Leroy Carter to Debut for All Blacks in Wellington Test Against Springboks
WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Leroy Carter will earn his first All Blacks cap on Saturday when New Zealand faces South Africa at Wellington’s Sky Stadium, marking a significant moment for the promising winger. The 7:05 PM (NZT) kick-off will see Carter join a team undergoing strategic adjustments ahead of a crucial Rugby Championship clash.
The inclusion of Carter, an outside back, comes as part of a wider reshuffling of the All Blacks lineup by coach Scott Robertson. The team is navigating several key injuries, including those to Codie Taylor (concussion) and Cam Roigard (foot stress fracture), while also seeking to refine its attacking prowess. Carter’s debut provides an possibility to inject fresh energy into the backline.
Noah Hotham returns to the starting halfback position after recovering from an ankle sprain sustained during the French series, displacing Finlay Christie to the bench. Tyrel Lomax also moves into the starting lineup at tighthead prop, replacing the player from last weekend’s match.
The All blacks team is captained by Scott Barrett (84 caps), wiht Ardie Savea serving as vice-captain (100 caps).Other key players include Beauden Barrett at first five-eighth (139 caps) and damian McKenzie at fullback (67 caps).
All Blacks Team to Play Springboks
- ethan de Groot (35)
- Samisoni Taukei’aho (36)
- Tyrel Lomax (46)
- Scott Barrett (84) (Captain)
- Tupou Vaa’i (43)
- Simon Parker (2)
- Ardie Savea (100) (vice-Captain)
- Wallace Sititi (12)
- Noah Hotham (2)
- Beauden Barrett (139)
- Leroy Carter*
- Jordie Barrett (74) (Vice-Captain)
- Billy Proctor (7)
- Will Jordan (47)
- Damian McKenzie (67)
Reserves: 16. Brodie McAlister (1),17. Tamaiti Williams (20), 18. Fletcher Newell (28),19. Fabian Holland (6), 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi (5), 21. Finlay Christie (26), 22. Quinn Tupaea (18), 23. Ruben Love (2)
*Denotes debutant.
Unavailable for selection include Emoni Narawa (rib fracture), Codie Taylor (concussion), Patrick Tuipulotu (minor facial fracture), Cortez Ratima (rib fracture), Timoci Tavatavanawai (fractured radius), and Cam roigard (foot stress fracture).
