To beat the Lions, New Zealand must trust inexperienced duo at Eden Park
Forget the old adage ‘you win nothing with kids’ - if the All Blacks are to triumph against the Lions at Eden Park, they will have to do so with some inexperienced Test players in their ranks.
While captain Kieran Read will sprint out for his 100th cap, the talismanic No 8 must not only play his best, but inspire and calm some talented youngsters.
Former rugby league star Ngani Laumape, 24, will start his first Test after diving in at the deep end last week to cover the red-carded Sonny Bill Williams.
Perhaps the greatest expectations are reserved for Jordie Barrett, the 20-year-old full-back who joins older brother and fly-half Beauden in an adventurous back division.
He has only worn black once before, as a substitute in the recent 78-0 thrashing of Samoa.
Talking about the new blood, Read said: "Those guys are new to international rugby but they’ve got great game, tremendous talent, and they just need to worry about going out there and doing their role.
"The guys around them will help them, lend them their voice when it’s needed, so we’ve got a lot of confidence in those boys to go out there and play well."
