Emoni Narawa replaces Sevu Reece on the right wing in one of three changes to the All Blacks starting lineup for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks at Eden Park.
Reece, who looked shaky under the high ball in their loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires, makes way with the Boks expected to launch an aerial assault in Auckland.
“His aerial skills, his edge defence, his backfield coverage,” coach Scott Robertson said of Narawa’s selection on Thursday. “Just for those things that we know are coming. It’s a great opportunity for him and gives us a good balance in that back three.”
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There’s also a change at scrumhalf, where Finlay Christie will make his first start in over a year after injuries sidelined Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima and Noah Hotham. Uncapped Crusader Kyle Preston has been named on the bench after completing his maiden Super Rugby season.
Up front, Wallace Sititi gets his first Test start of an injury-hit year at No 8, with Simon Parker shifting to the blindside flank. Tupou Vaa’i moves from flank to lock, meaning Fabian Holland drops to the bench after starting all five Tests this season.
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The fixture doubles as a milestone for star openside flank Ardie Savea, who will win his 100th Test cap.
“Ardie embodies everything that makes an All Black,” said Robertson. “He brings an extraordinary level of passion, leadership and mana every time he pulls on the jersey. We will honour his milestone with a performance that reflects not just his quality on the field, but the example he sets every day.”
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Recalled forwards Tyrel Lomax and Du’Plessis Kirifi also feature on the bench as the All Blacks bid to defend their remarkable 50-match unbeaten streak at Eden Park, dating back to 1994.
ALL BLACKS – 15 Will Jordan, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Bench: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Damian McKenzie.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
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