Jordie Barrett named in New Zealand XV for Lions decider
Hurricanes fullback Jordie Barrett is set to make his first start for New Zealand after he was named in the XV for the final Test against British and Irish Lions to be played in Wellington on Saturday.
Jordie has been slotted at fullback with his brothers Beauden and Scott occupying positions at fly-half and on the bench respectively. Skipper Kieran Read will make his 100th appearance on Saturday while Ngani Laumape earns his place at 12 with Israel Dagg and Julian Savea on right and left wing respectively.
Laumape's inclusion came following a four-week ban to Sonny Bill Williams following his red card incident in the second game in Wellington after he charged England international Anthony Watson. Comeback Malakai Fekitoa has been named among the replacements.
New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen is expecting a closely contested final.
"It's the series we expected it to be, as the Lions have quality players," he added.
"It now comes down to this Saturday - the winner takes all - and that'll create its own unique pressures and it's going to be interesting to see how both sides cope with it."
New Zealand squad for third Test:
Jordie Barrett; Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea; Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane, Kieran Read.
Replacements: Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Aaron Cruden, Malakai Fekitoa.
