Ardie Savea returns to lead All Blacks against Springboks

Ardie Savea will return to captain New Zealand in the opening Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry against South Africa at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The influential No.8 was rested during the All Blacks’ three franchise matches in South Africa but returns for the first of four Tests against the Springboks.

Ardie Savea Returns for Springboks Test

Savea comes straight back into the starting side after sitting out the victories over the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls.

Head coach Dave Rennie has opted for a blend of established Test experience and younger players who impressed during New Zealand’s recent matches.

Rennie believes the three franchise fixtures provided valuable exposure to South African rugby and helped the All Blacks develop combinations before stepping up to Test level.

“The first three franchise games have exposed our newer players to the way South African teams play and have been fantastic in helping us build combinations and develop the game we want to play.

“We know the Test series will be a huge step up.

"We’re well aware of what the Springboks will bring to the contest and the pressure that will come to bear. They are number one in the world, playing at their spiritual home in front of their passionate fans, so we will have to be at our very best on Saturday.”

Ruben Love Trusted at Fly-Half

Ruben Love has been handed the No.10 jersey after impressing during the Nations Championship in July.

His selection represents a major vote of confidence, with experienced fly-halves Beauden Barrett and the recently recalled Richie Mo’unga both left out of the matchday 23.

Love will have Cam Roigard inside him at scrum-half, with the first-choice halfback recovering from the calf issue that kept him out of the preceding tour fixtures.

All Blacks Welcome Back Key Backs

Will Jordan has overcome a minor back problem to start, while Damian McKenzie has recovered from the ankle injury he sustained against the Sharks.

The All Blacks coach expects a significant increase in intensity after the three franchise matches and believes his side will need to produce its best performance against the Springboks.

New Zealand XV: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Tyrel Lomax; 4 Josh Lord, 5 Fabian Holland; 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 7 Luke Jacobson, 8 Ardie Savea (capt.); 9 Cam Roigard, 10 Ruben Love; 11 Josh Moorby, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 14 Will Jordan; 15 Damian McKenzie.

Reserves: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Anton Segner, 20 Peter Lakai; 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Leroy Carter.