All Blacks strengthen pack for decisive third Test against Springboks

The All Blacks have reshaped their forward pack for Saturday’s third Test against the Springboks at FNB Stadium, with Asafo Aumua named to start at hooker in the deciding match of the Greatest Rivalry Series.

Aumua replaces Codie Taylor in the squad, while Samisoni Taukei’aho moves to the replacements bench. Sam Darry will partner Tupou Vaa’i at lock, Peter Lakai comes into the starting side at number six and Wallace Sititi is included among the replacements.

The series is level at 1-1, meaning the team that loses in Johannesburg cannot win the contest. The match is being billed as the Calabash clash, with both sides competing for the series advantage in the third Test.

Vaa’i will make his 50th appearance for New Zealand. Rennie paid tribute to the lock ahead of the milestone and said the occasion would provide further motivation for the All Blacks.

“Tupes is a top man. It’ll be a special day for him and his family and additional motivation for us,” Rennie said.

“With both teams heading into the third Test one apiece, there’s everything to play for on Saturday.”

“The team that doesn’t win this weekend can’t win the series. That’s the kind of challenge we love to rise to.

“The team is feeling fresh after a full week’s lead in to the game and we can’t wait to put everything out on the park.”

Damian McKenzie starts at full-back, with Will Jordan on the right wing and Leroy Carter on the left. Quinn Tupaea and Jordie Barrett form the midfield pairing, while Ruben Love is selected at fly-half and Cam Roigard starts at scrum-half.

Ardie Savea will wear the number eight jersey, with Luke Jacobson at openside flanker and Lakai completing the loose-forward combination. Darry and Vaa’i are the locks, while Tyrel Lomax, Aumua and George Bower make up the starting front row.

The All Blacks’ starting line-up is:

15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Peter Lakai, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Tupou Vaa’i, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 George Bower.

The replacements are Samisoni Taukei’aho, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Fabian Holland, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown and Josh Moorby.