New Zealand make three changes, dropping veteran hooker Codie Taylor, for Saturday’s crucial third Test against South Africa.
New Zealand (3.35) have named three changes to their starting side for Saturday’s decisive third Test against South Africa (1.35). The match at FNB Stadium will decide who takes control of the series with one Test remaining.
A Big Name Makes Way
Hooker Codie Taylor drops out of the matchday squad entirely after starting the opening two Tests. Asafo Aumua replaces him in the starting side, with Samisoni Taukei’aho returning to the bench. Taylor’s omission follows a difficult lineout performance during last weekend’s defeat in Cape Town.
Sam Darry also comes into the second row, winning his first cap of the series. Fabian Holland drops to the bench as a result of that change up front. Tupou Vaa’i shifts across to partner Darry and will win his 50th Test cap.
“Tupes is a top man. It’ll be a special day for him and his family,” coach Dave Rennie said.
Fresh Legs In The Loose Trio
Peter Lakai comes into the starting side at blindside flanker, replacing Simon Parker entirely. Wallace Sititi also earns his first involvement of the series, named among the replacements. Rennie praised Lakai’s physicality despite his relatively smaller frame compared to New Zealand’s other forwards.
“He hits in the tackle and clean, and then he’s a hell of an athlete,” Rennie said.
Luke Jacobson continues at openside flanker, with captain Ardie Savea retained at number eight. The backline remains completely unchanged from last weekend’s 33-26 defeat in Cape Town.
Everything To Play For In Soweto
With the series locked at 1-1, Saturday’s result carries significant weight for both sides.
“There’s everything to play for,” Rennie said ahead of the crucial clash. “The team that doesn’t win this weekend can’t win the series,” he added.
New Zealand won the series opener 33-16 before South Africa responded strongly in the second Test.
Rennie described his squad as refreshed following a full week of preparation time: “The team is feeling fresh after a full week’s lead into the game.”
He also thanked the travelling New Zealand support base for their continued backing throughout the tour.
A Massive Stage Awaits
FNB Stadium is expected to host a crowd of around 87,000 supporters on Saturday. Rennie acknowledged the scale of support New Zealand has received throughout the tour.
“We’ve really felt the support not only from our travelling army of Kiwi fans,” he said.
“It’s been massive for us, and we look forward to more of the same this weekend,” he added.
Prop Ethan de Groot and lock Josh Lord both cleared concussion protocols but were left out again. Rennie confirmed the decision was made purely out of caution given their recent history with the issue. The fourth and final Test follows in Baltimore, United States, on September 12th.
New Zealand team: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (captain), 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Peter Lakai, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Tupou Vaa’i, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Josh Moorby.
