All Blacks rejig matchday 23, start Leroy Carter for Springbok sequel

Scott Robertson has named his side for the All Blacks‘ second Springboks Test of the Rugby Championship, with a couple of big calls made as the tournament enters a pivotal fourth round of action.

After round three saw right winger Emoni Narawa helped from the field just minutes into the contest, starting fullback Will Jordan shifted to the right edge, and Damian McKenzie entered the game at fullback. Selectors clearly liked what they saw from that backfield and have cemented it as the starting option this week.

While McKenzie has been employed in an impact role since 2024’s Bledisloe Cup series, All Blacks assistant coach Tamati Ellison said earlier this week that there is always a temptation to start the mercurial playmaker, simply because “it’s Damian McKenzie”. Ruben Love fills McKenzie’s former bench role.

Leroy Carter has been named for his All Blacks debut, with the former SVNS star backed in a starting role on the left wing. His selection means there is no room for Rieko Ioane in the matchday squad.

The other casualty from the Eden Park showdown was hooker Codie Taylor, who suffered a head knock and is under concussion protocols. The Test centurion has been replaced by Samisoni Taukei’aho in the No.2 jersey, with rookie Brodie McAlister coming into the bench unit.

The front row has one other change, with Tyrel Lomax and Fletcher Newell swapping roles, meaning Lomax is in the starting unit and Newell on the bench.

The final change is at halfback, where Noah Hotham returns ahead of schedule to start, with Finlay Christie moved to the bench.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

24

33

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

60%

All Blacks team to play the Springboks

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Scott Barrett
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Simon Parker
7. Ardie Savea
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Noah Hotham
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Leroy Carter
12. Jordie Barrett
13. Billy Proctor
14. Will jordan
15. Damian McKenzie

Reserves

16. Brodie McAlister
17. Tamaiti Williams
18. Fletcher Newell
19. Fabian Holland
20. Du’Plessis Kirifi
21. Finlay Christie
22. Quinn Tupaea
23. Ruben Love