The All Blacks have left experienced hooker Codie Taylor out of their matchday squad for Saturday’s third Test against the Springboks at FNB Stadium, with Asafo Aumua promoted to the starting XV and Samisoni Taukei’aho named among the replacements.
The fixture is finely poised at 1-1 after the opening two Tests, meaning the result in Johannesburg will decide which team takes the series. The match kicks off at 17:10 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Taylor’s omission is the most notable change to the All Blacks side. Aumua will wear the number two jersey, while Taukei’aho provides cover from the bench.
There are also changes in the second row and back row. Sam Darry will make his 11th Test start at lock, with Fabian Holland moving to the replacements. Peter Lakai comes into the starting line-up at number six, while Wallace Sititi returns to the matchday 23 as a loose-forward substitute for his first Test appearance in the series.
Tupou Vaa’i will reach a personal landmark in the match, earning his 50th Test cap. Three Springboks players reached appearance milestones during the opening two Tests, and Vaa’i is now the first All Blacks player to do so in the series.
“Tupes is a top man. It’ll be a special day for him and his family and additional motivation for us,” coach Dave Rennie said.
Rennie said the evenly balanced series had created a significant challenge for both sides ahead of the third meeting.
“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 and we can’t wait to put everything out on the park.”
The All Blacks will be captained by Ardie Savea, who starts at number eight. Luke Jacobson is selected at openside flanker, with Lakai completing the loose-forward trio.
Damian McKenzie starts at full-back, with Will Jordan and Leroy Carter on the wings. Quinn Tupaea and Jordie Barrett form the midfield partnership, while Ruben Love and Cam Roigard are named at fly-half and scrum-half respectively.
Tyrel Lomax, Aumua and George Bower make up the front row. Darry partners Vaa’i in the second row.
The All Blacks starting XV is: 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 and George Bower.
The replacements are Samisoni Taukei’aho, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Fabian Holland, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown and Josh Moorby.
WIN R5 000: Take The South African’s Winter Reader Survey
