All Blacks Announce Changes for Rugby Championship Match Against South Africa in Cape Town
Cape Town: All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson, alongside assistant coaches Scott Hansen, Jason Holland, Jason Ryan, and Tamati Ellison, has revealed the team lineup for the fourth round of The Rugby Championship. The All Blacks will face South Africa at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, making four changes to the starting lineup from their previous match, which ended in a loss.
In the backline, Cortez Ratima will earn his second Test start at halfback, while Mark Tele’a and Sevu Reece will join Will Jordan to form a new-look back three. Caleb Clarke is unavailable due to a back injury sustained during the last Test at Ellis Park, and Jordan moves from the wing to fullback for the first time this year.
The forward pack sees one change, with Wallace Sititi set to start at blindside flanker, replacing Ethan Blackadder, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Luke Jacobson has been named on the reserves bench, which is further strengthened by experienced players TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett.
Coach Robertson shared his excitement about the upcoming match, stating, “It’s been fantastic to feel the support in Cape Town this week. We are looking forward to playing in a city with a rich rugby history and deep support for the All Blacks.”
All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets):
- Tamaiti Williams (10)
- Codie Taylor (90)
- Tyrel Lomax (37)
- Scott Barrett (73) (Captain)
- Tupou Vaa’i (31)
- Wallace Sititi (2)
- Sam Cane (97)
- Ardie Savea (87) (Vice Captain)
- Cortez Ratima (5)
- Damian McKenzie (53)
- Mark Tele’a (14)
- Jordie Barrett (63) (Vice Captain)
- Rieko Ioane (74)
- Sevu Reece (27)
- Will Jordan (34)
Replacements: 16. Asafo Aumua (12)
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (62)
18. Fletcher Newell (19)
19. Sam Darry (4)
20. Luke Jacobson (21)
21. TJ Perenara (85)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (76)
23. Beauden Barrett (129)
Unavailable due to injury: Ethan Blackadder (hamstring), Caleb Clarke (back).
