All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson, alongside his assistant coaches Scott Hansen, Jason Holland, Jason Ryan, and Tamati Ellison, have unveiled the squad set to face South Africa in the fourth round of the 2024 Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
The starting lineup features four changes, while there is one adjustment to the reserves. In the backline, Cortez Ratima earns his second Test start at halfback, with wings Mark Tele’a and Sevu Reece joining fullback Will Jordan to form a new back three.
Caleb Clarke is unavailable due to a back injury sustained during last weekend’s clash at Ellis Park, leading to Jordan shifting from the right wing to fullback for the first time this year.
In the forwards, Wallace Sititi will make his second Test appearance, stepping in at blindside flanker for Ethan Blackadder, who is sidelined with a hamstring issue. Luke Jacobson takes a spot on the bench, which is strengthened by the experience of TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett.
“It’s been incredible to feel the support in Cape Town this week, and we’re excited to play in a city with such a rich rugby heritage and a strong backing for the All Blacks,” Robertson said. “TJ and Beauden bring valuable leadership and experience, and the entire 23 selected are ready to deliver a performance that our fans in Cape Town and back home in New Zealand can be proud of.”
All Blacks match-day 23
(Test caps in brackets)
1. Tamaiti Williams (10)
2. Codie Taylor (90)
3. Tyrel Lomax (37)
4. Scott Barrett (73) (Captain)
5. Tupou Vaa’i (31)
6. Wallace Sititi (2)
7. Sam Cane (97)
8. Ardie Savea (87) (Vice Captain)
9. Cortez Ratima (5)
10. Damian McKenzie (53)
11. Mark Tele’a (14)
12. Jordie Barrett (63) (Vice Captain)
13. Rieko Ioane (74)
14. Sevu Reece (27)
15. Will Jordan (34)
16. Asafo Aumua (12)
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (62)
18. Fletcher Newell (19)
19. Sam Darry (4)
20. Luke Jacobson (21)
21. TJ Perenara (85)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (76)
23. Beauden Barrett (129)
