New Zealand confirm matchday squad to face Springboks

New Zealand coach Ian Foster has opted for an experienced side to face South Africa in the upcoming Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

Foster has made four changes to the starting line up from the side that defeated Australia in the final round of the Rugby Championship to claim the title.

Brodie Retallick and Shannon Frizell are currently sidelined by injuries and are likely to miss the tournament opener as Sam Whitelock comes in the second row joining Scott Barrett.

Luke Jacobson takes the place of Frizell in the back row joining skipper Sam Cane and Ardie Savea. The final change comes in with Dane Coles taking the number two jersey at the expense of Codie Taylor, who misses out on the matchday squad selection.

Foster has made no changes to the backline with Richie Mo’unga remaining at fly-half and Jordie Barrett at fullback. Will Jordan and Mark Telea are positioned at right and left wings respectively while Reiko Ioane and Jordie Barrett are at midfield.

"This is our final game before the Rugby World Cup and this test is critical in our preparation," Foster said.

"With just two weeks to go, it’s an important opportunity to get us battle-ready for the start of the tournament.

"These games (against South Africa) are always intense and physically challenging, and I’m sure this one will be no different."

Team line up:

New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ethan de Groot

Reserves: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Tupou Vaa’i, 21 Dalton Papali’i, 22 Cam Roigard, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown