Lock Scott Barrett is back from injury and will captain the All Blacks in their highly anticipated Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Barrett, who missed the All Blacks last two Rugby Championship Tests against Argentina due to a broken finger, is one of three changes to the matchday 23 that beat Los Pumas 38-30 at Eden Park.
Former captain Sam Cane also makes a return to the starting side at openside to play in his 97th Test. It will be Cane’s first start since the Rugby World Cup final last year when he was sent off for a dangerous tackle against the Springboks.
Blindside flank Samipeni Finau comes onto the bench after last featuring in the All Blacks’ 24-17 win over England at Eden Park in July.
Your team to face the Springboks 😤#AllBlacks pic.twitter.com/pCop5U2Nzo
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 29, 2024
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson is looking forward to an epic clash in Johannesburg.
“To play South Africa at Ellis Park is one of the greatest Tests you can prepare for; we will embrace the occasion,” said Robertson.
“We have a lot of respect for the Springboks and we are looking forward to what will be an electric atmosphere at an iconic venue.”
All Blacks
15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Tupou Vaa’i, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Mark Tele’a.
@JohnGoliath82