Stars return to All Blacks to face Springboks
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The All Blacks have recalled a trio of star players who have no game time on the tour of South Africa to face the Springboks in the first test in Johannesburg.
Cam Roigard, Will Jordan and captain Ardie Savea will lineup in a settled side while Damian McKenzie will play at fullback after recovering from injury.
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Savea is at No.8 with coach Dave Rennie retaining the loose forward trio from last month's win against Ireland, with Luke Jacobson at openside and Tupou Vaa'i at blindside.
Rennie has gone with Fabian Holland and Josh Lord in the second row, with Vaa'i to provide cover.
In the backs, Roigard returns at halfback with Ruben Love at first-five and Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea in the midfield.
McKenzie has overcome the ankle injury that ruled him out of the win over the Bulls last weekend and will start at fullback, with Jordan and Josh Moorby on the wings.
Rennie has gone with a 5-3 split of forwards and backs on the bench, which includes front rowers Asafo Aumua, George Bower and Fletcher Newell, loose forwards Peter Lakai and Anton Segner, midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown, halfback Kyle Preston and outside back Leroy Carter.
"After all the build up and anticipation, our whole touring squad is excited to get this first Test underway," said Rennie.
"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."
Rennie said the three games against the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls in South Africa have proved invaluable as they prepare for their biggest challenge of the year so far.
"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."
It will be Savea's 18th Test against South Africa and Taylor's 17th, while Segner and Moorby will be playing the Springboks for the first time.
Kick off 3am NZT on Sunday morning at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
All Blacks: Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Josh Moorby, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard; Ardie Savea (capt), Luke Jacobson, Tupou Vaa’i, Fabian Holland, Josh Lord, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Anton Segner, Peter Lakai, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown, Leroy Carter
