Savea 100th test at Eden Park vs Springboks
- Dave Worsley
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The All Blacks will cap their second centurion in as many weeks and 15th of all time, with loose forward Ardie Savea named to play his 100th test at Eden Park against the Springboks.
Savea debuted for the All Blacks in 2016 against Wales, having previously represented New Zealand in the Under 20s and Sevens sides. He has played against South Africa on 15 previous occasions, including as All Blacks Captain in the 100th Test against the Springboks in 2021.
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A debut is likely at halfback, with Kyle Preston being named on the bench where he could be
the All Blacks’ eighth debutant this year if he comes off the bench on Saturday night.
It's been a rapid rise up the rugby ranks for the 25-year-old halfback, having made his NPC debut for Wellington in 2023 and becoming their top try scorer in 2024, then his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders this year, scoring a hattrick of tries on debut.
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson paid tribute to both players and said Savea and Preston are representative of the mix of experience and exciting new talent in the wider 23.
“Ardie embodies everything that makes an All Black. He brings an extraordinary level of passion, leadership, and mana every time he pulls on the jersey. We will honour his milestone with a performance that reflects not just his quality on the field, but the example he sets every day.
“Ardie is one of three centurions in the match day 23 to play South Africa, while Kyle Preston is joined by three other players who have debuted for the All Blacks this year. As with all of our debutants, we know that Kyle will rise to the challenge in the black jersey. He is a skilful player who has proven his ability to drive a game and make smart decisions in pressure moments.”
Preston takes the bench spot vacated by Finlay Christie, who will start at halfback on Saturday night (Cortez Ratima having been ruled out with a rib fracture). Wallace Sititi has also moved to the starting line-up to play at 8, while Simon Parker moves into 6.
Tupou Vaa’i shifts from loose forward to lock, moving Fabian Holland into an impact role. Also adding power to the reserves are Tyrel Lomax and Du’Plessis Kirifi, who re-join the 23 this week.
The only change in the backs from the line-up that faced Argentina in Buenos Aires is Emoni Narawa coming on to the wing.
It is the 109th match between the All Blacks and Springboks, with the New Zealand having won 62, lost 42 and drawn 4.
The All Blacks last lost at Eden Park in 1994 against France.
All Blacks 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett (Captain), 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Ardie Savea (Vice-Captain), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. Jordie Barrett, (Vice-Captain), 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Will Jordan.
Reserves: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Tyrel Lomax, 19. Fabian Holland, 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Quinn Tupaea, 23. Damian McKenzie.