The New Zealand All Blacks have made two changes to the starting team which ran riot over the Pumas last weekend, to play the Springboks at FNB Stadium (Soccer City), near Soweto.
Although the All Blacks have already won The Rugby Championship title, games between the Springboks and All Blacks are deemed to be the absolute pinnacle of rugby in the world, with a lot of pride at stake.
The players brought in are lock Brodie Retallick and winger Hosea Gear in place of Luke Romano and Julian Savea respectively.
Luke Romano drops to the bench but the strong winger, Julian Savea is out of the 22 altogether.
On the bench there are 3 other changes as well in prop Ben Franks, looseforward Adam Thomson and utility back Tamati Ellison, replacing Charlie Faumuina, Sam Cane and Ben Smith.
“We are in no doubt how big the challenge is for the team this weekend but it is one we are looking forward to as it will be a real test of our resolve and character.” said Head Coach Steve Hansen.
“South Africa are coming off a big win against Australia and will be playing in front of their home crowd at Soweto so it’s going to be a huge Test match,” he continued.
The All Blacks match day squad currently has 6 of the most capped All Blacks in history, Tony Woodcock (prop), Keven Mealamu (hooker), Richie McCaw (openside flank), Daniel Carter (flyhalf), Ma’a Nonu (inside centre) and Conrad Smith (outside centre).
The All Blacks currently boast that they have now won their last 15 consecutive matches and last lost in August last year, in Port Elizabeth South Africa.
All Blacks: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (Captain), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Luke Romano, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Tamati Ellison.
Good team… will be a battle royal.
Think the Bokke might have the edge in the lineouts… just hope they dominate the breakdowns too and defend IN the All black faces the whole time.
Another thing the All Blacks are particularly good at is to counter-ruck well and blow over their opponents in this facet, specially relatively close to the sidelines.
It’s going to be a mighty tough nut to crack. As much as I am happy with the Bok team, this team, with all the experience and the form they showed in Argentina, I feel that we are deluding ourselves if we think we can win this. But having said that, Go Bokke, and prove me wrong!
2 @ Just For Kicks:
Fark, we will have to seriously cramp their space, tackle like demons, play the breakdowns to perfection… and use our chances.
Geez but this is a good team. Can’t wait for game. Full strength against full strength. Can we consider SA full strength without Bismarck, Schalk, Frans Steyn and JP Pieterson? The replacement is just as good, maybe just Bismarck will make a huge impact.
IF the SA side can cut down Nonu’s space, he may well be the weak link in this All Black backline IMO.
All Live Game Articles for this weekend have been scheduled, they are the following:
Blue Bulls vs WP – 19:10 Friday
Griquas vs Golden Lions – 14:00 Saturday
Free State Cheetahs vs Sharks – 19:10 Saturday
Springboks vs All Blacks – 17:05 Saturday
Pumas vs Wallabies – 01:10 Sunday
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