All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has shuffled his cards for Saturday’s second Test against the Springboks, making six changes to his matchday 23 as New Zealand aims to take a commanding stranglehold on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Following a dominant 33-16 victory at Ellis Park in the series opener, Rennie’s hand was partly forced by injury. However, the selected line-up reflects a calculated blend of forced defensive cover and tactical promotion designed to withstand an expected South African backlash at DHL Stadium.
The match-day 23 features several changes from the team that won the first Test 33-16 in Johannesburg last weekend.
George Bower, who made an impact off the bench last week, comes in for Ethan de Groot, who is still undergoing HIA protocols, together with lock Josh Lord. Tupou Vaa’i moves to the second row, replacing Lord, with Simon Parker in the six jersey. Xavier Numia comes into the 23 providing prop cover, while Patrick Tuipulotu is lock cover.
In the backs, there is just one positional switch from last week’s team, with Leroy Carter and Josh Moorby swapping positions. Carter starts in the 11 jersey, and Moorby is outside back cover in the 23 jersey.
The stakes could not be higher for the visitors. A victory in Cape Town on Saturday will secure a 2-0 lead in the four-Test series, guaranteeing the All Blacks at least a share of the coveted silverware before the tour shifts ground.
All Blacks: 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. Simon Parker, 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 4. Fabian Holland, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 2. Codie Taylor, 1. George Bower. 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.