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All Blacks name key trio for first test against Springboks but big name misses out

All Blacks face the Springboks in the first test at Ellis Park on Saturday
All Blacks face the Springboks in the first test at Ellis Park on SaturdayGRANT DOWN / AFP

Record try scorer Will Jordan and first-choice scrumhalf Cam Roigard have included in New Zealand’s team for the first test against South Africa at Ellis Park on Saturday after recovering from injury.

Coach Dave Rennie on Thursday named the pair in the starting line-up despite the fact injury has kept them out of the first three tour games against provincial opposition.

Ardie Savea captains the side after being given time to rest following last month’s Nations Championship in which the All Blacks beat France, Italy and Ireland in a successful start to Rennie’s reign.

Dutch-born lock Fabian Holland comes into the side for Patrick Tuipulotu as the only change to the starting XV from the win over Ireland.

Damian McKenzie was also declared fit to take his place at fullback having been an injury doubt and Ruben Love starts at flyhalf. 

There is no place in the match-day 23 for Beauden Barrett as Rennie opts for a 5-3 split between forwards and backs among the replacements.

The All Blacks are embarking upon their first full tour of South Africa since 1996! Marketed as the 'Greatest Rivalry' series, the winner will come out not only with the bragging rights but World Rugby's number one ranking. Keep up to date throughout August and September with news, previews and more. 

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“After all the build up and anticipation, our whole touring squad is excited to get this first Test underway,” Rennie said. “We have selected a balanced mix of big match, experienced players and younger players who have earned the right to play in this first Test. 

“The first three franchise games have exposed our newer players to the way South African teams play and have been fantastic in helping us build combinations and develop the game we want to play. 

“We know the Test series will be a huge step up. We’re well aware of what the Springboks will bring to the contest and the pressure that will come to bear.  They are number one in the world, playing at their spiritual home in front of their passionate fans, so we will have to be at our very best on Saturday.”

Saturday’s test is the first of four on successive Saturdays as part of "Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry" series and is followed by clashes in Cape Town, Johannesburg again and Baltimore in the U.S.

Team: 15-Damian McKenzie, 14-Will Jordan, 13-Quinn Tupaea, 12-Jordie Barrett, 11-Josh Moorby, 10-Ruben Love, 9-Cam Roigard, 8-Ardie Savea (captain), 7-Luke Jacobson, 6-Tupou Vaa'i, 5-Fabian Holland, 4-Josh Lord, 3-Tyrel Lomax, 2-Codie Taylor, 1-Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: 16-Asafo Aumua, 17-George Bower, 18-Fletcher Newell, 19-Anton Segner, 20-Peter Lakai, 21-Kyle Preston, 22-Anton Lienert-Brown, 23-Leroy Carter.

Nick Said has been covering African sport for almost three decades, specialising in football, rugby and cricket. He is based in Cape Town, South Africa and you can follow him on X and LinkedIn.