New Zealand gamble on two debutants in deciding test against British & Irish Lions

All Blacks selectors have taken a massive gamble by naming fullback Jordie Barrett and centre Ngani Laumape to make their first test starts in Saturday’s decider against the British & Irish Lions.

While New Zealand’s forward pack is unchanged from last weekend’s second test, won by the Lions to level the three-test series, the backline is reshaped by three personnel and one positional change.

Barrett has been handed a debut in one of the toughest tests the All Blacks have faced in recent years. He starts at fullback, while Israel Dagg moves from that position to the right wing, Julian Savea returns on the left wing and Laumape starts a test for the first time at inside centre.

Captain Kieran Read will become the seventh New Zealander to play 100 tests, leading the team after the All Blacks won the first test 30-15 at Auckland and the Lions won the second 24-21 in Wellington.

“It’s a special achievement to play just one test, so to play 100 is a remarkable effort,” All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said. “His playing ability speaks for itself and inspires others and he now joins a unique group of special All Blacks.