Cruden back at No.10

 

Jeremy Thrush comes in at lock and Steven Luatua at blindside flank for the injured Sam Whitelock and Liam Messam respectively, with Patrick Tuipulotu on the bench.

 

Beauden Barrett has been relegated to the bench alongside Cory Jane also who also comes into the match day squad as outside back cover.

 

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said:  "This week we have to find a desperation and hunger in our performance because we know that is something the South Africans will be bringing after their loss to Australia. 

 

"As well they have already stated they have a desire to get a win against us."

 

"After two wonderful matches last year, I know our guys are really looking forward to this match. 

 

"We have the utmost respect for South Africa and looking forward to Saturday night."

 

Several players will reach personal milestones this weekend.

 

All Blacks prop Owen Franks will become the third most capped All Blacks prop of all time: he has played 60 Tests and is currently equal with Craig Dowd, with Greg Somerville second on 66 and Tony Woodcock out in front on 110 Tests.

 

Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu will equal the record for a midfield partnership this weekend when they play their 55th Test together.

 

Smith will also play his 80th Test this weekend, overtaking Ian Jones to become the 10th most capped All Black of all time. 

 

Nonu, who will play his 94th Test this weekend, is the sixth most capped All Black.

 

Meanwhile, Aaron Cruden heads into the weekend on 99 points scored in the Rugby Championship.

 

The All Blacks and South Africa have played each other 87 times, with 50 wins to the All Blacks, 34 to the Springboks and three draws.

 

The last two matches between the two sides in last year's Rugby Championship saw the All Blacks win 29-15 in Auckland and the epic Johannesburg Test 38-27.

 

New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (Captain), 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Jeremy Thrush, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Wyatt Crockett.    

Replacments: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Ben Franks, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Sam Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Cory Jane.

 

Date: Saturday, September 13

Venue: WestPac Stadium, Wellington

Kick-off: 19.35 (09.35 SA time; 07.35 GMT)

Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)

Assistant referees: Pascal Gauzère (France), Rohan Hoffmann (Australia)

TMO: Peter Marshall (Australia)