Tupou Vaa'i to win 50th cap as All Blacks make changes
Dave Rennie makes three changes to his forward pack for the third Test of the Greatest Rivalry series at FNB Stadium.
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Tupou Vaa’i will win his 50th All Blacks cap against South Africa as head coach Dave Rennie makes three changes to his forward pack for the third Test of the Greatest Rivalry series at FNB Stadium.
Tupou Vaa’i set for 50th All Blacks Test
Vaa’i reaches the milestone six years after making his Test debut against Australia in 2020.
The 26-year-old will have a new second-row partner, with Sam Darry promoted to the starting XV and Fabian Holland moving to the bench after starting the opening two Tests against the Springboks.
Rennie praised Vaa’i ahead of the milestone and said the occasion would provide additional motivation as New Zealand attempt to regain the series lead.
“Tupes is a top man. It’ll be a special day for him and his family and additional motivation for us,” Rennie said.
Asafo Aumua and Peter Lakai earn starts
Asafo Aumua replaces veteran Codie Taylor at hooker, with Samisoni Taukei’aho coming onto the replacements bench for his first Test appearance of the series.
Peter Lakai is also promoted into the starting back row, taking the No.6 jersey from Simon Parker.
George Bower retains his place at loosehead prop, with Ethan de Groot unavailable after missing the second Test. Wallace Sititi is another addition to the bench and could make his first appearance of the Test series.
The All Blacks have made no changes to the backline that started their 33-26 defeat in Cape Town.
All Blacks target series lead at FNB Stadium
South Africa’s victory last weekend levelled the four-match series at 1-1 following New Zealand’s success in the opening Test at Ellis Park.
The third Test takes place at FNB Stadium in Soweto before the teams travel to Baltimore for the fourth and final meeting on September 12.
All Blacks XV: 1. George Bower, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Tupou Vaa’i, 5. Sam Darry, 6. Peter Lakai, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Ardie Savea (captain), 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Quinn Tupaea, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Damian McKenzie.
Reserves: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Xavier Numia, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Fabian Holland, 20. Wallace Sititi, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Josh Moorby.
