Graphic: Liam K.Swiggs. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
All Blacks v Springboks
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 13 September
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
Chiefs and former All Blacks Sevens star Leroy Carter will debut on the left wing for the All Blacks this Saturday. His naming is one of five changes to the side that beat the Springboks 24-17 at Eden Park last weekend, and means Rieko Ioane drops out of the side for the first time this season.
Scott Robertson has reshuffled the back three, with Will Jordan moving to the right wing and Damian McKenzie getting his first start at fullback this year - although it is worth noting he played 74 minutes of Saturday's test after Emoni Narawa was forced from the field with injury.
With McKenzie's elevation, Ruben Love will provide cover off the bench for the back three.
Noah Hotham has been named for his first test start at halfback, after successfully returning from injury. Finlay Christie drops back to the bench and Kyle Preston out of the match-day 23.
As expected, Samisoni Taukei'aho takes over at hooker for the injured Codie Taylor. He's joined in the front row by Tyrel Lomax, with Fletcher Newell rotating back to the bench. Tellingly, Ethan de Groot retains his starting jersey ahead of Tamaiti Williams.
The locks and loose forwards remain the same, with Du'Plessis Kirifi and Fabian Holland once again providing cover.
"It is an awesome opportunity to face South Africa in front of a sell-out home crowd for a second week in a row. Every test match has its own story line and this one will be another passionate battle," said Robertson.
"We are excited to inject Leroy into the backline this week and watch what he creates with his speed and skillset. He has trained hard and put himself into the position where he is ready to perform on Saturday night. It is a special occasion for him and his family."
Rassie Erasmus named the Springboks side on Monday, making wholesale changes to his backline. However, he has openly admitted this season that he is willing to change his side leading up to kick-off. This did happen before their opening Rugby Championship match, seemingly in response to the Wallaby side Joe Schmidt subsequently named.
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