WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Anton Lienert-Brown will make his test debut at center as part of a rearranged All Blacks backline in Saturday's Rugby Championship test against Australia.
The 21-year old Chiefs midfielder will start at inside center beside Malakai Fekitoa as New Zealand copes with a spate of injuries to midfield backs. Sonny Bill Williams, George Moala, Charlie Ngatai and Ryan Crotty have all been lost to injury, forcing the All Blacks to hand Lienert-Brown his first test cap earlier than planned.
A further injury to winger Waisake Naholo has forced a backline reorganization. Israel Dagg moves from the right wing to fullback, fullback Israel Dagg moves to the right wing and Julian Savea will start on the left. Two-test center Seta Tamanivalu joins the reserves bench.
