All Blacks make surprise selection call as team named for second Test with Springboks
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Second Test.
The All Blacks have made a surprise change on the wing for Saturday’s second Test against the Springboks in Cape Town, with Leroy Carter promoted to the starting XV.
Dave Rennie has named Carter in the No.11 jersey, with Josh Moorby dropping to the bench despite starting and scoring in New Zealand’s 33-16 victory at Ellis Park last weekend.
It is the only change to the starting backline from Johannesburg, with Cam Roigard and Ruben Love retained at half-back and Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea continuing their midfield partnership.
Will Jordan remains on the right wing, while Damian McKenzie starts at full-back.
Carter has already impressed during the wider tour of South Africa, including scoring twice in the All Blacks’ 50-19 victory over the Bulls in Pretoria.
Moorby, meanwhile, will provide outside-back cover from the No.23 jersey after scoring his first Test try in the opening victory over the Springboks.
There are also two injury-enforced changes to the All Blacks pack.
George Bower is promoted from the bench to start at loosehead prop in place of Ethan de Groot, who remains in the HIA return-to-play process following the head clash with teammate Josh Lord at Ellis Park.
Lord is also unavailable, resulting in a reshuffle of the second row and back row. Tupou Vaa’i moves from blindside flanker to lock alongside Fabian Holland, while Simon Parker comes into the starting side at No.6.
Luke Jacobson continues at openside, with captain Ardie Savea again starting at No.8.
Patrick Tuipulotu has been named among the replacements after playing the opening 40 minutes of New Zealand’s 41-35 midweek victory over the Lions at Ellis Park.
Xavier Numia also comes into the matchday 23 as loosehead cover, while Peter Lakai is the loose-forward replacement. Despite an impressive performance against the Lions, including two tries, Ethan Blackadder has not been included in the matchday squad.
Rennie expects another step up from both sides following New Zealand’s victory in the opening Test.
“While we were happy with the win last week, I think both teams will be better this weekend.”
The All Blacks coach added that competition for places has continued to grow during the tour.
“We’ve played four Tests this year and are still growing as a group. I’m really excited about the competition for places and the performances of the squad across the matches here in South Africa, and we’re really looking forward to this weekend.”
New Zealand head to Cape Town with a 1-0 advantage in the four-Test series, while the Springboks need victory to level matters before the final two Tests.
All Blacks team to face the Springboks
1. George Bower
2. Codie Taylor
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Fabian Holland
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Simon Parker
7. Luke Jacobson
8. Ardie Savea (c)
9. Cam Roigard
10. Ruben Love
11. Leroy Carter
12. Jordie Barrett
13. Quinn Tupaea
14. Will Jordan
15. Damian McKenzie
Replacements: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Xavier Numia, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Peter Lakai, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Josh Moorby.
