All Blacks v Springboks
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 13 September
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
Another new face and a first test start are the big talking points as the All Blacks prepare to face the Springboks again this weekend.
After their 24-17 win on Saturday at Eden Park, coach Scott Robertson has named an intriguing side, handing wing Leroy Carter a test debut and halfback Noah Hotham his first test start.
"He's been superb for us at training and had a great year, and now is his time," said Robertson about Carter, who had a breakout season with the Chiefs after a four year stint with the All Blacks Sevens.
Robertson highlighted the 26-year-old's versatility as a main reason for selection, as Carter can play wing, centre and halfback.
"We're excited by it, he gives us really good balance… we knew from his NPC form he could play a few positions. He can cover midfield in wing and in halfback. As he soon as he signed for Super, he wanted to get through the Olympics and make the decision, we we're going to have a look. He's got a point of difference."
Leroy Carter. Photo: Blake Armstrong/ActionPress
Carter has been labelled the fastest player in New Zealand rugby and while no official stats were available, Robertson made it clear Carter's pace was one of the key assets he brings.
"He's a big and he's fast, and he's got some great hops, he competes. We just think it's great opportunity for him this weekend."
Robertson said that opportunity was the logic for dropping 86-test veteran Rieko Ioane.
"We've given another player an opportunity. My job is to build depth in the team, and (this is) Leroy's chance."
Meanwhile, Hotham's chance makes sense under Robertson's original squad selection, as he was originally picked ahead of Finlay Christie and Kyle Preston before an injury ruled him out of the opening rounds of the Rugby Championship.
Noah Hotham. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
"Noah's a great athlete and he's come back in good condition. It would be the best thing for him just to start this test, with Fin to finish," said Robertson.
Robertson was questioned about the wholesale changes the Springboks have made, with Rassie Erasmus naming an almost entirely new backline.
"I think the first thing is you don't get surprised by him, you just you wait what comes out in. You know he's picked the team to win it, he's they've picked those players for their strengths. So we're aware of the strengths."
After such a hyped up test last weekend, which saw the Eden Park unbeaten streak put on the line against the world champions, Robertson was quick to remind everyone of another far less desirable record they have at Sky Stadium.
South Africa celebrate their win over the All Blacks, 2018. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"South Africa's beaten us twice the last time two times they've played here. So that's another record you're going to be mindful of."
While he's not quite right - the last two tests in Wellington were a loss and a draw - the sentiment is still very relevant even though both results were over six years ago now. However, Robertson may well be feeling at home lately at Sky Stadium, given that arguably the two most complete All Black performances of his tenure have been there.
Last year they demolished the Wallabies 33-13 to retain the Bledisloe Cup, then thumped France earlier this year with a 43-17 win, the sort of performances he said they're hoping to repeat.
"Our focus has been on getting back to the capital and keeping our form."
Team lists
All Blacks: 1.Ethan de Groot, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Damian McKenzie
Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Fabian Holland, 20. Du'Plessis Kirifi, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Quinn Tupaea, 23. Ruben Love
Springboks: 1. Ox Nche, 2. Malcolm Marx, 3. Thomas du Toit, 4. Lood de Jager, 5. Ruan Nortje, 6. Siya Kolisi, 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8. Jasper Wiese, 9. Cobus Reinach, 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 11. Ethan Hooker, 12. Damian Willemse, 13. Canan Moodie, 14. Cheslin Kolbe, 15. Aphelele Fassi
Bench: 16. Marnus van der Merwe, 17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18. Wilco Louw, 19. RG Snyman, 20. Kwagga Smith, 21. Grant Williams, 22. Manie Libbok, 23. Andre Esterhuizen
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