All Blacks team named to play South Africa in Wellington

· ALLBLACKS.COM
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The All Blacks selectors have named their team to play South Africa at Wellington’s Sky Stadium this Saturday night.

LIVE on Sky Sport – Saturday 13 September:  All Blacks vs South Africa, 7:05PM (NZST). Highlights available on NZR+ and All Blacks YouTube.   

All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)   

1. Ethan de Groot (35)   

2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (36)  

3. Tyrel Lomax (46)  

4. Scott Barrett (84) (Captain)    

5. Tupou Vaa’i (43)  

6. Simon Parker (2)  

7. Ardie Savea (100) (Vice-Captain)   

8. Wallace Sititi (12)  

9. Noah Hotham (2)  

10. Beauden Barrett (139)   

11. Leroy Carter *  

12. Jordie Barrett (74) (Vice-Captain)   

13. Billy Proctor (7)   

14. Will Jordan (47)  

15. Damian McKenzie (67) 
  

16. Brodie McAlister (1)  

17. Tamaiti Williams (20)  

18. Fletcher Newell (28)  

19. Fabian Holland (6)    

20. Du’Plessis Kirifi (5)  

21. Finlay Christie (26)  

22. Quinn Tupaea (18)  

23. Ruben Love (2)  

Unavailable for selection: Emoni Narawa (rib fracture), Codie Taylor (concussion), Patrick Tuipulotu (minor facial fracture), Cortez Ratima (rib fracture), Timoci Tavatavanawai (fractured radius), Cam Roigard (foot stress fracture)  

The All Blacks will cap their ninth debutant of 2025 when former Sevens star Leroy Carter takes his place on the left wing this Saturday night.  The Chiefs and Bay of Plenty utility back is no stranger to international rugby, having played over 100 games for the All Blacks Sevens including at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2024 Olympics. 

Will Jordan will start on the right wing that he occupied for much of last week’s Eden Park test after Emoni Narawa left the field injured, while Damian McKenzie slots into fullback to complete the back three.  This creates space on the bench for Ruben Love, who will look to add to his two All Blacks caps. 

Halfback Noah Hotham has returned from injury to make the starting fifteen, with Finlay Christie providing cover. 

With Codie Taylor on concussion stand-down, Samisoni Taukei’aho will start at hooker and Brodie McAlister comes on to the bench. 

The only other change to the team that beat South Africa last weekend is a swap between props Tyrel Lomax and Fletcher Newell, with Lomax starting this week. 

All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said the team has prepared well in Wellington for what will be a huge encounter against their much-respected rivals. 

“It is an awesome opportunity to face South Africa in front of a sell-out home crowd for a second week in a row. Every test match has its own story line and this one will be another passionate battle. 

“We are excited to inject Leroy into the backline this week and watch what he creates with his speed and skillset. He has trained hard and put himself into the position where he is ready to perform on Saturday night. It is a special occasion for him and his family.” 


MATCH FACTS   

  • The All Blacks have played the Springboks 15 times in Wellington for a record of 9 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses.
  • Sky Stadium was the scene of the last All Blacks loss to South Africa in New Zealand, on 15 September 2018 (36-34 to the Springboks).  
  • The most recent encounter between the two teams at Sky Stadium was a 16-16 draw in 2019.
  • The Barrett brothers will bring up a combined 300 Test matches for their family when they take the field this Saturday night.  
  • The Barretts now have 78 Test tries between them (just ahead of Ardie and Julian Savea with 76). 

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