adminThe All Blacks have beefed up their front row and made four changes for their second Castle Lager Rugby Championship test against the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Props Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax come into the starting side to pack down alongside Samisoni Taukeiaho in a front row that looks more like the combination that stood strong against the Bok scrum in the second half.
Try-scorer Shannon Frizzell moves into the blindside flank role after his impressive second half performance, and will join Ardie Savea and captain Sam Cane in the loose trio as the All Blacks try to fight Springbok fire with fire in their selection.
Prompting a more open game, Beauden Barrett has dropped to the bench with Richie Mo’unga being the only backline change for the team that lost 26-10 in Mbombela, while his brother Jordie has recovered from his ankle strain to take his place at fullback.
On the bench uncapped prop Fletcher Newell is in the match-day 23 alongside Codie Taylor.
Cane will surpass Jerome Kaino (81) as the third-most capped All Black loose forward in tests when he leads the team onto the field. Despite the pressure, coach Ian Foster is still confident of a turnaround with the side this week.
“Belief and confidence remain high in our group, which is working incredibly hard this week,” said Foster. “Playing at Ellis Park is always a special occasion for any All Black team, and this weekend will be no different.
“Adding to that, the Freedom Cup is on the line which makes this a challenge that everyone is looking forward to.”
But the All Blacks will be desperate, having lost three tests in a row and five out of their last six games. If they suffer another loss at Ellis Park, it could be the end of Ian Foster’s career as coach.
All Blacks (to face Springboks): Jordie Barrett; Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, Caleb Clarke; Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (captain), Shannon Frizell, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Tyrel Lomax, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: Codie Taylor, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa’i, Akira Ioane, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Quinn Tupaea. – SuperSport.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter