Kane Hames named in All Blacks line-up for Springboks clash

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has named loosehead prop Kane Hames in the starting line-up for the upcoming Rugby Championship clash against South Africa at QBE Stadium on Saturday.

Hames, who will make his first start for the All Blacks in his just third Test will replace the injured Joe Moody in the line-up that also sees the return of Ryan Crotty in the place of Nehe Milner-Skudder, who moves to the bench.

Sam Whitelock makes a comeback reuniting Brodie Retallick in the second row with while Luke Romano is out of the matchday 23 squad. Rieko Ioane's return on the left wing sees Nehe Milner-Skudder moved to number 14. Aaron Smith also replaces TJ Perenara in the line-up with the latter named among the replacements.

Hansen is expecting a stiff challenge from South Africa this weekend with the top position in the table at stake.

"They scrummage well, they attack well with the ball and their defence is getting better. So that’s basically the game. We know they’re a tough opponent – they’re always a tough opponent.

"There’s a long-standing history and rivalry between our two teams. We enjoy playing them, they play hard and it’s always competitive. But afterwards they’re always keen to catch up for a chat and a beer."

New Zealand line-up to face South Africa:

Damian McKenzie, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read (capt), Sam Cane, Liam Squire, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Kane Hames.

Replacements: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Lima Sopoaga, Anton Lienert-Brown.