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Test three.
The All Blacks have made a number of changes for Saturday’s crucial third Test against the Springboks at FNB Stadium, with experienced hooker Codie Taylor dropping out of the matchday squad.
Head coach Dave Rennie has named Asafo Aumua to start at hooker in Johannesburg, with Samisoni Taukei’aho returning to the matchday 23 on the bench.
Taylor, who started the opening two Tests of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, has been left out of the squad entirely.
There are also significant changes to the New Zealand pack as Rennie freshens up his side with the four-match series locked at 1-1.
Sam Darry comes into the second row for his 11th Test, with Fabian Holland dropping to the bench after starting the opening two matches.
Peter Lakai comes into the starting side at blindside flanker, while Wallace Sititi is set to make his first appearance of the series after being named among the replacements.
Tupou Vaa’i moves into the number four jersey and will make his 50th appearance for the All Blacks.
“Tupes is a top man. It’ll be a special day for him and his family and additional motivation for us,” Rennie said.
The All Blacks have retained the same backline that started the 33-26 defeat in Cape Town.
Cam Roigard and Ruben Love continue their partnership at half-back, with Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea again combining in midfield.
Leroy Carter, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie make up the back three, while Ardie Savea once again captains the side from number eight.
Saturday’s result will have huge implications for the series after New Zealand won the opener 33-16 at Ellis Park before South Africa responded with a 33-26 victory in Cape Town.
All Blacks team to face Springboks
15. Damian McKenzie
14. Will Jordan
13. Quinn Tupaea
12. Jordie Barrett
11. Leroy Carter
10. Ruben Love
9. Cam Roigard
8. Ardie Savea (c)
7. Luke Jacobson
6. Peter Lakai
5. Sam Darry
4. Tupou Vaa’i
3. Tyrel Lomax
2. Asafo Aumua
1. George Bower
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Fabian Holland, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown, Josh Moorby.
