The All Blacks selectors have named a much-changed team to play the Springboks at Wellington’s Sky Stadium this Saturday.
The All Blacks will cap their ninth debutant of 2025 when former Sevens star Leroy Carter takes his place on the left wing in the Rugby Championship clash. The Chiefs utility back is no stranger to international rugby, having played over 100 games for the All Blacks Sevens including at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2024 Olympics.
Will Jordan will start on the right wing that he occupied for much of last week’s Eden Park test after Emoni Narawa left the field injured, while Damian McKenzie slots into fullback to complete the back three. This creates space on the bench for Ruben Love, who will look to add to his two All Blacks caps.
Scrumhalf Noah Hotham has returned from injury to make the starting fifteen, with Finlay Christie providing cover from the bench.
With Codie Taylor on concussion stand-down, Samisoni Taukei’aho will start at hooker and Brodie McAlister comes on to the bench.
The only other change to the team that beat the Springboks last weekend is a swap between props Tyrel Lomax and Fletcher Newell, with Lomax starting this week.
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said the team has prepared well in Wellington for what will be a huge encounter against their much-respected rivals.
“It is an awesome opportunity to face South Africa in front of a sell-out home crowd for a second week in a row,” Robertson told allblacks.com.
“Every test match has its own storyline and this one will be another passionate battle. We are excited to inject Leroy into the backline this week and watch what he creates with his speed and skillset. He has trained hard and put himself into the position where he is ready to perform on Saturday night. It is a special occasion for him and his family.”
New Zealand – 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Ruben Love.
