Big guns return for All Blacks
New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has named a strong starting line-up for Sunday morning (Fijian time) Rugby Championship Test with South Africa at Newlands.
As expected, the five All Blacks who came to South Africa early have all been named in the matchday 23. Samuel Whitelock returns to the second row alongside Scott Barrett, Liam Squire is at blindside flanker and Sam Cane is at openside, with Matt Todd moving to the bench.
In the backs, Ryan Crotty has been named at centre, while Nehe Milner-Skudder is on the right wing. Tawera Kerr-Barlow has been named at reserve scrum-half while Lima Sopoaga provides additional back cover alongside David Havili. “We’ve settled in well in Cape Town this week,” said Hansen. “However, our preparation has been different because of the need to recover well from all the travel.
This has meant that there’s been less time on the park and an even greater emphasis than normal on the mental side of our preparation.
“As always, getting real clarity of our roles and how we want to play has been key.
“The team is really looking forward to playing at Newlands after a nine-year absence. We know we have a huge fanbase here and the hospitality and reception we have received from the local folks has been fantastic.
“We look forward to their support, as well as the support of all our New Zealand and global fans, come Saturday.”
New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Kane Hames
Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Matt Todd, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Lima Sopoaga, 23 David Havili -Planet Rugby