Billy Proctor will make his All Blacks Test debut against Fiji, starting at centre for the final match of the 2024 Steinlager Ultra Low Carb series at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.
Proctor, following in the footsteps of his older brother Matt, is among six uncapped players named in the match day 23. The other newcomers include hooker George Bell, prop Pasilio Tosi, lock Sam Darry, loose forward Wallace Sititi, and halfback Noah Hotham, who are all named in the reserves.
Darry and Hotham, who were not in the initial 32-man squad, join the team for Patrick Tuipulotu and TJ Perenara, who are unavailable due to rest and injury respectively.
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson praised the uncapped players for their readiness and preparation, expressing confidence in their ability to face a fast and physical Fijian team.
The squad, led by Captain Scott Barrett, features 11 changes from the team that played against England at Eden Park, yet maintains continuity and experience. Key players include Vice-Captain Ardie Savea, Damian McKenzie reaching his 50th Test Cap, and seasoned backs Anton Lienert-Brown and Beauden Barrett.
The match will also see the return of Emoni Narawa and Caleb Clarke, as well as Ethan Blackadder and Asafo Aumua making their first Test starts since 2021. This will be the eleventh Test between the All Blacks and Fiji, marking the first encounter on neutral soil since their initial meeting in Suva in 1974.
