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Will Jordan will get another crack at the Springboks ahead of the World Cup at Twickenham on Saturday (NZT).
Ian Foster has unveiled a near full-strength All Blacks starting XV to take on the Springboks in the final pre-World Cup hitout against South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday (NZT).
The All Blacks coach had vowed to go hard for this final preparation encounter and has been as good as his word with a starting group featuring all his first-choice players, minus injured forwards Brodie Retallick and Shannon Frizell, and probably hooker Codie Taylor who makes way for veteran Dane Coles.
Where Foster has sprung a minor surprise is on his bench, where he has opted for a 6-2 forwards-backs split, with locks Josh Lord and Tupou Vaa’i (who covers blindside) both chosen, as well as specialist loosie Dalton Papalii. Halfback Cam Roigard and midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown are the only backline backups.
As expected Luke Jacobson comes in to fill the No 6 spot vacated by Frizell’s hamstring injury, while Retallick’s absence means in-form Crusaders pair Sam Whitelock and Scott Barrett will fill the starting second row.
“This is our final game before the Rugby World Cup and this test is critical in our preparation,” said Foster. “With just two weeks to go, it’s an important opportunity to get us battle-ready for the start of the tournament.
“These games are always intense and physically challenging, and I’m sure this one will be no different.”
All Blacks: Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Telea, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (capt), Luke Jacobson, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Dalton Papalii, Cam Roidard, Anton Lienert-Brown..
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