Codie Taylor to lead All Blacks against the Bulls
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 14 minutes ago
Hooker Codie Taylor will lead the All Blacks for the first time when they play the Bulls on Sunday in Pretoria.
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie is also handing Josh Jacomb the reins at first-five while Beauden Barrett drops to fullback.
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Taylor returns from injury to captain the All Blacks in his 110th match and first of the tour.
Props Xavier Numia and Tyrel Lomax will also play their first matches of the tour.
Six players from the All Blacks team who beat the Sharks 54-0 on Tuesday are back up for the Bulls match, including lock Josh Lord, loose forward Wallace Sititi, halfbacks Kyle Preston and Cortez Ratima, midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai and outside back Emoni Narawa.
The final hit-out before the first test against the Springboks, Rennie said this looms as an important game for the All Blacks.
"The Bulls have consistently been South Africa's best franchise side, making the United Rugby Championship finals in four of the last five years. Loftus Versfeld is one of the most formidable rugby grounds in the world, so we are aware of the challenge in front of us and excited at what lies ahead."
Rennie said Taylor was a natural leader of the squad and an easy pick for skipper.
"He is a top man and has done a great job leading this tour group. This is a proud moment for an All Blacks centurion who has made a massive contribution to this team."
The game is at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria which is 1350m above sea level..
All Blacks: Beauden Barrett, Leroy Carter, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Josh Moorby, Josh Jacomb, Cortez Ratima, Peter Lakai, Anton Segner, Simon Parker, Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor (captain), Xavier Numia. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Bower, Siale Laukai, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Emoni Narawa.
