All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has made five changes to his starting line up to face the Springboks in their upcoming Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash on Saturday.
The quick-footed Jordan, who has scored 21 tries in 21 Tests, and Mark Telea will start on the wings, while Richie Mo’unga will replace Damian McKenzie at fly-half. He is cut from the matchday roster.
Brodie Retallick is paired with Scott Barrett in the second row of the pack, and Codie Taylor has been named as the hooker.
Both New Zealand and South Africa won their opening-round matches with resounding victories last weekend.
New Zealand defeated Argentina 41-12 on the road, while South Africa defeated Australia 43-12 in Pretoria.
Due to the World Cup beginning in September, the Rugby Championship has been reduced to three rounds, so the winner on Saturday will have one hand on the trophy.
“Any Test against South Africa is a special occasion,” said Foster.
“There is a lot of respect between the two nations and that usually translates to an epic battle on the field.
“It has been four years since we last played South Africa here in New Zealand so that also makes it special.”
If he comes off the bench, the 139-kilogram (300-pound) prop for the Canterbury Crusaders, Tamaiti Williams, will make his All Blacks debut.
Foster stated that it was always his intention to play Crusaders playmaker Mo’unga over McKenzie against the Springboks, as both players had outstanding Super Rugby seasons.
“I’m pretty excited about their form, they both had big minutes in Super Rugby and now it’s Richie’s turn,” Foster added.
Taylor, who replaces Dane Coles at hooker, described Saturday’s Test against the reigning world champions as the ultimate challenge.
“Right across the board they play bloody good footy. They are big men, there is no better challenge as an All Black to go against a South African forward pack,” Taylor said.
“Mentally, you have to get yourself in a pretty dark place to be ready for what’s coming.”
New Zealand Team (15-1)
Beauden Barrett; Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Telea; Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (capt), Shannon Frizell, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Nepo Laulala, Tupou Vaa’i, Dalton Papali’i, Finlay Christie, Braydon Ennor, Caleb Clarke
Coach: Ian Foster (NZL)
Photo by EPA/JOEL CARRETT
