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All Blacks solve injury question and make one more change for Boks sequel
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All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has made three changes to his starting XV for game two of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, two of which are injury-forced.
George Bower has come into the No.1 jersey for Ethan de Groot, who is serving his stand-down period after colliding heads with Josh Lord last week at Ellis Park. The change sees Xavier Numia enter the matchday 23 on the bench.
Lord’s absence left a vacancy in the starting second row, but Tupou Vaa’i’s versatility has covered that, while Simon Parker has moved into Vaa’i’s former position in the starting unit on the blindside flank. Patrick Tuipulotu has taken his place on the bench as a result of the reshuffle.
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The rest of the team is identical to the one that upset South Africa in Johannesburg
The only other change to the team is on the left wing, where Josh Moorby has lost his place to Leroy Carter. Moorby remains in the matchday 23, named at the end of the bench, where he’ll sit alongside Anton Lienert-Brown and Kyle Preston to begin the game.
Having made a crucial impact on the match last week, Asafo Aumua and Fletcher Newell will join Numia on the bench, with Peter Lakai and Tuipulotu rounding out the reserves.
Bower joins Taylor and Lomax up front, Fabian Holland retains his place in the second row, and Parker joins Luke Jacobson and Ardie Savea in the loose trio.
In the backline, the Hurricanes axis of Cam Roigard, Ruben Love and Jordie Barrett will have another opportunity to inflict their will on South Africa, with Quinn Tupaea, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie completing the team alongside Carter.
“While we were happy with the win last week, I think both teams will be better this weekend,” Rennie said.
“We’ve played four Tests this year and are still growing as a group. I’m really excited about the competition for places and the performances of the squad across the matches here in South Africa, and we’re really looking forward to this weekend.”
All Blacks team to play the Springboks
- George Bower (27)
- Codie Taylor (110)
- Tyrel Lomax (52)
- Fabian Holland (13)
- Tupou Vaa’i (48)
- Simon Parker (9)
- Luke Jacobson (28)
- Ardie Savea (110) – Captain
- Cam Roigard (21)
- Ruben Love (9)
- Leroy Carter (8)
- Jordie Barrett (82)
- Quinn Tupaea (27)
- Will Jordan (58)
- Damian McKenzie (78)
Reserves
16. Asafo Aumua (23)
17. Xavier Numia (2)
18. Fletcher Newell (38)
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (57)
20. Peter Lakai (11)
21. Kyle Preston (2)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (91)
23. Josh Moorby (3)
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