The All Blacks have re-jigged their backline and suffered a few injury blows for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks at Cape Town Stadium (5pm start).
The bad news for coach Scott Robertson is that two of New Zealand’s best players in last week’s 31-27 defeat to the Boks at Ellis Park, wing Caleb Clarke – who scored two tries – and blindside flank Ethan Blackadder have been ruled out with injuries.
But not all the changes made by the New Zealand boss on Thursday morning were enforced. Will Jordan has been shifted to fullback in place of Beauden Barrett, who is now on the bench, while Sevu Reece has been brought in at right wing.
In Clarke’s absence, Mark Tele’a is promoted from the bench into the No 11 jersey.
But in a surprise move, experienced scrumhalf TJ Perenara has been picked among the substitutes, with youngster Cortez Ratima claiming the No 9 jersey in what is sure to be a baptism of fire against the world champions.
The other new face is in the pack, where Wallace Sititii comes in for the injured Blackadder at blindside flank.
It is clear that Robertson has prepared for another second-half onslaught from the Boks, though, as Luke Jacobsen is the reserve loose forward while Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown and Beauden Barrett provide serious strike-power off the bench.
“It’s been great to feel the support in Cape Town this week, and we’re looking forward to playing in a city with a rich rugby history and deep support for the All Blacks,” Robertson said in a statement on Thursday.
“TJ and Beauden will add significant experience and leadership when they run out, and the 23 selected will put in a performance our fans both here in Cape Town and at home in New Zealand will be proud of.”
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will name his match-23 at 9am on Thursday.
All Black Team
15 Will Jordan 14 Sevu Reece 13 Rieko Ioane 12 Jordie Barrett 11 Mark Tele’a 10 Damian McKenzie 9 Cortez Ratima 8 Ardie Savea 7 Sam Cane 6 Wallace Sititi 5 Tupou Vaa’i 4 Scott Barrett (captain) 3 Tyrel Lomax 2 Codie Taylor 1 Tamaiti Williams.
Bench: 16 Asafo Aumua 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi 18 Fletcher Newell 19 Sam Derry 20 Luke Jacobsen 21 TJ Perenara 22 Anton Lienert-Brown 23 Beauden Barrett.