All Blacks name their team for Springboks opener
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Greatest rivalry.
The All Blacks have named their team for Saturday’s opening Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park, with several big names returning for the start of the four-Test series.
Captain Ardie Savea, Cam Roigard and Will Jordan will all make their first appearances of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, while Damian McKenzie has recovered from the ankle injury he suffered against the Sharks to start at fullback.
Ruben Love retains the No.10 jersey and will partner Roigard in the half-backs, with Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea forming the midfield combination.
Josh Moorby starts on the left wing following an impressive provincial campaign, with Jordan returning on the opposite flank and McKenzie completing the back three.
Up front, Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Tyrel Lomax form the front row, while Josh Lord partners Fabian Holland in the second row.
Savea returns at No.8 and captains the side, with Luke Jacobson at openside and Tupou Vaa’i selected at blindside.
There is no place in the matchday 23 for Beauden Barrett, while Richie Mo’unga will also have to wait for his All Blacks return following his recent recall. Dave Rennie has already indicated that Mo’unga will instead get game time against the Lions on Tuesday.
The All Blacks head into the Test unbeaten on tour following victories over the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls, but Saturday represents a considerable step up as they begin their four-Test series against the Springboks.
ALL BLACKS TEAM VS SPRINGBOKS
1. Ethan de Groot (43)
2. Codie Taylor (109)
3. Tyrel Lomax (51)
4. Josh Lord (15)
5. Fabian Holland (12)
6. Tupou Vaa’i (47)
7. Luke Jacobson (27)
8. Ardie Savea (109) – Captain
9. Cam Roigard (20)
10. Ruben Love (8)
11. Josh Moorby (2)
12. Jordie Barrett (81)
13. Quinn Tupaea (26)
14. Will Jordan (57)
15. Damian McKenzie (77)
REPLACEMENTS
16. Asafo Aumua (22)
17. George Bower (26)
18. Fletcher Newell (37)
19. Anton Segner (2)
20. Peter Lakai (10)
21. Kyle Preston (1)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (90)
23. Leroy Carter (7)
