All Blacks name side to face Springboks with Savea milestone
Ardie Savea will celebrate his 100th Test appearance for New Zealand
©PA
The All Blacks have confirmed their matchday squad to face the Springboks at Eden Park, where Ardie Savea will celebrate his 100th Test appearance.
Head coach Scott Robertson made three changes to the starting XV ahead of what has been billed as one of the biggest Tests since the 2011 World Cup Final.
Savea, who made his debut for New Zealand in 2016, becomes the 15th All Black to reach 100 caps and only the fourth loose forward to achieve the feat.
Robertson praised Savea’s leadership and consistency, calling him “a great All Black who carries a huge amount of mana within the group.”
Injuries forced adjustments across the squad. Finlay Christie makes his first start at scrum-half in over a year, while uncapped Kyle Preston has been named on the bench for a potential debut just weeks after completing his maiden Super Rugby campaign with the Crusaders.
On the wings, Emoni Narawa replaces Sevu Reece, while Wallace Sititi earns his first Test start at number eight after returning from injury.
In the forward pack, Simon Parker slots in at blindside flanker, shifting Tupou Vaa’i to partner captain Scott Barrett in the second row.
The All Blacks have not lost at Eden Park since 1994, boasting a 50-Test unbeaten streak at the venue. Robertson, however, stressed that his team must ignore the weight of history and focus on meeting the Springboks’ renowned physicality.
“Just clear their heads and go and play some footy. Obviously it will be an emotional game but there will be a lot of physical contact,” Robertson said.
“We’ve focused a lot on ourselves because we know what’s coming from them. We know the ferocity of the Test match.
“Games are won off that first-up physical contact and the ability to do it over and over again.
“Ardie’s served his jersey over a long period of time with a lot of heart and a lot of skill. We’re looking forward to representing him on Saturday night,” he added.
All Blacks XV: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot
Reserves: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Damian McKenzie
