All Blacks Name Star-Studded Lineup for Springbok Showdown at Ellis Park

The All Blacks selected their strongest available line-up to face the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday, bringing back several key players from injury including winger Will Jordan, scrumhalf Cam Roigard, and fullback Damian McKenzie. Coach Dave Rennie confirmed the squad’s readiness for the opening match of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry test series in Johannesburg.

Injury Recoveries Bolster Touring Squad

According to team announcements detailed by SuperSport, the return of Jordan, Roigard, and McKenzie provides an essential lift for the squad. Jordan missed the preliminary tour matches due to a back injury, while Roigard recovered from a calf issue, and McKenzie rehabilitated an ankle twist sustained against the Sharks that forced him to sit out the Bulls fixture. Captain Ardie Savea also rejoined the side after receiving scheduled time off, arriving in South Africa ten days ahead of the fixture. Savea and hooker Codie Taylor are both slated to play their 110th tests, marking Savea’s 18th appearance against South Africa and Taylor’s 17th. Conversely, squad members Anton Segner and Josh Moorby are positioned to face the Springboks for the first time.

Tactical Selection and Physical Pack Structure

Coach Dave Rennie emphasized the strategic balance of the 23-man roster, noting that the franchise games exposed younger players to the physical style of South African competition. The selected forward pack leans heavily on established size and experience, featuring Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, and Tyrel Lomax in the front row, alongside Josh Lord and Fabian Holland locking down the engine room. Ardie Savea anchors the scrum at number eight, supported by Luke Jacobson and Tupou Vaa’i. Behind the pack, Roigard partners with eight-test rookie Ruben Love at halfback, while Josh Moorby claims a wing position alongside Jordan and McKenzie to complete the back three. Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea command the midfield.

Bench Depth and Impact Subscriptions

The reserves bench relies on seasoned leadership, highlighted by Anton Lienert-Brown and his 90 caps. The replacement forwards include Asafo Aumua, George Bower, and Fletcher Newell, alongside tour standouts Anton Segner and Peter Lakai, who earn their third and 11th caps respectively. Kyle Preston rounds out the bench selections to secure his second appearance in the black jersey.

Matchday Squad Lineup

The complete All Blacks matchday 23 features the following player assignments for the Ellis Park fixture:

• Starting XV: Jersey numbers and players selected to begin the game comprise 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Josh Moorby, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, captain 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, and 1 Ethan de Groot.
• Replacements: Players named on the interchange bench to enter the match later are 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Anton Segner, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, and 23 Leroy Carter.

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