The All Blacks face their biggest challenge of their South African tour so far when they meet the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 15 August, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00.
New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie has made several changes to his starting side, creating the impression of a second-string selection. However, the match is expected to carry significant weight as Rennie seeks to settle several selection questions before the All Blacks begin their four-Test series against the Springboks.
The Bulls and Stormers were among the strongest South African teams in last season’s United Rugby Championship, and the Pretoria side are expected to offer a considerably tougher examination than the Sharks, whom New Zealand defeated earlier on tour.
One of the most notable selections for the visitors is Beauden Barrett at fullback. Barrett has found it difficult to reproduce his best form at fly-half, while Richie Mo’unga has joined the squad following Billy Proctor’s injury.
Saturday may represent the final opportunity for a number of fringe players to convince Rennie that they deserve a place in the Test squad. The All Blacks improved against the Sharks, particularly in their discipline and aerial work, but their scrum remains an area of concern.
The Bulls are likely to test New Zealand’s forwards more severely, especially in the high-altitude conditions at Loftus Versfeld. New Zealand assistant coach Tana Umaga has also urged the team to raise the tempo, with the All Blacks aiming to play at greater speed and keep the ball in play.
Rennie has emphasised that the fixture should not be viewed simply as another tour match. The Bulls’ record and the demands of playing at Loftus Versfeld make it an important contest, he believes.
The home side have strengthened their bench with the release of Elrigh Louw and Johan Grobbelaar from the Springbok squad. Both players will start among the replacements.
The Bulls remain without several important players who are still with the Springboks, while Akker van der Merwe and Sebastian de Klerk are unavailable because of injury.
With the first Test against the Springboks approaching quickly, the fixture could be the last audition for several All Blacks hopefuls. It may also provide South Africa with an early indication of the challenge awaiting them.
The prediction is for the All Blacks to win by seven points.
Bulls team
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Thaakir Abrahams, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Juann Else, 1 Alu Tshakweni.
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Khuta Mchunu, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Katlego Letebele, 23 Hakeem Kunene.
All Blacks team
15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Josh Moorby, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Anton Segner, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor (captain), 1 Xavier Numia.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 George Bower, 18 Siale Lauaki, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Emoni Narawa.
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia). Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England), Matthew Carley (England). TMO: Eric Gauzins (France).
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