mens
international
The All black people selectors have brought in reinforcements for the final of the biggest rivalry in Baltimore, making seven personnel changes to the starting XV to face the Springboks.
Four changes are injury-related, with Ethan de Groot returning to the starting line-up following a head injury, while Ethan Blackadder, Patrick Tuipulotu and Anton Lienert-Brown join the starting line-up after Ardie Savea, Luke Jacobson and Quinn Tupaea suffered end-of-tour injuries.
Savea’s departure also signals a change of captaincy, with Codie Taylor returning to the starting XV after a week off and taking charge, as he did at the start of the tour.
Remaining changes to the starting XV include the promotion of Fletcher Newell, Richie Mo’unga’s first Test match since 2023. Rugby World Cup final at No.10, with Josh Moorby reclaiming his place on the left wing.
Cam Roigard, Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie continue their run of starts in every Test to start the Dave Rennie era. Sam Darry, Tupou Vaa’i and Peter Lakai also return after starting last week in Johannesburg, although not necessarily in the same positions.
On the bench are New Zealand’s most experienced player, Beauden Barrett, in his first Test of the year, and Rieko Ioane, who also wore the black jersey only against the URC club sides earlier in the tour. Josh Lord returns from injury with selection on the bench.
“We always planned to make a number of changes for this match,” said Rennie. “Every player here has worked incredibly hard over the last seven weeks to prepare the team for the seven games we’ve played so far, and everyone who has been selected for this test thoroughly deserves it.
“We’ve got something to play for on Saturday. It’s our chance to take the series and end the tour with a performance we can be proud of.
“We’ve had amazing support traveling with us on tour and amazing support at home. We want to put on a show that shows how much we appreciate it. We also want to pay tribute to the players and management who have come home early but have contributed so much.”
The All Blacks team will play the Springboks
1. Ethan de Groot (44)
2. Codie Taylor (111) – Captain
3. Fletcher Newell (40)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (58)
5. Sam Darry (11)
6. Tupou Va’I (50)
7. Ethan Blackadder (14)
8. Peter Lakai (13)
9. Cam Roigard (23)
10. Richie Mountain (56)
11. Josh Moorby (4)
12. Jordie Barrett (84)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (93)
14. Will Jordan (60)
15. Damian McKenzie (80)
Reserves
16. Asafo Aumua (25)
17. Xavier Numia (4)
18. Tyrell Lomax (54)
19. Josh Lord (16)
20. Wallace Street (22)
21. Kyle Preston (4)
22. Rieko Ioane (88)
23. Beauden Barrett (144)
