All Blacks v South Africa: Ardie Savea to play 100th test, no return for Leicester Fainga’anuku at Eden Park

Scott Robertson has made a number of key changes to the All Blacks side to face the Springboks on Saturday at Eden Park, with Ardie Savea named to play his 100th test.

Winger Sevu Reece has been dropped from the squad for Emoni Narawa, while Wallace Sititi comes into the starting side as part of a reshuffle in the pack.

Tupou Vaa’i moves from the blindside to lock with Fabian Holland, who had started every test this season, being shifted to the bench. Simon Parker, who made his test debut at No 8 against Argentina, will play in the No 6 jersey.

Finlay Christie will start at halfback while Kyle Preston is set to debut off the bench.

Leicester Fainga’anuku, who was brought into the camp this week as an injury replacement, is not part of the squad.

Savea will become the 15th All Black to bring up 100 tests, two weeks after Codie Taylor reached the milestone in the defeat to Argentina.

Savea made his debut in 2016 against Wales, having previously represented New Zealand in the Under-20s and sevens sides. He has played against South Africa on 15 previous occasions, including as All Blacks captain in the 100th test against the Springboks in 2021.

Preston is set to become the All Blacks’ eighth debutant this year if he comes off the bench on Saturday night. It has been a rapid rise up the rugby ranks for the 25-year-old halfback, having made his NPC debut for Wellington in 2023 and becoming their top try-scorer in 2024, then making his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Crusaders this year, scoring a hat-trick of tries on debut.

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson paid tribute to both players and said Savea and Preston are representative of the mix of experience and exciting new talent in the wider 23-man squad.

“Ardie embodies everything that makes an All Black. He brings an extraordinary level of passion, leadership and mana every time he pulls on the jersey. We will honour his milestone with a performance that reflects not just his quality on the field, but the example he sets every day.

“Ardie is one of three centurions in the match-day 23 to play South Africa, while Kyle Preston is joined by three other players who have debuted for the All Blacks this year. As with all of our debutants, we know that Kyle will rise to the challenge in the black jersey. He is a skilful player who has proven his ability to drive a game and make smart decisions in pressure moments.”

Beauden Barrett will join George Gregan in seventh on the all-time tests list, being named for his 139th test.

Reece had started the last three tests for the All Blacks, as well as the season opener against France, and was one of three players to receive a yellow card in the last defeat in Argentina. Narawa will be making just his third test start and second of 2025 after facing the French in Wellington.

Adding power to the reserves are Tyrel Lomax and Du’Plessis Kirifi, who rejoin the 23 this week. Josh Lord and Pasilo Tosi move out of the squad that played in Buenos Aires.

All Blacks squad to face the Springboks

1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett (Captain), 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Ardie Savea (Vice-Captain), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. Jordie Barrett, (Vice-Captain), 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Will Jordan.

Substitutes: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Tyrel Lomax, 19. Fabian Holland, 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Quinn Tupaea, 23. Damian McKenzie.