Kick-off: 3am, Sunday 8 September NZT
DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Scott Robertson has made some surprising changes to the All Blacks lineup for the second test against the Springboks in Cape Town.
Wallace Sititi, who normally plays at number eight, will start at blindside flanker in place of the injured Ethan Blackadder. Luke Jacobson moves to the bench to provide cover in the loose forwards.
Notably, Beauden Barrett and TJ Perenara will be coming off the bench in a strategic move similar to the Springboks’ ‘bomb squad’. This decision aims to inject experience and energy into the game when needed most.
Will Jordan will start at fullback, with Mark Tele’a and Sevu Reece joining him in the back three. Cortez Ratima will partner with Damian McKenzie in the halfback combination, while Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane form the midfield.
The tight five remains unchanged, with Sam Cane leading the pack at openside flanker. Cane has faced criticism for his involvement in Siya Kolisi’s injury, making him a target for South African fans.
Erasmus will announce the Springbok team later tonight.
All Blacks:
1. Tamaiti Williams 2. Codie Taylor 3. Tyrel Lomax 4. Scott Barrett (c) 5. Tupou Vaa’i 6. Wallace Sititi 7. Sam Cane 8. Ardie Savea 9. Cortez Ratima 10. Damian McKenzie 11. Mark Tele’a 12. Jordie Barrett 13. Rieko Ioane 14. Sevu Reece 15. Will Jordan
Bench: 16. Asafo Aumua 17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi 18. Fletcher Newell 19. Sam Darry 20. Luke Jacobson 21. TJ Perenara 22. Anton Lienert-Brown 23. Beauden Barrett
