Lienert-Brown in for injured Jordie Barrett for All Blacks' Rugby World Cup opener / Photo: Sanka Vidanagama - AFP/File
Lienert-Brown in for injured Jordie Barrett for All Blacks' Rugby World Cup opener
Anton Lienert-Brown will replace the injured Jordie Barrett at centre for New Zealand's Rugby World Cup opener with France, head coach Ian Foster said on Wednesday.
Barrett, 26, missed training this week with a knee issue.
Experienced lock Brodie Retallick, loose forward Shannon Frizell and prop Tyrel Lomax are also sidelined with fitness problems.
New Zealand (15-1):
Beauden Barrett; Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Mark Telea; Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (capt), Dalton Papali’i; Scott Barrett, Samuel Whitelock; Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Ethan de Groot
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa'i, Luke Jacobson, Finlay Christie, David Havili, Leicester Fainga'anuku
Coach: Ian Foster (NZL)
A.Dodaro--LDdC
