All Blacks named to play Springboks

All Blacks coach Steven Hansen has announced the team that will host the Springboks in Auckland on Saturday, September 14.

The team features five changes, with Liam Messam coming into the blindside flank, while Steven Luatua, who had an impressive game against Argentina, drops to the bench.

The absence of Ritchie McCaw also sees Sam Cane take over the fetching role, while Kieran Read gets the captaincy.

The return of Ma’a Nonu will be a pleasing note for the All Blacks, and the powerful centre takes the number 12 jersey from last week’s debutant, Francis Saili.

Dane Coles also gets the start in the front-row, taking over from Andrew Hore.

“We have a massive amount of respect for South Africa and have prepared accordingly,” said Steven Hansen. “The physical challenge will be huge – as it always is – and the team that executes their game with the greatest effectiveness, clarity and intensity will be the one that comes out on top. The whole All Blacks group is looking forward to this challenge as it will give us a great indication of what level our game is at.

“In selecting the team, there were some tough decisions to be made, none more so than between Liam and Steven. But in the end we have gone for Liam’s extra experience and physicality and we also know that Steven will enter the contest at some stage.”

Check out the Springbok team that will play the All Blacks on Saturday.

All Blacks: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Subs: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Steven Luatua, 20 Matt Todd, 21 Tawera Kerr Barlow, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Charles Piutau.