All Blacks name McKenzie, Jordan and Roigard to start against Springboks

The All Blacks have confirmed that Cam Roigard, Damian McKenzie and Will Jordan will start the first Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday, despite injury concerns surrounding all three players before the match.

Their inclusion is a significant boost for the All Blacks as they prepare to face the number one-ranked team in the world at the Springboks’ spiritual home.

Rennie said the selection combined experienced players with younger members of the squad who had earned their opportunity in the opening Test.

“We have selected a balanced mix of big match, experienced players and younger players who have earned the right to play in this first Test.

“The first three franchise games have exposed our newer players to the way South African teams play and have been fantastic in helping us build combinations and develop the game we want to play.

“We know the Test series will be a huge step up. We’re well aware of what the Springboks will bring to the contest and the pressure that will come to bear. They are number one in the world, playing at their spiritual home in front of their passionate fans, so we will have to be at our very best on Saturday.”

McKenzie is named at full-back, with Jordan selected on the right wing and Roigard at scrum-half. Their presence in the starting line-up had been in doubt during the build-up because of the injury concerns over each player.

The All Blacks will also field a backline featuring Quinn Tupaea at outside centre, Jordie Barrett at inside centre, Josh Moorby on the left wing and Ruben Love at fly-half.

Ardie Savea will captain the side from number eight. He is joined in the loose forwards by Luke Jacobson and Tupou Vaa’i, while Fabian Holland and Josh Lord form the second row.

Tyrel Lomax starts at tight-head prop, Codie Taylor is named at hooker and Ethan de Groot completes the front row at loose-head prop.

The replacements are Asafo Aumua, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Anton Segner, Peter Lakai, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown and Leroy Carter.

The first three franchise games have helped expose the All Blacks’ newer players to the style of play used by South African teams. Rennie said those matches had also allowed the squad to establish combinations and develop the approach they want to take into the Test series.

However, the All Blacks recognise the step up expected at Test level, particularly with the match being played at Ellis Park in front of passionate Springboks supporters. South Africa’s world ranking and home advantage will add to the pressure on the visitors in Saturday’s opening contest.

All Blacks starting XV: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Josh Moorby, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Anton Segner, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Leroy Carter.