Four All Blacks stars make timely return to lineup for first Springboks Test

The injury clouds hanging over star All Blacks Cam Roigard, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie have been quelled ahead of the first Test in the Greatest Rivalry series, with both outside backs named in Dave Rennie’s team to play the Springboks in Johannesburg.

For Roigard, Saturday’s Test will be just his second against the Springboks, having only faced the world champions off the bench in a warm-up game ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The team naming has also confirmed the return of New Zealand captain Ardie Savea, who was a late arrival on tour due to rest, but will be injected straight back into the starting line-up at No.8. Savea joins hooker Codie Taylor in playing his 110th Test for the All Blacks.

Also named in the starting forward pack are Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax up front, Josh lord and Fabian Holland in the second row, and Tupou Vaa’i and Luke Jacobson in the loose forwards.

In the backline, Ruben Love joins Roigard in the halves, with a midfield duo of Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea looking to continue their evolving partnership. Josh Moorby joins McKenzie and Jordan in the back three, in what will be his first game against South Africa.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

24

17

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

60%

Also making their first appearances against the Boks, but off the bench, will be rising loose forward stars Anton Segner and Peter Lakai. The duo join Asafo Aumua, George Bower and Fletcher Newell as forward reserves, while Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown and Leroy Carter have all won the race to the final matchday team selections as back replacements.

“After all the build-up and anticipation, our whole touring squad is excited to get this first Test underway,” Rennie said.

“We have selected a balanced mix of big-match, experienced players and younger players who have earned the right to play in this first Test.

“The first three franchise games have exposed our newer players to the way South African teams play and have been fantastic in helping us build combinations and develop the game we want to play.

“We know the Test series will be a huge step up. We’re well aware of what the Springboks will bring to the contest and the pressure that will come to bear.  They are number one in the world, playing at their spiritual home in front of their passionate fans, so we will have to be at our very best on Saturday.”

All Blacks team to play the Springboks 

1. Ethan de Groot (43)
2. Codie Taylor (109)
3. Tyrel Lomax (51)
4. Josh Lord (15)
5. Fabian Holland (12)
6. Tupou Vaa’i (47)
7. Luke Jacobson (27)
8. Ardie Savea (109)  –  Captain
9. Cam Roigard (20)
10. Ruben Love (8)
11. Josh Moorby (2)
12. Jordie Barrett (81)
13. Quinn Tupaea (26)
14. Will Jordan (57)
15. Damian McKenzie (77)

Reserves

16. Asafo Aumua (22)
17. George Bower (26)
18. Fletcher Newell (37)
19. Anton Segner (2)
20. Peter Lakai (10)
21. Kyle Preston (1)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (90)
23. Leroy Carter (7)