All Blacks to make a big change at flyhalf?
· The South African
Despite the fact that the All Blacks trail 2-1 in the series against the Springboks, coach Dave Rennie is expected to stick to the plan of making several changes to the team for this Saturday’s fourth and final Test.
At flyhalf, Ruben Love – who has played six matches (including all five Tests) this year – is expected to make way after an indifferent showing last weekend at the FNB Stadium.
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It could quite possibly open the door for a sensational comeback for Richie Mo’unga, who has not played a Test match for the All Blacks since the 2023 World Cup final against the Springboks, having decided to ply his trade in Japan after that tournament.
New Zealand Rugby have a strict policy whereby overseas-based players will not be eligible for the All Blacks, but Mo’unga recently became available for selection again after playing for Canterbury against Auckland in the NPC on 1 August.
The 32-year-old was only recently called up to the All Blacks’ touring squad as an injury replacement, and he featured in the midweek game against the Lions.
“We sort of always thought we would make changes in the fourth Test regardless of whether we won that third one or not,” Rennie commented after the last Test.
“We want to make sure we are bringing in guys with plenty of energy and sharing the workload. Obviously with three key players missing, it alters that thinking as well. But what we know is we will have a highly motivated 23 guys stripping at the weekend.”
All Blacks have endured injury woes
In reference to the unavailable players, three players have been ruled out after picking up injuries in the third Test against the Springboks. Ardie Savea has a dislocated shoulder; Quinn Tupaea suffered a MCL (knee) injury and Luke Jacobson has injured a tendon in his elbow.
Together with these three players, an additional six players have also returned to New Zealand: Josh Jacomb, Siale Lauaki, Saula Ma’u, Cortez Ratima, Bradley Slater and Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
New Zealand squad for the final Test
Forwards: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan De Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Jamie Hannah, Sam Darry, Josh Lord, Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Ethan Blackadder, Semisi Ta’eiloa.
Backs: Cam Roigard, Kyle Preston, Noah Hotham, Beauden Barrett, Ruben Love, Richie Mo’unga, Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Emoni Narawa, Rieko Ioane, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Damian McKenzie.