In their upcoming second World Cup pool game against Namibia at Stadium de Toulouse, All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named Ardie Savea as the captain.
This decision comes as a precautionary measure due to Sam Cane’s back injury.
Veteran lock Samuel Whitelock is set to make his 148th All Blacks Test appearance, equaling Richie McCaw as the most-capped player in the team’s history.
He will partner with Brodie Retallick in the second row, extending their world record as the starting lock combination to 66 Tests.
Cam Roigard is also set for a special milestone as he will make his first start in an All Blacks jersey, wearing the number nine jersey. Meanwhile, the experienced Aaron Smith will be on the bench with 120 Test caps to his name.
David Havili, who recently made his season debut as a reserve in Paris, has been named in the number 12 jersey, and he will team up with midfield partner Anton Lienert-Brown.
Namibia have also announced their squad which has Jason Benade, Johan Retief, Johan Deysel, Cliven Loubser, Tian Swanepoel and Richard Hardwick.
All Blacks: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Caleb Clarke, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 David Havili, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (captain), 7 Dalton Papali’i, 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Ethan de Groot, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Tupou Vaa’i, 21 Aaron Smith, 22 Richie Mo’unga, 23 Rieko Ioane
