All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has explained his choice to give TJ Perenara the number nine jersey against the Wallabies this weekend, ahead of incumbent Aaron Smith.
Perenara, 26, will start for the All Blacks against the Wallabies in Tokyo, having played the majority of the Rugby Championship as an impact substitute from the bench.
Speaking to media in Tokyo this afternoon, Hansen opened up about selecting between the two star halfbacks.
"We just felt that, for this game - the Bleidisloes already been wrapped up - we can experiment a little," Hansen began.
"TJ deserves to get a start against a good side, so that's what we're doing this week."
Hansen also explained the difference between Perenara and Smith as players.
"One's a really quick ball passer, the other one's a good defender.
"One's really physical and one's really nippy. Subtly, that's different.
"The challenge for them is to keep the strengths they have, and grow the strengths that the other one has."
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