Richie Mo'unga returns as Codie Taylor captains All Blacks

Richie Mo’unga will make his first Test appearance for New Zealand since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final after being recalled to start against South Africa in Saturday’s Greatest Rivalry series finale in Baltimore.

Richie Mo'unga returns to All Blacks starting XV

Mo’unga replaces Ruben Love at fly-half, ending an international absence of almost three years following his move to Japan after the 2023 World Cup.

Head coach Dave Rennie said Mo’unga had prepared well and was always in contention to start the Baltimore Test regardless of South Africa’s 2-1 series lead.

"We're keen to give Richie a crack, and he's prepared really well this week," said Rennie.

Love drops out of the starting side despite receiving Rennie’s backing following his performances during the series.

"Ruben's gone really well ... when I spoke to him, I stressed the fact that our last week was probably the biggest test the All Blacks have played since the World Cup final, and we trusted him to run the ship ahead of three more experienced 10s.

"That highlights where we see him."

Codie Taylor named All Blacks captain

Codie Taylor returns at hooker and will captain New Zealand following Ardie Savea’s shoulder injury in Johannesburg. Asafo Aumua moves to the replacements bench.

The front row is reshaped further with Ethan de Groot returning at loosehead and Fletcher Newell starting at tighthead.

Patrick Tuipulotu joins Sam Darry at lock, allowing Tupou Vaa’i to shift to blindside flanker. Ethan Blackadder starts at openside, while Peter Lakai moves to No.8 following injuries to Savea and Luke Jacobson.

Fabian Holland is unavailable after suffering illness during the week.

All Blacks reshuffle backs for Baltimore finale

Anton Lienert-Brown replaces the injured Quinn Tupaea and partners Jordie Barrett in midfield.

Josh Moorby is promoted to the wing in place of Leroy Carter as Rennie makes several changes following the 29-24 defeat at FNB Stadium.

New Zealand XV: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Josh Moorby, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Tupou Vaa'i, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor (captain), 1Ethan de Groot

Reserves: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Rieko Ioane, 23 Beauden Barrett.