The All Blacks are hard at work analysing Rassie Erasmus’ new-look Springbok backline for Saturday’s crunch Rugby Championship rematch in Wellington.
Only Cheslin Kolbe has retained his jersey from last weekend’s clash at Eden Park, with Canan Moodie shifting into midfield and an entirely fresh cast of starters lining up around him.
Ethan Hooker makes his first Test start on the left wing, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been entrusted with marshalling the Bok attack from flyhalf.
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For midfielder Quinn Tupaea, the team speaks volumes about South Africa’s intent.
“The extent of the changes was a little bit of a surprise,” the All Blacks centre admitted. “But it’s good seeing their team; they got a few ballers in that backline, a few guys who play with confidence and like to move the ball around.
“We’re expecting a lot of the same: using their kicking game well, and big forwards. Just given the backline they’ve named, they might look to play a little bit more.”
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The Boks’ new-look back division will test New Zealand’s defensive organisation just a week after Tupaea came off the bench to score a decisive try in Auckland. He knows Erasmus’ selections are never made without purpose.
“Reviewing them, knowing how they like to play, they like to cram and bring a lot of linespeed, so just trying to get that space a little bit wider, away from the ruck was a bit of a mindset,” he said of facing the Bok defensive wall.
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While the Springboks have turned heads with their backline shake-up, the All Blacks are looking to maintain their own edge after last week’s victory. Tupaea – who signed a new contract with New Zealand Rugby through to 2027 – conceded that backing up such a high-emotion performance will be a challenge.
“We need to go to another level this week. There was a lot of emotion, given the occasion, with Ardie [Savea] and Eden Park … We’ve spoken about it; it’s hard to get that emotion from last week. But every week, it’s a massive game for the All Blacks; we’re always expected to play well, perform well, especially at home.”
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