All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has reshuffled his side for Sunday morning’s second Test against the Springboks in Cape Town, following New Zealand’s 16-33 victory at Ellis Park.
George Bower replaces the concussed Ethan de Groot at prop, while Tupou Vaa’i shifts from blindside flanker to lock after Josh Lord was ruled out following last weekend’s head clash, opening the door for Simon Parker to start at No.6. Xavier Numia and Patrick Tuipulotu have been added to the bench as forward cover.
The only change in the backs sees Leroy Carter replace Josh Moorby on the left wing, with Moorby moving to the reserves, while Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie retain their starting positions. Jordan enters the match with a record 53 All Blacks tries after scoring last weekend.
Rennie expects both teams to lift their performances in Cape Town, saying competition for places within his squad remains intense. New Zealand lead the four-Test series 1-0 and victory this weekend would put the Springboks under considerable pressure while moving the All Blacks significantly closer to securing the series.
All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps)
- George Bower (27)
- Codie Taylor (110)
- Tyrel Lomax (52)
- Fabian Holland (13)
- Tupou Vaa’i (48)
- Simon Parker (9)
- Luke Jacobson (28)
- Ardie Savea (110) – Captain
- Cam Roigard (21)
- Ruben Love (9)
- Leroy Carter (8)
- Jordie Barrett (82)
- Quinn Tupaea (27)
- Will Jordan (58)
- Damian McKenzie (78)
- Asafo Aumua (23)
- Xavier Numia (2)
- Fletcher Newell (38)
- Patrick Tuipulotu (57)
- Peter Lakai (11)
- Kyle Preston (2)
- Anton Lienert-Brown (91)
- Josh Moorby (3)
