All Black coach Ian Foster named the team to face the Springboks in a Castle Lager Rugby Championship match at Mbombela Stadium this morning.

The press conference was held at Ingwenyama Conference and Sport Resort near White River where the New Zealand team has been based since arriving in the Lowveld.

Samisoni Taukei’aho has been named in the run-on side as hooker, alongside tight head prop Angus Ta’avao in a new-look front row.

New faces make up the front-row cover, with Tyrel Lomax and Ethan de Groot named for the first time in the 2022 international season.

The tight five welcome back lock Scott Barrett from injury, while Akira Ioane retains his spot at blindside flanker in the loose forward trio, alongside captain Sam Cane and Ardie Savea.

Another feature of the run-on side is the return of winger Caleb Clarke.

Ruled out of the Steinlager Series (versus Ireland) due to injury, the 23-year-old will play in his first All Blacks test since 2020.

“What a great way to start this year’s Rugby Championship. It’s always an exciting tournament to be part of,” Foster said.

“This year’s draw means we have a massive challenge of two games here in South Africa.

“We have settled in well in Mbombela and are preparing for what is always an intense game against our old foe.

“Many of our squad are here in South Africa for the first time. This gives us another opportunity to add new experiences and grow our game.”

Foster is looking forward to the challenge of facing the Boks and did not harp too much on the recent series defeat against Ireland.

“They are a great team. It’s about making sure we go in with a mindset to play ‘our’ game. We know we can play better. We have to be smart, we have to be physical,” he said.

“What the Springboks do, they do really well. When it’s us against South Africa, we have massive respect for each other. We will have to be at our best. One of our main focuses this week was to grow in confidence by understanding our game [plans],” said Foster.

A large group from the squad visited the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Wednesday August 3.

“The boys loved the KNP. It’s a beautiful place. No, they did not see any springboks there. The KNP is a pretty special place,” said Foster.

All Blacks

15. Jordie Barrett.
14. Will Jordan.
13. Rieko Ioane.
12. David Havili.
11. Caleb Clarke.
10. Beauden Barrett.
9. Aaron Smith.
8. Ardie Savea.
7. Sam Cane (c).
6. Akira Ioane.
5. Scott Barrett.
4. Sam Whitelock.
3. Angus Ta’avao.
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho.
1. George Bower.

16. Dane Coles.
17. Ethan de Groot.
18. Tyrel Lomax.
19. Tupou Vaa’i.
20. Shannon Frizell.
21. Finlay Christie.
22. Richie Mo’unga.
23. Quinn Tupaea.