Proctor has Anton Lienert-Brown, Sevu Reece and Beauden Barrett to support him, while halfback Cortez Ratima had a great combination with first five-eighths Damian McKenzie for the Chiefs while No8 Ardie Savea is on hand as well.

"Billy's super consistent, a great defender, and has good skills on the ball. He can set up his outsides; he's tough and a good competitor.

"So, you've got a good balance, a hard-working pack and some great players coming off the bench to make an impact."

Barrett's selection at fullback, after his cameo display in Auckland at the weekend, was a reminder of a player like him coming back from Japan to the top level and showing that class is permanent.

Ethan Blackadder's return for the first time since 2021 is welcomed after a string of injuries which Robertson, as his Crusaders coach, knew more than most.

"He's all go, and once the whistle goes in any training or playing, he's at 100 per cent, and his body's in good condition.

"He's clear of mind. He's been training for a long period of time with us and he's ready to go. We're excited and pleased for him."

Attention will also be paid to the lineout, where Tupou Vaa'i will start, and Sam Darry will debut off the bench.

Work has gone into eliminating errors that marked the England Tests, and assistant coach Jason Ryan has been working to ensure calls are correct.

Robertson said they missed a couple of calls in Auckland.

"We've got to get that right, and we owned it. This week is important. When you earn 90-100 per cent of your ball you put pressure on teams. So it has been a focus for us."

With Darry and halfback Noah Hotham set to make debuts from the bench after joining the squad as injury cover, the game was an excellent chance for their future hopes.

Hotham could have had to wait a little longer at this level, but with Findlay Christie injured, he got his chance.

"He's got a solid skills set and an incredible running game which is a point of difference he brings to any team. He can sniff an opportunity."

Darry's choice was a reflection of the locking depth in the country. He performed well for the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific and had been with the squad from the outset.

"He's fully aware of how we train and he's ready."

New Zealand - 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Tupou Vaa'i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Tamaiti Williams.

Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 Ethan De Groot, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Noah Hotham, 22 Jordie Barrett, 23 Emoni Narawa.

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