All Blacks reveal new-look side to face Springboks

The All Blacks began their Rugby Championship campaign with a resounding win over Argentina last weekend, but for Saturday’s clash against the Springboks, five players are set to take the field for the first time in 2023.

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Brodie Retallick, Mark Telea, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Will Jordan will make their return to the side while uncapped prop Tamaiti Williams has also been selected in the match-day 23.

“Any Test against South Africa is a special occasion,” said All Blacks coach Ian Foster. “There is a lot of respect between the two nations and that usually translates to an epic battle on the field.

“This will be a significant challenge and we are determined to grow after a solid start to the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship in Argentina last week. It has been four years since we last played South Africa here in New Zealand so that also makes it special.

“The fact that this game sold out over a month ago shows that fans are clearly up for it,” added Foster. “I’ve been told that we’re expecting over 31,000 fans which means a lot to us.”

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ALL BLACKS MATCH DAY 23 (TEST CAPS IN BRACKETS)

1. Ethan de Groot (14)
2. Codie Taylor (77)
3. Tyrel Lomax (24)
4. Brodie Retallick (100)
5. Scott Barrett (59)
6. Shannon Frizell (26)
7. Sam Cane (captain – 87)
8. Ardie Savea (71)
9. Aaron Smith (115)
10. Richie Mo’unga (45)
11. Mark Telea (2)
12. Jordie Barrett (49)
13. Rieko Ioane (60)
14. Will Jordan (21)
15. Beauden Barrett (113)
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (21)
17. Tamaiti Williams *
18. Nepo Laulala (46)
19. Tupou Vaa’i (19)
20. Dalton Papali’i (23)
21. Finlay Christie (15)
22. Braydon Ennor (7)
23. Caleb Clarke (16)

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