Dave Rennie opted for just three changes to his team that lost in Cape Town.
Wallace Sititi will play his first Test in the series. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images/Getty Images
All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi will play against the Springboks for the first time since last year’s record defeat in Wellington, after head coach Dave Rennie named his matchday squad for the third Test against South Africa on Saturday.
Meanwhile, prop Ethan de Groot and lock Josh Lord, pitted by assistant coach Tamati Ellison to return after clashing heads in the first Test at Ellis Park, were not selected.
Whether that is because Rennie opted for consistency since their defeat in Cape Town, the pair not being entirely fit yet, or if it’s part of more mind games, it is unknown at this stage.
Three changes
With the series level 1-1 and two Tests to play, Rennie decided that hooker Asafo Aumua will start, with Samisoni Taukei’aho coming into the 23 as impact at FNB Stadium, Soweto (kick-off 5.10pm).
Sam Darry starts at lock in his 11th Test, while Fabian Holland moves to the bench.
Peter Lakai will start in the six jersey, and Sititi comes into the 23 on the bench.
Test centurion, hooker Codie Taylor, captain against the Lions, lock Patrick Tuipulotu and flanker Simon Parker are the three players taken out of the matchday 23 after Cape Town.
The backline is unchanged from Cape Town, with Damian McKenzie lining up at fullback in his 80th Test. He’s joined in the back three by Leroy Carter and Will Jordan, while Jordie Barrett and Quin Tupaea play in midfield.
Cam Roigard and Ruben Love form up for another potent halfback combination.
All Blacks lock to hit 50
Tupou Vaa’i will be playing his 50th Test for the All Blacks.
“Tupes is a top man. It’ll be a special day for him and his family and additional motivation for us,” Rennie said.
“With both teams heading into the third Test one apiece, there’s everything to play for on Saturday.”
“The team that doesn’t win this weekend can’t win the series. That’s the kind of challenge we love to rise to.
“The team is feeling fresh after a full week’s lead-in to the game. We can’t wait to put everything out on the park.”
Starting XV
Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Leroy Carter, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard, Ardie Savea (captain, Luke Jacobson, Peter Lakai, Sam Darry, Tupou Vaa’i, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, George Bower.
Replacements
Samisoni Taukei’aho, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Fabian Holland, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown, Josh Moorby.
