All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has rung the changes for the second leg of the South African tour, naming an incredibly exciting, fresh matchday 23 to clash with the Hollywoodbets Sharks at Kings Park Stadium this Tuesday.
The headline news is at the back of the scrum, where loose forward Luke Jacobson steps up to captain the All Blacks for the very first time. Rennie praised the loose forward's leadership, stating:
"Luke is the obvious choice to captain the team against the Sharks. He is highly respected, has a great feel for the game and will lead through his actions."
It is a massive milestone night for two prospective debutants named on a heavy-hitting bench. Hooker Bradley Slater’s whirlwind week culminates in a potential first cap just five days after flying into the country as injury cover. Joining him for a potential dream debut is power-packed enforcer Semisi Ta'eiloa.
"Two more players will pull on the All Blacks jersey for the first time against the Sharks," Rennie added. "On behalf of the whole squad, I want to congratulate Semisi and Bradley on achieving this very special milestone, and I know their family and friends will be incredibly proud."
Rennie has retained seven players from the squad that handled the Stormers 38-21 on Friday. Promoted from the bench into the starting XV are hooker Asafo Aumua, lock Sam Darry, halfback Kyle Preston, and explosive winger Caleb Clarke. Meanwhile, prop Pasilio Tosi shifts to the reserves alongside Ollie Norris and Ethan Blackadder to bring maximum second-half impact against a physical Durban outfit.
With the team facing a quick turnaround after Friday's victory, Rennie noted that tactical adaptation has been the core focus of the week.
"The opening match gave the players a real introduction to the way that South African teams play and the Sharks will be no different. With a short turnaround between games, today has been a big day of preparation. There is a lot of excitement in the group, with the majority of the squad about to play their first game of the tour."
All Blacks: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Fehi Fineanganofo, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Kyle Preston, 8 Luke Jacobson (c), 7 Wallace Sititi, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Ethan de Groot. Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Ethan Blackadder, 20 Semisi Ta’eiloa, 21 Cam Roigard, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Emoni Narawa.