The All Blacks have predictably rolled out the big guns for Saturday’s historic Rugby Championship Test against the Springboks with three Barrett brothers and two Ioanes named in the starting lineup.
With star five-eighth Richie Mo’unga still quarantining after the birth of his second child, Beauden Barrett gets the nod at No.10 with younger brothers Jordie and Scott starting at fullback and lock respectively.
Jordie Barrett’s size, massive boot and surety under the high ball will all be key assets against a South African side likely to persist with a kick heavy approach.
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That means Damian McKenzie will have to be content with an impact role off the bench while centre Anton Lienert-Brown is still on the mend from a hamstring injury.
Rieko Ioane and David Havili will resume their midfield partnership while Luke Jacobson gets a start at No.8 next to stand-in captain and openside flanker Ardie Savea.
New Zealand can claim the Rugby Championship with victory over the smarting world champions.
“The whole team is excited at what lies ahead this weekend,” All Blacks coach Ian Foster said.
“The group is working hard, we have been building our performances and we’ve put ourselves in a great position to win the Rugby Championship and that’s really exciting for the team.
“The fact that it is against South Africa is pretty special.”
The Springboks have lost their last two games to the Wallabies but are expected to be in a ferocious mood after also losing their world No.1 ranking to the All Blacks.
“It’s a tough pack to pick at the moment because there are a lot of players putting their hands up and there were some players who played well last week,” Foster said.
“But we have got some very good combinations that we have worked on since the start of the championship.
“It’s great to have experienced players like Joe Moody, Ofa Tuungafasi and Patrick Tuipulotu back.
“It has given us a great starting pack and a strong bench.
“For us, as a team, we’re trying to zone in on what we want to do in this game.
“We are all aware of the history and legacy of this match and respect that, but the only way we can do justice to that is to prepare well and focus on what we have to do.
“We’re excited and getting ready for what will be a huge challenge.
“It will be the first time a number of our guys have played South Africa so they’re excited and ready for it.”
ALL BLACKS (15-1): Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, George Bridge, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Luke Jacobson, Ardie Savea (c), Akira Ioane, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody
Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ethan Blackadder, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Quinn Tupaea
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