Former captain Sam Cane is back in the All Black starting lineup to face the Springboks in the first Test at Johannesburg.
It is one of only minimal changes to the squad that defeated Argentina 42-10 at Eden Park earlier this month as they All Blacks try to fend off a confident Springboks who last beat the New Zealanders in the World Cup final.
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As expected, Scott Barrett returns at lock and takes over the captaincy, which pushes Sam Darry to the bench and Josh Lord out of the squad. Barrett had missed the two tests against Argentina with a finger injury.
Cane bring more experience to the pack and comes in at the expense of Dalton Papali'i in the open side position. Ardie Savea remains at No 8 and Ethan Blackadder at blindside.
He led the side and scored an important try the last time they played on Ellis Park, in a dramatic 35-23 win that played a part in preventing former coach Ian Foster from being fired.
The loose forward reshuffle has Samipeni Finau onto the bench, in his first game back after being dropped for the Argentina series.
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson is looking forward to the challenge in what he feels will be a big match.
“To play South Africa at Ellis Park is one of the greatest tests you can prepare for; we will embrace the occasion.
We have a lot of respect for the Springboks and we are looking forward to what will be an electric atmosphere at an iconic venue," said Robertson
The team naming comes on a day where Robertson's opposite, Rassie Erasmus, made a big change by bringing Eben Etzebeth into the reserves despite him not being named in the initial team.
All Blacks: Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Damian McKenzie, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Ethan Blackadder, Tupou Vaa’i, Scott Barrett (captain), Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Sam Darry, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, Mark Tele’a.
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