All Black captain returns as Robertson reveals team for Bok clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black head coach Scott Robertson has revealed his team to play South Africa in their Round Three clash in the Rugby Championship at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Lock Scott Barrett returns to captain the All Black side.
Barrett, who missed the All Blacks last two Rugby Championship Tests due to a broken finger, is one of three changes to the matchday 23 that beat Argentina 38-30 at Eden Park.
Sam Cane is named at openside in what will be his 97th Test, and first start since the World Cup Final last year, while blindside Samipeni Finau comes into the reserves.
Finau’s last Test came during the All Blacks 24-17 win over England at Eden Park in July.
“To play South Africa at Ellis Park is one of the greatest tests you can prepare for; we will embrace the occasion,” said Robertson.
“We have a lot of respect for the Springboks and we are looking forward to what will be an electric atmosphere at an iconic venue.”
New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Mark Tele’a.
Date: Saturday, August 31
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT; 03.00 NZST Sunday, September 1)
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (England) and Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ireland)
